Highlights, Spring 2013

HIGHLIGHTS

From El Rancho Unified

A YEAR END REPORT of EL RANCHO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR the 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR

Welcome to Highlights from El Rancho Unified!

With this Year End Report, our goal is to highlight the many great things that happened at your local School District in the 2012-2013 school year. Wonderful schools and high achieving students touch all of us in Pico Rivera and beyond. We encourage you to read on!

Sincerely, The students, teachers and leadership of El Rancho USD.

EL RANCHO Unified School District 9333 Loch Lomond Drive Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 942-1500 Fax (562) 942-2821 www.erusd.org

Your Bond EE Money at Work Improving District Technology was a priority for local residents who supported and approved Bond measure EE funds to ensure the financial resources required for technological improvements, as well as future building improvement projects in our district. One responsibility assigned has been the implementation of bond funds for the purpose of campus and facilities improvement projects which include upgraded technology, safety and accessibility.

As part of the first phase of Bond measure EE work and at the direction of the ERUSD Board of Education, a collaborative effort to replace our computer network infrastructure, at all but four district sites, with faster connections was undertaken by the Maintenance, Purchasing, and the I.T. departments while working in cooperation with ICC technology consultants.

Due to the maximization and utilization of additional e-rate funding sources that are now available, the work was scheduled in two phases. Phase two, completion of four remaining campuses, is scheduled for the summer of 2013. The remaining four sites that are eligible for the e-rate funding are Magee, Rio Vista, Valencia and North Ranchito, which will be completed this summer.

Did you know...

Some material components of the project are: A centralized automated web content filter to control web access more efficiently Wireless access for district devices, including iPads and laptops Gigabit ethernet for all classrooms and offices The work included removing existing wiring and installing cabling capable of Gigabit speed for all school sites.

This project is bringing the new generation of rich educational tools to the students and staff of ERUSD. Many thanks to our community for their continued support of the Districts Bond Initiatives. It has provided a great resource for the continuing improvement of our students’ learning environment.

Safe Schools/ Healthy Students Grant

El Rancho Unified School District offers mental health counseling services as part of the Safe Schools/ Healthy Students Grant. This program is open to all students, regardless of insurance type through our ACCESS program.

ACCESS referral forms are available at your school site. Once the form is completed, you may bring the form to the Student Services II office located across from El Rancho High School at 9426 Marjorie Street.

Walk-in appointments for intake are conveniently available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 am to 10 am in the mornings and 2:30 pm to 4 pm in the afternoons. Appointments outside of these hours can also be arranged by calling (562) 801-5128.

We look forward to serving you!

Board of Education Delia Alvidrez, President Rita Jo Ramirez, Vice President Rachel Canchola, Clerk Alfred Renteria, Jr., Member Dr. Joseph Rivera, Member

Norbert D. Genis, Superintendent

GREAT NEWS From Our Schools

Birney Elementary School. . . . . . 2 Durfee Elementary School. . . . . . 2 Magee Elementary School. . . . . . 3 North Ranchito Elementary . . . . . 4 Rio Vista Elementary School. . . . . 3 Rivera Elementary School. . . . . . 3 South Ranchito Elementary . . . . . 4 Valencia Elementary School. . . . . 2 Burke Middle School. . . . . . . . . . 5 North Park Middle School . . . . . . 5 Rivera Middle School. . . . . . . . . . 5 El Rancho High School. . . . . . . . . 6 Ruben Salazar High School . . . . . 7 El Rancho Education Center. . . . 7-8

From Our Elementary Schools Birney Elementary School

Durfee Elementary Computer Lab

In the Fall of 2012, Birney Elementary held its first “Lunch with Someone Special” event. Parents are invited to come and bring lunch to share with their children and experience the school community.

Durfee Elementary has added a computer lab, thanks to the collaborative efforts of our staff, ERUSD District and PTO. A school-wide focus on technology skills will provide each student time in the lab, on a regular basis, to prepare for the rigorous technology integration For more information... in the California Common Core New Computer ...Durfee Elementary School Standards. The computer lab is Lab at Durfee 4220 South Durfee Avenue open during the week on specified Pico Rivera, CA 90660 days during lunch. Teachers can (562) 801-5070  de.erusd.org also schedule class times during the week. Twice a week, teachers sign up students to attend the after school computer class where students are engaged in working on language arts and math concepts through a research-based standards mastery program called Study Island.

