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 2014
PHS Cheerleaders are “Varsity It Girls”
Lorena Romero and Grisel Vazquez have been participating in a unique program called “Varsity It Girls” this school year. They are part of a 24 member “west coast” team that is one of five teams in the country. The
program is overseen by the Varsity Cheer Company and the United Spirit Association. The program involves monthly meetings with cheer representatives from various high schools in the area. Meetings, which
take place in the city of Cypress, consist of discussions regarding new products and programs that are cheer related. Members share their ideas and opinions regarding these topics, which are kept confidential. An important aspect
Alondra and Leona Jackson Middle Schools Recognized California and National “Schools To Watch”
Principal Lynn Butler is joined by her staff, parents, student, Board of Education and Superintendent Mendez.
Principal Lisa Nunley-Macon is joined by her staff, parents, student, Board of Education and Superintendent Mendez. During a recent Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Mendez and the Board of Education recognized and presented Alondra Middle School Principal Lynn Butler and Jackson Middle School Principal Lisa Nunley-Macon and staff with a plaque recognizing their commitment and dedication to the students and for their recent “Schools To Watch” Award. Schools To Watch is a recognition program similar to Cali-
fornia Distinguished Schools that recognizes middle schools that are academically excellent, socially equitable and have a culture of strong collaborative leadership. It is a highly selective process and few middle schools are given the Schools To Watch status. Alondra and Leona Jackson Middle Schools are two of 11 schools named in California for this current year, making it now three schools including Frank J. Zamboni
Middle School in Paramount Unified School District. Alondra and Jackson Middle Schools had a formal recognition of their accomplishment led by officials from the Department of Education and the Schools to Watch at Alondra and Jackson Middle Schools on February 21, 2014. A recognition took place in Sacramento on February 27, 2014 and there will be a later recognition in Washington DC in June 2014.
of this program is that it provides members with the experience of a business internship that provides a great experience for college and beyond. The “It” in the organization’s name stands for “Intelligence Team.” Members on the team are chosen through evidence of strong communication skills and leadership experience, as well as holding at least a 3.5 GPA. Both Lorena and Grisel are members of varsity cheer at PHS and are enrolled in AP courses. They are also active members in Ms. Bignami’s Leadership class, which meets at 7:00 o’clock every morning. Lorena shared that she found the program while looking online for possible business internships that would strengthen her resume for college applications. Since she plans on majoring in business, everything about the program
proved to be a perfect fit. Lorena shared information about the program with fellow cheerleader Grisel Vazquez, who also applied and was chosen to be on the team. Another exciting aspect of the program is that both Lorena and Grisel will be attending the school year’s last meeting at Varsity Cheer’s headquarters in Texas, along with the other four teams from other parts of the country. Grisel Vazquez, an 11th grade student at PHS, is planning on attending the University of Bournemouth after graduating from PHS. Bournemouth University is located on the south coast of Britain, about two hours from London. Lorena Romero, a senior at PHS, has applied to several universities for next year and has already been offered admission by a school. Lorena shared that she would like to attend San Diego State University as a business major.
Pirate Pride
The winter athletic programs at Paramount High School are thriving as they all transition to the second round of league play. Girls soccer, boys soccer, wrestling and boys basketball enter the 2nd round of league play with winning records and high hopes to advance to the playoffs. The varsity girls basketball team fought their way to victory over the winter break in the Firebaugh Tournament and earned a championship trophy that has made the Paramount community proud. Congratulations to senior basketball players, Tracy Shumpert and Roneisha Adamson, who were voted as Co-Most Valuable Players of the tournament. Tracy Shumpert averaged 16 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocked shots per game; Roneisha Adamson averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals per game. The girls frosh soph basketball team won a championship at the El Rancho Tournament and freshman, Cheryl Halk, captured the tournament Most Valuable Player award. Way to go girls basketball! In girls wrestling, Marjoree Fargas and Margarita Borrayo placed 1st in their weight class in the Western Tournament and Karen Cabrejo and Chazel Becerra placed 4th in their respective weight classes. All girls placed in the top 8 at the South Hills tournament and look forward to competing in the CIFSS northern qualifier in hopes to qualify at the State level. In girls soccer, the Paramount varsity team earned 2nd place in the Lady Pirate Cup tournament hosted by San Pedro High School. As off-season sports continue to train toward their future goals, it is a great time to reflect back on recent accomplishments. Matt Howard and his coaching staff celebrated the 2013 football season in the new Senior Campus practice gymnasium where the program hosted a celebratory banquet. Congratulations to senior football player, Joe Brown, and junior football player, Joseph Williams, who both earned Long Beach Press Telegram 2013 football dream team honors. Their teammates who have earned their 3rd consecutive league championship in the San Gabriel Valley League have been so proud of their accomplishments and contributions to the program. The Paramount Athletic department and football program congratulates Brian Fineangonofo, class of 2013, for signing a full athletic scholarship to play football at Idaho State. Paramount athletics continually produces successes both in the classroom and on the p laying field. It is no wonder that so many are proud to be pirate athletes! GO PIRATES!
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATE March 12, 2014 * March 26, 2014 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