Highlights, Spring 2014

HIGHLIGHTS

From El Rancho Unified

A SEASONAL PUBLICATION OF THE EL RANCHO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT § SPRING 2014

El Rancho Unified School District is Emphasizing the “E” in STEM Recently, El Rancho Unified celebrated engineering week across the district.

This issue will highlight many of the innovative and inspiring activities engaging our students. We recognize the importance of advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education in our schools, and that our students deserve engaging academic rigor that will enable them to compete in, and be a productive contributor to, a dynamic 21st century economy.

What separates STEM from the traditional science and math education is the blended learning environment that shows students how the scientific method can be applied to everyday life. It teaches students computational thinking and focuses on the real world applications of problem solving. According to a report by the website STEMconnector.org, by 2018, projections estimate the need for 8.65 million workers in STEM-related jobs. The manufacturing sector faces an alarmingly large shortage of employees with the necessary skills — nearly 600,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2018, the bulk of STEM careers will be: Computing – 71 percent Traditional Engineering – 16 percent Physical sciences – 7 percent Life sciences – 4 percent Mathematics – 2 percent With the implementation of Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, now is the time to help our schools develop robust and coordinated STEM programs and opportunities that are relevant and engaging to all students.

Roxane Fuentes, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services

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

Board of Education Dr. Aurora R. Villon, President § Jose Lara, Vice President Alfred Renteria, Clerk § Delia Alvidrez, Member Rachel Canchola, Member

Martin Galindo, Superintendent

Project Lead the Way in ERUSD In the 2014 – 2015 school year, ERUSD will launch Project Lead the Way (PLTW) at all of our secondary schools. Project Lead The Way offers a different approach to learning and teaching. Through activity-, project-, and problem-based curriculum, PLTW gives students a chance to apply what they know, identify problems, find unique solutions, and lead their own learning. For teachers, their engaging, rigorous professional development model provides tools to empower students, and transform the classroom into a collaboration space where content comes to life. PLTW curricular programs include PLTW Gateway to Technology (Middle School Pathway), and PLTW Engineering (High School Pathway). Stay tuned to ERUSD and our STEM integration, advancing our students into the 21st century!

“WHEN STUDENTS UNDERSTAND HOW EDUCATION IS RELEVANT TO THEIR LIVES AND FUTURE CAREERS, THEY GET EXCITED. INVOKING EXCITEMENT IS WHAT PLTW DOES ON A REGULAR BASIS AND THE REASON OUR STUDENTS ARE SUCCESSFUL.” – www.PLTW.org

Congratulations!

Principal of the Year Burke Middle School Principal, Elias Vargas was recently selected by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) as Middle School Principal of the Year for Region XV. ACSA Region XV is comprised of 56 districts and 23 charters throughout Los Angeles County and for the first time ever, El Rancho's very own was selected as the recipient of this award. Elias Vargas was first nominated by different administrators from the Whittier area, and the final selection for this award was made by a panel of administrators from all over Los Angeles County. Mr. Vargas will be recognized and receive this award at the region's awards banquet in Burbank at the end of April. In addition, Mr. Vargas’ name moves forward as a Nominee for the State of California Administrator of the Year Award. This is an outstanding honor and recognition for the school and the district.

From Our Elementary Schools The Alice M. Birney Dad’s Club The Birney Dad’s Club was formed back in the 1950s as a group of dads who wanted to support and contribute to Birney Elementary.

Organizing events for the students, families and community became the core mission of the club. For more than 65 years, the club’s members have provided many opportunities for achievement, character and citizenship building, recreation, and fostering pride in school and community.

Currently the Dad’s Club carries on many Mr. Martin Galindo - Superintendent, Mr. Kendall Goyenaga - Principal, honored traditions. Club members can be Mr. Leonard Atencio - Teacher/BDC Treasurer, Mr. Randy Flores - BDC President, seen at the school’s yearly Fall Carnival, Ms. Christine Saavedra - BDC Member, Mr. Daniel Ruiz - WASA President selling tickets, helping staff, serving students and the community, and providing security in their bright orange vests. On Christmas Eve, the Dad’s Club teams with local organizations to deliver gifts to special needs children throughout the city. On the last day before winter break the Club visited every classroom at Birney and delivered a gift bag for every student. Each year representatives of the Dad’s Club attend the El Rancho High School Scholarship awards banquet to proudly award scholarships to graduating seniors who are also former Birney Bulldogs. On average, the club awards between $5,000 and $6,000 in scholarships each year. Over the last 10 years Birney Dad’s Club has given out over $50,000 in scholarships to El Rancho High School students.