Quality Time at Birney “Lunch with Someone Special” is intended to present our families with an opportunity for some quality time and connectedness to our school environment. Promoting family time is important to us. It strengthens family bonds and relays a positive message to our students that our school is a place where families are welcome. We recognize the important benefits families gain from spending time and enjoying activities together.

We hope parents continue to support our family driven events.

For more information... ...Birney Elementary School 8501 Orange Avenue, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5153  be.erusd.org

Valencia Elementary

For more information...

In March of 2013, Valencia Elementary held ...Valencia Elementary School it first annual Parent English Language Arts 9241 East Cosgrove Street Workshop. Based on feedback from parents Pico Rivera, CA 90660 and teachers, a staff committee put together (562) 801-5079  ve.erusd.org a wonderful event with the aim of increasing parent awareness of best home practices for supporting his/her child in reading for all grade levels. Ms. LaVelle Perez, resource program teacher, presented on reading comprehension strategies.

Ms. Janna Gray, speech pathologist spoke with parents about the importance of talking and structured conversation with their child to build language and vocabulary. Mrs. Monica Sorenson, shared de-coding and phonemic awareness strategy tips for parents. The information was also provided in Spanish, and Ms. Kaylyn Fodor and Mr. Sam Wilson provided childcare.

Preschool News Preschool Students Prepare for Kindergarten!

During the last trimester of the school year, preschool staff are teaching children how to decode - or “sound out” - a host of three letter words. Using colorful “Alphafriends” letter cards that are identical to the instructional materials that students will see in kindergarten, teachers show children how to blend together the individual sounds that they have learned to form words.

Preschool St

No one is more impressed with the students’ progress than the children themselves. When asked about the process of learning to read new words, one particularly poised preschool student observed, “It’s easy.”

Equipped with confidence and exceptional early reading skills, the sky’s the limit for these preschoolers!!

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udents Prep ar

e for Kinder

garten

For more information... ...about the State Preschool please visit www.elranchoeducationcenter.org and click on the Early Childhood Education / State Preschool thumbnail or call (562) 801-5117.

“Bullying Stops at Rio Vista!”

We are the Mighty Panthers. Hear us roar and say that everyday bullying stops at Rio Vista. All panthers demonstrate that they are against bullying not only by showing exemplary character but also by wearing their Bullying Stops at Rio Vista T-shirts. The panther tradition of just “Saying No to Drugs” by wearing red on Thursdays continues, but now the same motto has been applied to saying no to bullying as well. The legacy of “Say No to Bullying and Drugs” will continue for many more panthers yet to come because Character Counts at Rio Vista!

For more information...

Bullying Stops at Rio Vista

...Rio Vista Elementary School 8809 Coffman-Pico Road Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5049  rve.erusd.org

Eleven Eagles Receive a Perfect Score on STAR

Magee Elementary This year, Magee Elementary students have experienced many exciting activities. Many of these wouldn’t have been possible without the support, hard work and dedication of many of our parents and volunteers, especially our PTO! We have parents who have volunteered in the classroom and helped throughout our many fundraisers. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, we had a fun Movie Night, a wonderful “Lunch with Someone Special” and a delicious In-n-Out Family Night.

Thank you all for making Magee Elementary such a wonderful place to be!

Rivera Elementary Eagles Receive a Perfect Score on STAR For more information...

A perfect score is 600 on the state mandated STAR assessments, and eleven Rivera Elementary students received a perfect score. These were the STAR assessments administered in May of 2012.

...Magee Elementary School 8200 Serapis Avenue Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5000  me.erusd.org

In second grade, scoring a perfect 600 in language arts was Giselle Covarrubias. Receiving a perfect score in math were Pablo Aguilar, Sonny Brock, Viviana Navarro and Mia Vela.

In third grade, scoring a perfect 600 in math were Erik Barajas, Christian Mendez, Amanda Morales and Jose Navarro.

In fourth grade, scoring a perfect 600 in math were Jonathan Espinoza and Katya Gutierrez.

