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
MARCH 2009
Grades 4-8 Medallions & Captainz Kiddz Choirs Starring in ‘A Musical World’
(Captainz Kiddz Choir & Medallion Choir)
A sense of community and excitement filled the Paramount High School, West Campus Auditorium on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. as the Grades 4-8 Vocal Voyagers Choral Music Program prepared to share their passion for music with the family and friends gathered to celebrate. The Paramount Unified School District Arts for All Grades 4-8 Vocal Voyagers Choral Music Program included performances by the after-school Grades 4-5 Captainz Kiddz Choir, Grades 6-8 Medallions Choir, the Scallywags (Paramount High School Music Mentors), Flag Girls, Soloist Melody Fu, Mentors Paloma
& Friends, with song and dance choreography by Captainz Kiddz’ Director Mrs. Lorie Higgins and Medallion Director Mrs. Sandra Espinoza. The program of A Musical World combined song and dance with multicultural tunes and a rousing finale montage of My America and Sing the Songs and Stripes with approximately 100 students forming the American flag on and around the stage. The audience was brought to its’ feet cheering! The program reflected the confidence and integration of music and dance the students have worked to achieve: The Whole World is Singing
Children of the World (Captainz Kiddz Choir) Cantar (Paloma & Friends) Amani Utupe (Captainz Kiddz Choir) Lilly Pond Dance (Melody Fu, Soloist Lincoln School Grade 3) Listen to the Drums (Medallion Choir) My America Sing the Stars & Stripes (Captainz Kiddz Choir & Medallion Choir) Grades 4-5 Choral Music Teacher Lorie Higgins was delighted with the outcome of the
hard work, “It was a pleasure working with the students. I was amazed that the 4-5 students were so eager to perform. In three days the students learned their positions on stage. They were also able to complete the costume changes needed for their songs. We received tremendous support from the High School, District, and parents.” Grades 6-8 Choral Music Teacher Sandra Wilson-Espinoza concurred, “I was thrilled to have the support of the administrators and the secretary with respect to the use of the PHS West Campus Auditorium. Music and Theatre Teachers Pat Morvan and Autumn Lovin were a big help. Ms. Vu made her classroom available to us and I do not take these acts of kindness for granted. The Medallion and Captainz Kiddz Choirs are so fortunate in that
at an early age they experienced a real theatre at PHS West Campus, with full use of the backstage area, wings, curtains, and responsibilities! They are actually better prepared to perform any show in the future now because of this one experience. The cooperation that is necessary for them to work together builds maturity and organizational skills. I know that everyone will see even more musical growth among our members at our second concert in April 2009.” As the evening came to a close, a parent quietly said, “Thank you. My daughter didn’t realize that she is talented and now she knows that she is. Thank you.” It is indeed a Musical World! Julianne Kosareff, Curriculum Specialist
The Competitive Edge - In the Class and on the Court February 11, 2009 marked our first Basic Math Facts Challenge. All 3rd-5th grade students competed with other students in their grade level. Students were excited and nervous as they shouted out answers to basic math fact problems, which were flashed before them. The competition was enjoyable to watch and hilarious to listen to. Teachers were smiling and students were bellowing out comments, “I told you, anything multiplied by zero is zero!” The winning classes (Ms. Wozny’s 3rd grade class, Mr. Houston’s 4th grade class, and Ms. Mouri’s 5th grade class) were rewarded with individual awards and a colorful door sign
announcing to the entire school their victory. Our next challenge will take place the week of March 2nd, 2009. Get ready! December 2008 through January 2009 was active months for Collins students (and staff!) Our middle school students planned and executed a very organized and fun volleyball tournament. Students formed teams, procured uniforms and challenged teachers to an all out fierce volleyball competition. The student teams were The Pink Panthers, The Teal Titans, The Highlighters Si Se Puede and The Purple Bandits. The teachers won, of course but, were extremely sore the following days. There were a few MVP’s on the
teacher’s team. Ms. Trujilo played in heels, Ms. Morgan delivered power serves, Mrs. Manning dove for the ball, and Mr. Miller dove over Mrs. Manning! Round two of the competition delivered the top student team Si Se Puede representing the 7th grade (not pictured). They beat out every 8th grade team! Next up is a tetherball competition and the end-of-the-year softball game; teachers versus eighth graders. The Teal Titans: (Xavier Aldana, Tori Harris, Annel Labrador, Diego Alvarado, Kristian Santos, Christine Weisberger, Kajal Patel) The Highlighters: (Daniel
Navejas, Marleny Partida, Annastasia Williams, Osbeli Salazar, Jovita Hernandez, Vanity Lebeau, Juliana Maidana) The Pink Panthers: (Dulce Felix, Jessica Perea, Miriam Hernandez, Nohely Olvera, Alexandra Rodriguez, Darshan
Patel, Daniel Ramirez, Jesus Ramos) The Purple Bandits: (Lexie Sullivan, Ronald Armstrong, L a n d o n C o l e m a n , Va l e r i e Delgadillo, Eric Ellis, Janine Juarez, Genesis Beltran, Eberardo Sanchez)
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES March 10 & March 24, 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