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
JULY 2012
Igniting Artistic Passion at Wirtz School We are excited about the opportunity to support the district’s efforts to make Visual and Performing Arts Program an integrated part of our curriculum. In the 2009/10 school yearMr. Caruso, a 5th grade teacher at Wirtz Elementary, created an art program that provides an avenue of success for both our academically excelling and challenged students while working within the limits of the school day and curriculum demands. In support of this program, Mr. Caruso initially connected with five artists, which has now expanded to ten, whom are all willing to donate their time and talent in support of artistically enriching our student’s lives through a culminating year end gallery event. This year the gallery event took place on Thursday June 7, 2012 in the Wirtz Cafeteria. The gallery showcased all students work along
with the artist’s original pieces. Students and guests were notified via video message of the artist’s top selected student pieces. Student’s received applause from the audience and an original piece of art from the artist who selected them. This gallery event highlighted our student’s artistic strengths and was
acknowledged and appreciated by fellow students, staff, parents and invited community members. In addition, the artists who have worked with us to sustain our art program over the past three years also painted five murals (see photos) on the walls of Wirtz Elementary. On Monday January
Proud Parental Support at Major Lynn Mokler School
30, 2012 the murals were revealed, and the students, staff, parents, the Mayor and many PUSD members including Superintendent Dr. Verdugo had the opportunity to meet the artists and analyze, assess and seek to derive meaning from the works of art. This project has truly been an inspiration for our stu-
dents, and we are confident that the murals will leave a positive, lasting impression that will go far beyond what our textbooks and year end gallery event can offer. Ashley Howard-M.Ed Counselor Wirtz School
Paramount Unified School District Kindergarten Registration Begins!
It is time to register your child for Kindergarten! Children who are five (5) years old on or before November 1, 2012 are eligible to attend Kindergarten. Registration for the school year 2012-2013 begins May 1, 2012. To register your child the following documents are required: o Proof of birth, such as birth certificate o Current immunization records o Proof of residency in the Paramount Unified School District NOTE: Children born between November 2nd and December 2nd of the current school year may attend Transitional Kindergarten (TK). Further information about registration is available at your school or on the Paramount Unified website, www.paramount. k12.ca.us . The school site contact numbers are the following: Collins Gaines Hollydale Jefferson Keppel Lincoln
The Ballet Folklorico at Major Lynn Mokler School has worked the entire school year raising money to support their dance program. Parents and students have been involved in weekly practice sessions, evening performances, and weekend shows in the City of Paramount. The group has raised money to purchase various costumes for the student performers who are under the direction of Ms. Lucy Rodriguez. The Mokler School community has had the pleasure of watching our students dance on several occasions and each dance is a spectacular showcase of talent. The only thing that seemed to be lacking in the performances was the quality of the music. Not the recorded music itself, but the system
on which the music was played. Thanks to the efforts of the parents involved with the Ballet Folklorico the group was able to purchase a new entertainment sound system for the school. Superintendent, Dr. David Verdugo, was present when Ms. Rosa Medal bestowed the wonderful gift upon the school. The students and families of Mokler School will treasure this wonderful gift that will not only enhance our student performances but will also provide a high quality public address system for school wide events. Michele Dutton Principal Mokler School
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Los Cerritos Mokler Roosevelt Tanner Wirtz
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School Begins August 22, 2012 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES July 25, 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