Today new traditions are being made, with the Dad’s sponsoring popular events such as Wii Dance Night, Family Sports Night, inviting food trucks to school events, and helping to run the school wide Fun Day in May. The Club continues to build on its mission of family, education, and community. This year El Rancho USD is proud to recognize the Birney Dad’s Club as the recipient of our Community Service Award.

The Road to College Starts at Birney

Mrs. Castanon - Principal at Magee, Dr. Ventura-Rincon - AP at El Rancho HS, and Ms. Fuentes - Assistant Superintendent listen to student presentations.

One of the main goals of the new Common Core State Standards is to address and reflect the knowledge and skills that our students need for success in college and careers. At Birney, it is our desire to provide our students the necessary foundations upon which they will build their lives, and develop their character and their academic readiness skills in preparation for college. That is why we believe the "Road to College Starts at Birney."

Recently our students had the opportunity to research and study information about specific colleges and universities assigned to each of our classrooms. As a culminating activity to their research students had to prepare a college corner in their classrooms and present their information to a panel of site and district administrators. Many of the projects embedded student essays, drawings, technology, and the university's "fight song." Their presentations were done as a class or in small groups, and all students from our Transitional Kinder to our 5th Grade participated. In our development of a college going culture we want students to learn about For more information... options for their future, careers and the education they require; our goal is for students to believe they ...Birney Elementary School can have a great future, and that they can plan and prepare for many options leading to a creative and 8501 Orange Avenue, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 productive life after high school.

(562) 801-5153  be.erusd.org

1st Grade students present on Harvard University

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Magee Elementary Magee has welcomed 2014 with many magnificent activities! Students have been busy learning and teachers are even busier teaching! And, somehow we have managed to squeeze some fun in between lessons, tests, and projects.

Our Science Olympiad team competed at the 28th Los Angeles County Competition.

Thanks to the dedication of their coaches, Ms. Hidalgo and Mr. Knapp, our students’ hard work and effort paid off by bringing home a bronze medal!

For more information...

We were also very fortunate to welcome two engineers who came to speak to our 4th and 5th grade girls during National Engineer Week, which was February 17th-22nd.

Our students learned about the different facets in the field of engineering and we are hoping that our students were inspired to pursue a career in engineering!

PTO organized our 2nd Annual In-n-Out Night and we were able to enjoy some delicious food with our family and friends. As a special treat, we were able to have a group of Aztec dancers perform on the outdoor stage. It was great to see them dance and hear the music!

The majority of our families were able to come and have lunch with their student during our Annual Lunch with Someone Special. With warm weather and music playing, our students enjoyed lunch, and even a quick Frisbee game with their “someone special” making it a memorable experience for all.

...Magee Elementary School Our students can’t 8200 Serapis Avenue slow down… in the Pico Rivera, CA 90660 classroom or on the (562) 801-5000  me.erusd.org track! Our students had a wonderful time while they ran during our Sweetheart Relay on Valentine’s Day. From PK to 5th grade, all students ran and supported each other as friends, family, and staff cheered them on to complete the race!

Thanks to the cooperation and dedication of our parents, students, and educators, Magee continues to “bring out the best” in everyone!

Preschool News State Preschool Goes High Tech!

Technology is revolutionizing the way children learn; and ERUSD’s preschool classrooms are no exception! The ERUSD Early Learning Program is launching a new technology based phonics program to teach children to read and prepare them for success in kindergarten.

Each of the 10 preschool classrooms across the District has been equipped with iPad minis to access “Pup’s Quest for Phonics,” a high-quality, research-based reading app.

The Pup’s Quest app guides children through a delightful, animated world and uses cutting-edge educational technology including voice recognition and touch screen features to teach children letter names, letter sounds, and strategies for reading simple words.

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.

ERUSD preschool students are giving the new iPads and the reading app rave reviews. The program’s main character, Professor Pup, won over Rio Vista preschool student Brooklyn Torres. After viewing the app’s super catchy “Sound Song” for the first time, she remarked, “I like his bow tie!”

Curricular reforms over the past five years have placed the El Rancho Unified School District’s Early Learning Program at the forefront of advancements in early childhood education. The Program’s recent acquisition of iPads and Pup’s Quest will align the Early Learning Program with K-12 efforts and ensure that preschool students have access to the most current technological resources to assist their learning.

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From Our Elementary Schools Engineering Week at Rio Vista

Engineering Eagles

Rio Vista celebrated engineering week with a blast! Science Club students have been working hard preparing for the LA County Science Olympiad.

Team members demonstrated projects ranging from a race car built entirely out of pasta, to extreme tower creations, to tennis ball launching catapults.

Others explained the scientific skills they used to decipher the clues with science or study the classification of animals.