For more information... ...Rivera Elementary School 7250 Citronell Avenue, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5095  re.erusd.org

Magee Celebrates Lunch with Someone Special

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From Our Elementary Schools North Ranchito is playing the Good Behavior Game

Many, hearing the name of the strategy, assume that it reinforces “good behavior”. The game actually For more information... reinforces voluntary control over North Ranchito Plays the Good Behavior Game ...North Ranchito Elementary School attention and reduces susceptibility 8837 East Olympic Boulevard to demeanor, deportment, or Pico Rivera, CA 90660 practices that disrupt the learning environment, such as (562) 801-5031  nre.erusd.org leaving one’s seat without permission, talking out of turn, passing notes, making noise, and playing with toys or other gadgets without permission. behavior by neutrally and unemotionally stating the team has a Spleem point. No one individual is called out or penalized. Winning teams enjoy a “Granny’s Wacky Prize” The game is played three times a day, five days a week. The which are often a few minutes of a normally disruptive activity such as tapping a pencil, teacher decides when to put the game into play, which might playing “air drums”, or sizzling like bacon! This is called “delayed gratification” – with be before a particularly hard lesson, such as a math test or permission! Kids are loving this wonderfully exciting tool. Students will learn to selfreading instruction. Teams compete to have more “PAX” regulate behavior and have the opportunity to be fully engaged in the learning process. (peace) - a good thing – than disturbances, called “Spleems” It also reduces a teacher’s stress and increases classroom safety.

– a negative thing. First and second grade teachers use the tones of a harmonica to bring about PAX Quiet. During the period when the game is active, teachers note “off task”

South Ranchito Tutoring South Ranchito is a unique school with many exciting things happening, both academically and socially. It continues to be the only school in the district that offers a Bilingual Education program.

Academically, our school grew 16 points this year on the Academic Performance Index (API), and we also achieved all 17 required targets for the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goal. Together, our parents and staff work very hard so that our students can achieve their best.

For more information...

Unique Programs at South Ranchito

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...South Ranchito Elementary School 5241 South Passons Boulevard Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5177  sre.erusd.org

From Our Middle Schools Falcons - Soaring to Success

Rivera Middle School At Rivera Middle School our focus is on student learning. We provide a variety of experiences that are well planned and articulated to give all students the opportunity to develop their skills to the fullest. We are proud of the fact that we have one of the highest number of students scoring proficient on the California Standards Test in Algebra and Geometry.

In recognition of our success in focusing on student achievement, Rivera Middle School was identified as a California Distinguished School. We are very proud of our students' accomplishments and look forward to many more.

For more information...

Burke Middle School on the Road to Success

...Burke Middle School 8101 Orange Avenue Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5059  bms.erusd.org

This school year, Burke Middle School opened up a brand new College and Career Center! In support of El Rancho High School and Generation 1st Degree, Burke Middle School wanted to recognize the importance of promoting college and university at the earliest age possible. With the support of parents and teachers, Burke counselor, Alma Garcia, helped to create a College and Career Center full of information, materials, and resources for higher education and career readiness. “We are very thankful to have such a wonderful resource center for students and parents,” said principal Elias Vargas. The students have access to the College and Career Center during lunch where guest speakers are often featured from various colleges and universities throughout the state. Mrs. Garcia regularly provides presentations about college and career readiness to students of all grade levels. “It is imperative that we continue to emphasize the importance of college and career readiness to all our students, as we help prepare them for their future,” stated Vargas. Staff, students, and parents have all been very appreciative and excited about Burke Middle School’s new College and Career Center!

Rivera Middle School has made the following commitment: We will not let students off the hook for failing to learn We will make students do what is necessary to succeed We will not give students the easy way out We will give students extra time and support At Rivera, we are solution oriented. We believe everyone is part of making this school a good place for kids. With the assistance of parents, teachers, staff, and students, we provide a safe learning environment that promotes success in all curricular and extracurricular programs. Our goal is to prepare our students for success in a complex society. This requires dedication to being the best that we can be. We provide a challenging curriculum based on the state standards, teachers who are dedicated to improving the profession and an administrative staff that is focused on supporting the learning community.

For more information... ...Rivera Middle School 7200 Citronell Avenue, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5088  rms.erusd.org

North Park Band Embraces Culture

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North Park Band The North Park Band, directed by Mr. Wakefield, is a hugely successful group at North Park. While they have competed and won numerous awards in the past, our band is now marching to a higher purpose. Their philosophy is, “Embracing Culture and Leaving Others Better Off.” Students have participated in the Los Angeles Korean Parade and the Veteran’s Day Parade. In addition, groups of students regularly visit veteran’s hospitals, nursing homes and children hospitals to play for patients.

