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
MARCH 2012
Gifted and Talented Education Program in Paramount Unified School District Students in Paramount Unified School District’s Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program had a special visit on a recent Saturday from none other than Leonardo DiVinci. As the first of a two part GATE series, Faces of Innovation – Masters of the Past, students journeyed back in time to explore the works of some of the most influential masters from the past, including DiVinci, Mary Shelley, MC Escher, and Sir Isaac Newton. The masters, instructors dressed in costume to portray the historical figure, explained to the students how they individually expressed their ingenuity in Art and Science as well as how they addressed barriers and challenges to their innovative thinking. Students worked in hands-on labs exploring the masters’ contributions
Pictured are Leonardo DiVinci, students Noah Endo and Aurelio Cervantes.
Pictured with Isacc Newton are students Ariana Castellanos, Jishaly Castillo, Xandra Avila and Arlette Flores.
and experiments. The half day workshop flew by and students were disappointed when it came to an end. A student from Alondra Middle School shared, “This
harmony of math and technology and include innovative historical figures, including Albert Einstein. Pictured are students with Leonardo DiVinci
was much better than sitting at home watching television or playing video games. I actually had to think.” The second part of the series will examine the
Paramount Rotary Recognizes Dedicated Eagles
and Isacc Newton. Randy Gray, Ed.D., Director Curriculum & Instruction-Projects
Annual Rotary Student Forum
Pictured are PHS Principal Dr. Bucker, Superintendent Dr. Verdugo, grand prize winners Mario Castaneda, Monica Cruz, Joshlyn Johnson, from Paramount Petroleum Chad Druten, and Rotary Club of Paramount President John Berg.
Jean Law (Principal), Lizbeth Martinez, Presious Aguilar, John Boogaard (Rotary Club), Yaricza Meza, Anthony Acosta At the end of the first semester, Buena Vista High School celebrated the graduation of a number of Seniors who will return in June to participate in commencement ceremonies. On January 19, 2012, a special luncheon was held in their honor to commemorate their dedication and hard work. While the students enjoyed the festive atmosphere filled with balloons and delicious food, a few Seniors could not expect a very special surprise that was about to change their lives. Along with all of the teachers and administrators, some special guests attended the luncheon. Mr. John Boogaard represented Paramount Rotary and Mr. Manuel San Miguel (Director of Secondary
Education) represented Paramount Unified School District. After the students finished their lunch, Mr. Boogaard spoke to the students about his own struggles in high school followed by success in college and his career. He related to the Buena Vista students in a very personal way and encouraged all of them to pursue education beyond their high school diplomas. Most important was his message of giving back to the community. He reminded students of their ability to make their world a better place by volunteering or getting involved with community organizations. Along those lines, Mr. Boogaard explained the Rotary Club’s dedication to helping the youth of Paramount. He then announced that five
Buena Vista graduates would be receiving $500 scholarships to pursue vocational training at the schools of their choice. The students, who were called up one at a time, were both shocked and honored by this wonderful gift. Congratulations to Presious Aguilar, Anthony Acosta, Alberto Hernandez, Lizbeth Martinez, and Yaricza Meza for this special honor. We know that you will go on to reach for your goals and in the future, reach out to help those who may need assistance to pursue theirs. Thank you to the Paramount Rotary Club members who made these awards possible! Jean Law Principal Buena Vista High School
The Annual Rotary Student Forum, sponsored by the Paramount Rotary Club, Paramount Unified School District and Paramount Petroleum, took place on February 4, 2012. Students from Paramount High School and Buena Vista High School came together and were provided an opportunity to discuss their opinions about debatable topics taking place in today’s world. This year’s topics for discussion included Occupy Wallstreet, Presidential Election, Bullying, California’s Budget, and the Environment. Each question was to be discussed for fifteen minutes and the judging was based on three categories that included Best Creative Idea, Most Distinguished Leader, and Most Inspirational. Each category consisted of one grand prize cash winner of $50 and this year’s winners were: Joshlyn Johnson-Best Creative Idea, Mario Castaneda-Most Distinguised, and Monica Cruz-Most Inspirational.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES March 14, 2012 - March 28, 2012 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