Rivera Elementary School Eagles soared this year for Engineering Week with lots of hands-on activities, as well as a special visit from an expert in engineering from JPL to get the students excited about science.

Engineering Week special guest presentation On Thursday, Mr. Eric Aguilar, an El Rancho graduate and current JPL engineer spoke with our 3rd-5th grade students about the path to a career in engineering. He described the different types of engineers and the roles and projects that they work on. He brought models and examples of the components used on the Mars Rover project that his team had played a part. Mr. Aguilar showed that it takes a lot of teamwork to make a project a success. He explained how the team must test and try again over and over until they know that it will work.

Second graders dabbled in a little physics designing and creating their own catapults, culminating in an afternoon of paper warfare to test their prototypes. Students learned the importance of engineering, as they launched their own airplane designs, challenging each other to races of speed and distance.

They also put those engineering skills to use as they designed their own paratroopers, and the 1st graders built towers with shapes to see who could build the highest tower.

Students ended the week with some hands on science and design activities.

During lunch time students designed, decorated and built water bottle rockets. Using drink bottles as a fuselage, students added wings, fins, nose cones and decorations. Then, students put their ideas to the test with a live launch party. The crowd of students joined together to count down the launch of each rocket. With each launch everyone learned a little more as to what makes a successful rocket.

For more information...

As we cheered the rockets skyward ...Rio Vista Elementary School it left us wondering, who will be the 8809 Coffman-Pico Road next El Rancho student to send Pico Rivera, CA 90660 something into space?

(562) 801-5049  rve.erusd.org

4th graders showed their engineering and chemistry skills creating and exploding their own volcanoes. They came up with just the right chemical formula for maximum ooze and explosive fun. At the same time, the 5th graders dug deep into geology, analyzing and identifying rocks and minerals. They found that the Earth is also a little buggy. They were able to study the bugs and even have them crawl all over them. Creepy!

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The week concluded with a special visit from expert engineer, Eric Aguilar, who works on the Mars rover project at JPL. Students in grades 4 and 5 were able to learn about the work of real engineers and the vast number of fields engineers encompass. Students were able to touch and manipulate real materials used on the For more information...

Mars Rover. The first person on Mars just ...Rivera Elementary School may be a Rivera Eagle!

7250 Citronell Avenue, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5095  re.erusd.org

From Our Middle Schools Burke MS @ Robotics Competition

Rivera Middle School

At Burke Middle School our students are benefiting from our new Engineering/ Robotics elective class. Students are learning the basics of Coding and Computer Programming, in addition to learning the foundations for engineering by constructing robots with the use of VEX robotics kits. The students are able to learn hands on and work collaboratively in small groups as they put their knowledge of science and mathematics to use by constructing these robots and ultimately programming them for operation. Four of our students were selected to compete at the VEX Robotics Competition in Bakersfield, CA. These 8th grade students participated in the competition on Saturday, February 1st. Although they had minimal time to prepare because of the short notice, the Burke Middle School team placed 8th out of 26 middle schools. Mr. Tor Ormseth, the BMS math teacher who worked with the students, was very proud of their success at the competition. He stated, “Students are highly engaged and

excited about our new engineering For more information... program!” ...Burke Middle School 8101 Orange Avenue Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5059  bms.erusd.org

RMS started new computer applications electives this year. In this new class is a general survey class that covers a number of computer topics to prepare students for high school computer courses. The course varies with difficulty and depth depending on the grade level but generally all three grades (6th – 8th) cover the same topics. The topics covered include generic hardware features of computers, general software notes, a brief history of the development of the computer and the internet, internet search strings and basics, basic Microsoft Word, basic Microsoft Excel, basic Microsoft Office, and basic keyboarding. Students are given quizzes, tests, and internet activities based on these topics as well as reading assignments in the field of computer science. Students are also required to create and present a presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint on a reasonable topic of their choice.

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

Mr. Tor Ormseth, Nicholas Shumaker, Jessica Bedolla, Ashley Gutierrez and William Maciel

North Park Middle School Participates in National Engineer’s Week!

All week long, North Park Lancers learned about the exciting world of engineering. The AVID students presented the top ten careers in engineering and discussed the colleges students should attend to earn that dream job! Math and Science classes practiced being engineers and learned how to build tall structures that don’t topple over and flying contraptions that keep precious cargo safe. Students got to hear from Daniela Alvarez, a senior at Cal Poly Pomona who is completing her degree in aerospace engineering. She shared her college experiences with our students.

We concluded our week with a very special event for the girls of North Park Middle School: Introduce a Girl to Engineering. This national movement shows girls how creative and collaborative engineering is and how engineers are changing our world. On February 20th 150 students, selected by their teachers, were treated to breakfast and a special presentation by Wendy Menendez, an engineer for the United States Navy. North Park’s girls learned about the exciting opportunities that a career in engineering can offer. Ms. Menendez works with the satellites stationed on naval ships across the country. She showed our students that with hard work and determination, you can have the career of your dreams!