They are currently working with an orphanage in Cuernavaca, Mexico, whose music program is run by Mr. Wakefield and a North Park alumnus. Students at North Park and students in Mexico have even played together via Skype. One of North Park Band’s biggest project is The Concert for Peace scheduled for November 11, 2013. This student led event will bring together children from across the globe for the purpose of sending a message of peace For more information... back to the world. ...North Park Middle School 4450 South Durfee Avenue, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5137  npms.erusd.org

From Our High School CIF Division 3 Champions Regional State Champions

Cristian Roldan Signs with University of Washington

Congratulations to the El Rancho High School Boys’ Soccer Team in their win over San Clemente High School in the Division I Southern California Regional State Championship game on March 9, 2013. This triumph was a culmination of a great season for the CIF Division 3 Champions and Del Rio League champions. The team finished with an overall record of 29-2-1. What an impressive honor to their already terrific season!

El Rancho HS Student - Cristian Roldan Signs!

Senior Cristian Roldan has signed his “letter of intent” to attend the University of Washington. He and his family posed for some pictures in a short ceremony in the Principal’s Conference Room on Wednesday. Cristian is a true scholar-athlete. He will be graduating with academic honors this June and is also one of ERHS’s top varsity soccer players. The Huskies actively recruited Cristian and recently flew him and his father to Seattle for a weekend visit. While there, he stayed in the dorms, was shown the campus and the athletic facilities, took a tour of Seattle, and also played some soccer. The Washington Huskies are a Division 1, Pac-12 school, so Cristian can expect some rigorous competition on the field next year.

El Rancho Boys’ Soccer Win Regional State Championship

ERHS Academic Decathlon News The El Rancho High School Decathletes advanced to the state competition after placing fifth out of 52 schools in the county competition. This was the fifth time in a row that the Decathlon team advanced to the state competition. The decathletes’ hard work paid off in the county competition, as they earned a total of seventeen medals. In social studies, Jesse Sanchez received silver; in essay, David Juarez received silver, and Jacob Rodriguez received bronze; in interview, Bryan Marquez received gold; Andreas Moghimi received silver, and Robert Brown, Jacob Rodriguez, Monserrat Marquez, Jaquelyn Escobar received bronze; in speech, Andreas Moghimi, Bryan Escobar, Jesse Sanchez received silver, and Monserrat Marquez, David Juarez, Robert Brown received bronze. Decathletes also can point to the college acceptance letters for team members posted on the wall of the classroom: Brown, UC Berkeley, USC, and UCLA. A decathlete from El Rancho has gotten into Yale each of the last four years.

National Merit Scholarship Competition El Rancho High School is pleased to announce that senior Monserrat Marquez was recently named a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship competition. After taking the PSAT/NMSQT in her junior year, Monserrat was named as a semi-finalist in August 2012.

A pool of about 16,000 semiMonserrat Marquez finalists was designated from Finalist for National Merit Scholarship more than 1.5 million entrants to the scholarship competition.

Less than one percent of test takers in each state are recognized as semi-finalists. As a finalist, Monserrat now has an excellent chance of receiving a National Merit Scholarship. Recipients of these scholarships will be announced in May. Monserrat is also a member of the El Rancho High School Academic Decathlon Team.

We are pleased to announce that Monserrat Marquez is the only student in the Whittier, Montebello and Downey area to be named as a semi-finalist and finalist. Congratulations!

For more information...

El Rancho High School Decathlon Team Among Top in County

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...El Rancho High School 6501 S. Passons Boulevard, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5355  www.erusd.k12.ca.us/elrancho

From Our Continuation High School Ruben Salazar is a Model Continuation High School

With support and guidance by the Rotary Club of Pico Rivera, these students get a chance to make new friends, improve their community, develop leadership skills, and make a difference not only in their immediate community, but in the For more information... world. ...Ruben Salazar Continuation High School “Preparation as opposed 9115 Balfour Street, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 to Remediation” (562) 801-5021  schs.erusd.org

Ruben Salazar High School (RSHS) is a model continuation high school and has earned a WASC Accreditation of six years. We are now completing year four. The staff and students are proud to be part of this innovative school community, as we strive together to be positive examples in Pico Rivera.

We (RSHS) are proud to spotlight two of our important clubs on campus A.S.B. and the Interact Club (sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pico Rivera).

These clubs work collaboratively to provide activities that encourage school pride, self-worth, and a desire to become future leaders.

