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
JULY 2010
Red, White, and Blue Day On Thursday, April 15th the kindergarten students at Major Lynn Mokler School presented a patriotic parade, speeches from “famous Americans” and songs to the parents and Mokler school community. The kindergarten classes had just concluded their “Red, White, and Blue” unit in Open Court that week. As part of the unit, students learned about our American history and famous Americans past and present. The event began with a musical parade of students from their classrooms to the cafeteria. The students were dressed as famous historical figures such as George Washington, Betsy Ross, Thomas Jefferson, and many others. Everyone waved American flags and marched to songs such as “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “This Land is Your Land.” Smiling families and friends looked on as the kindergarteners made their way to the stage in the cafeteria. Once inside the cafeteria, students were seated on and in front of the stage while the spectators filled the seats in anticipation of the speeches and songs to come. Selected students took turns coming forward to present speeches as famous Americans. Between speeches, all of the kindergarten students joined in to sing choruses of favorite American classics. The event concluded with cookies and punch under the lunch shelter as proud families shared the special moment with their children. When asked about her favorite part of the day, kindergartener Bernice Garcia said, “ I liked the costumes and the singing.” Mrs. Song, one of the Mokler kindergarten teachers, summed the event up by saying, “I think it was very memorable for the students.” Theresa M. Diaz
“Kindness” – Lincoln School Style
Students Martin Quintero and Sage Revilla helped spearhead the “Shoes for Haiti” program.
For Lincoln School students, “Kindness” came alive in many ways this year. The heartfelt gestures started when the entire school participated in the “Jump Rope for Heart” program. The students surpassed the goal of each student donating 1 dollar for research and families of
heart patients. “The Lincoln Lions roared to the tune of $1,225.00,” as reported by Counselor Charlene Ornelas. Another act from the heart stemmed from the devastating Haiti Earthquake tragedy. Sage Revilla and Martin Quintero, 5th graders from Mr. Berthon’s class, were so moved that they
responded together to support Sport Chalet’s “Shoes for Haiti” Program. With the flyer that they created, within 5 days, they were able to collect 245 pairs of shoes. On January 29, while the rest of their classmates were enjoying a day off from school, the 2 students were receiving, pairing, tying, counting and boxing shoes in the school office. They both said it gives them joy to be able to help others. They were both recognized for their acts of kindness during an awards assembly. Parents and students were touched by what they had done. On February 23, 2010, 6 different teachers (including myself) united to share one common message, “Cancer Awareness.” Stricken by the dreadful and mysterious disease ourselves, using childfriendly language, we joined hands to educate the children
and share about the disease. The sharing answered some questions about the whats, whys and hows of the disease based on our personal experiences. Quite a few parents were impressed by the family conversation that evening. Children talked to parents about the importance of eating healthy, exercising and getting enough rest. Lincoln School joined thousands of schools nationwide to stand up to cancer through the Pennies for Patients program. Students walked home with their own collection boxes. Student
testimonies included the transferring of piggy bank money to the boxes. One student gave up her babysitting earnings of $20.00 for the cause. Another student brought his grandfather’s penny collection. Once again, the Lions roared – this time to the high tune of $3,477.00. Reaching out, whether it be one pair of shoes or one penny at a time, came from the big hearts of the hundreds of little children at Lincoln School. It is indeed a year filled with gratifying acts of kindness from the hearts of so many .
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES July 6, 2010 – August 24, 2010 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