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
September 2013
PHS Spirit Squad Excels at USA Cheer Camp For the first time in nearly 10 years, the Paramount High School Spirit Squad attended a major USA cheer camp. While at the University of California at Irvine, 35 cheer and song leaders in grades 9-12 participated at the camp for a total of four days. “Each student had the opportunity to get a taste of college life in being able to stay overnight in the university dorms as well as eat in the school’s dining commons” according to co-cheer advisor, Lourdes Aguayo. The girls learned new cheers and dances and participated in numerous team-building activities on their way in earning “Superior” ratings in all of their evaluations, which resulted in them winning the “Spirit Stick,” which goes to the group that excels in the areas of sportsmanship and overall performance. Sophomore, varsity song leader Jishaly Castillo shares that “it was an amazing experience being at the USA cheer camp at UC Irvine. Our entire team bonded and became closer as a family.” When asked what she was most proud of about the team, Mrs. Aguayo shares that “I am very proud of the way the girls carried themselves and represented PHS. They worked hard, and most importantly, they worked together as a team.” The PHS Spirit Squad looks forward to cheering on the PHS athletic teams for the 2013-2014 school-year as well as hosting their second annual mini-cheer camp for children within the Paramount community this upcoming October. Go Pirates! Grisel Vazquez, Varsity Song Captain
Keppel Summer Concert – Spotlight on Parents
Keppel School ended the 20122013 school year with an astounding family celebration. Especially notable is the parent collaboration piece. It is truly a representation of school and community coming together to make things happen. The multiple acts of Performance Arts through dances, songs and narrations kept the audience in awe. Fifth graders demonstrated their talents and skills through an impressive rendition of “On the Radio” which involved nicely orchestrated staging, narration, songs and dances taught by Music
Teacher, Ms. Higgins. Equally impressive were the ballet and jazz dances performed by Abigail Fernandez, Jessica Aguilar and Liliana Flores. In addition, the fourth graders displayed their narration skills by reciting poems, one of which defined what Success is and is not. Our goal is certainly for each of the young viewers to embark on their paths to Success. A unique feature to be highlighted of the event is the parent involvement at Keppel School to make the celebration a success. Special recognition has to be ac-
corded to the active members of the Parent Center for decorating the backdrop and performance area. In addition, Mrs. Trespalacios was involved in the Choreography of a Jazz solo dance while Mrs. Ortiz took charge of the choreography of “Otra Cha Cha” by the third graders. Mrs. Vargas, Mrs. Alvarez and Mrs. Ortiz made the beautiful traditional costumes for the dancers who danced La Bamba, La Raspa, Western Mix and Otra Cha Cha. The designing and sewing skills were impressive. Many parents helped teachers
got the students ready with their costumes and make-ups the day of the celebration. Another special participation was when Grandpa Cuellar joined grand-daughter Kiarra as she danced La Bamba. While it was important to shine the spotlights on the students who performed, the biggest spotlight is being directed to the parents who
got involved graciously. Kudos to you, Keppel Parents. Special thanks as well to the hundreds of parents who joined us in the celebration. What a poignant memory of how 2012-2013 ended at Keppel School! Linda Go, Principal
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATE September 11 * September 25, 2013 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