“CHOICES” Conference @ Rio Hondo College

RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Conference

ASB & Interact Club members serving the community @ Heart of Compassion Thanksgiving Food Giveaway

From Our Education Center The SEBS Program is proud to announce their new home!

Starting this summer, this fantastic program will be located on the ever expanding campus of the El Rancho Education Center.

For more information about the SEBS program, please visit our website www.elranchoeducationcenter.org, and click on the SEBS tab, or call our offices at (562) 801-5009.

The Adult Transition Program (ATP)

For more information... ...El Rancho Education Center 9515 Haney Street Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5009 elranchoeducationcenter.org

The Adult Transition Program (ATP) is excited to be completing it’s first year at it’s new home - the campus of the El Rancho Education Center!

The students and staff make the atmosphere on campus bright and promising for everyone in the program, as well as for those from the community who interact with the students on a daily basis. This year has been a milestone for the program; Pictured are the incredibly dedicated students students have participated in (including the newly elected ASB Representatives, several unique activities such as Valerie Paez and Gilbert Cardenas) and enjoying exercise classes with staff of the ATP “Wolves”. the City of Pico Rivera’s Parks and Recreation, attending The Abilities Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, volunteering at The Rabbit Rescue animal shelter in Paramount, and travelling to Mascota Bakery in Los Angeles and Chinatown on field trips.

For more information about the ATP program, please visit our website www. elranchoeducationcenter.org, and click on the ATP tab, or call our offices at (562) 801-5009.

Pictured left to right and seated are the ASB Representatives, Josh Rangel and Vincent Moreno for the students of the SEBS “Wolves” (mascot).

Standing is the dedicated certificated and classified team of Everett Moore, Rachel Villalobos, Scarlett Tovar, Chuck Collings, Inger Johnson-Quezada, Mia Leos, and Christopher Mireles.

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EL RANCHO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

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9333 Loch Lomond Drive, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 942-1500  www.erusd.org

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From Our Education Center The El Rancho Education Center’s Innovative Approach to Centralized Services!

Through a series of partnerships with local and outside agencies, the El Rancho Education Center (EREC) was launched in August 2012 for the students and community of Pico Rivera. The Center encompasses the former adult school and continuation school campuses and is conveniently located across the street from El Rancho High School. Currently, EREC facilitates approximately 22 in house and collaborative programs! For a thorough listing and description of all programs, please visit: www.elranchoeducationcenter.org.

We are extremely enthusiastic that the El Rancho Education Center hosts the following programs: GED prep and GED testing CTE Business Career Pathways ESL through Rio Hondo College High School Credit Recovery through online access with APEX

Parent Education: Mommy and Me at North and South Ranchito Adult Transition Program (ATP), Chuck Collings, Principal Social Emotional Behavior Supports Program (SEBS), Chuck Collings, Principal Independent Study (K-12) State Preschool Services, Roberta Gonzalez, Principal Career and Transition Resource Center Employment Development Department (EREC Career Resource Center) SASSFA (EREC Career Resource Center) Tri-Cities ROP (Health Careers – Secondary and Adult) Student Services, Dora Soto-Delgado, Coordinator Mental Health Liaison

For more information... ...El Rancho Education Center 9515 Haney Street, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5009  elranchoeducationcenter.org

Mental Health Counselor Evidence Based Programs Facilitator SCADP (alcohol and drug counseling) Adaptive Physical Education offices School Police offices Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (after school tutoring K-12) Online courses through Boston Reed and Ed-2-Go

Check out the Education Center! Stop by or see our website: www.elranchoeducationcenter.org

Did you know...

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program El Rancho Unified School District has implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program through the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative. This program is the best known, evidence-based bullying prevention program. The program is designed to educate K-12 students, staff, and families on identifying and reporting the various forms of bullying.

Over 1,000 administrators, teachers, counselors, maintenance workers, food service workers and other staff have been trained.

El Rancho Unified School District is committed to creating safer schools where students continue to thrive, learn, and develop.

Crime Line Assisting School Safety (C.L.A.S.S.) The El Rancho Unified School District has employed a vehicle for students to have the ability to report crimes. The Crime Line Assisting School Safety (C.L.A.S.S.) is an anonymous crime reporting system. It can be accessed through Facebook, Twitter, and email.

The information goes directly to law enforcement smart phones to allow them to act immediately.

The district is eager to employ this new, safe, and secure method of crime reporting for the well-being of its community.