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For more information... ...North Park Middle School 4450 South Durfee Avenue, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5137  npms.erusd.org

From Our High School College and Career Ready at The Ranch!

Boys Soccer Wins Del Rio League Championship

One of our main goals at ERHS is for students to graduate having met the requirements to enter a 4-year higher education institution. Beyond that, our goal is for students not only to be prepared to enter, but to also have the skills and graduate from a 4-year institution and enter the workforce.

With that goal in mind, we are working hard at The Ranch to prepare our Dons to be college and career ready.

Congratulations to the Varsity Boys Soccer team. For the 9th consecutive year, they are the Del Rio League Champions. They finished the season Thursday afternoon with a 2-1 win over La Serna, and a final league record of 6-2-2.

Congratulations to the Varsity Boys Soccer team!

We are expanding our offerings at ERHS to include more pathways that will allow students to explore career options while they are in high school. For years, we have offered a variety of options for our students.

We will continue to offer courses in child development, administration of justice and forensics, patient care and culinary arts. We will be expanding our offerings in healthcare and hospitality so that our students can more thoroughly explore those pathways. Starting in Fall 2014, students will be able to enroll in the first Sports Medicine course at ERHS!

Girls Basketball Wins Del Rio League Championship El Rancho High School defeated visiting La Serna, 67-29, for its second consecutive co-championship in the final game of the season. The Varsity Girls Basketball team beat La Serna at home 67-31. The win secures a 5050 share of the league title.

In the coming years, we will be launching two new pathways: Engineering and Biomedical Science. This fall we will be starting the Engineering Pathway, beginning with the Introduction to Engineering Design course, using the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum. In fall 2015, we will launch a second new pathway, Biomedical Sciences which will begin with the Principles of Biomedical Science course that also follows the PLTW curriculum. These two new pathways will be open to our incoming 9th grade students in 2014 and 2015. The pathways will be project-based and highly interactive. Students will complete projects and work hands-on to learn the foundational concepts for engineering and biomedical science.

They will explore careers in these areas and learn in the context of realworld problems. Information about our new pathways will be posted on the ERHS website, the Don Page.

Congratulations to our Lady Dons!!!!

ERHS Academic Decathlon News Academic Decathlon, a ten-event scholastic competition designed to include students from all achievement levels, is keeping a tradition of excellence alive and well at El Rancho High School.

At the L.A. County competition earlier this year, our team placed 11th overall, earned 15 medals total, and received an invitation to the distinguished state competition in March for the 6th year in a row.

Most recently, our team traveled to Sacramento to participate in the California Academic Decathlon competition our team placed first in Division III, earned a silver medal in the Super Quiz competition and earned 23 medals for individuals. Our For more information... team significantly improved their score and yet again proved dulce et decorum est Don, it is sweet and fitting to be a Don!

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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 Focus on STEM at Ruben Salazar High School

grades! RSHS also offers graphic arts classes that empower students with the technological tools necessary to compete in the 21st century. Students learn how to use various programs such as Microsoft Word, Power Point, Seashore, Pages and Keynote. Students use digital imaging software to create projects such as posters, CD and book covers to name just a few.

Finally, RSHS works in partnership with Rio Hondo Community College to offer an Administration of Justice class with a special emphasis on crime scene investigations and forensic science. RSHS looks forward to the future as it continues to integrate STEM throughout its curriculum in order to help students make a smooth transition from high school to the increasingly STEM driven world.

Ruben Salazar High School works diligently to prepare students for the future through its continued focus on STEM. Students are introduced to the wonders of science through hands-on participation in various labs, dissections and other projects. In addition, technology is embedded throughout the curriculum through the use of state of the art interactive boards, an updated media center and new Chromebooks and Mac Minis.

The students at RSHS are taught how to utilize technology in order to communicate with teachers regarding lessons, projects and of course their

For more information... ...Ruben Salazar Continuation High School 9115 Balfour Street, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (562) 801-5021  schs.erusd.org

From Our Education Center SEBS Engineering Week Engineering Week kicked off with a BANG as students from the ATP and SEBS program worked together to Blast OFF balloons in an activity putting to work Newton's Laws of Motion.

The students engaged in friendly banter as they raced balloons across a designated path outside in the quad area at the Education Center.

Later that week, SEBS students welcomed Mr. Jesse Munoz, a USC Engineering graduate, who came to serve as a guest speaker. Mr. Munoz gave a highly interesting presentation on the value of math and science in the constantly advancing world.

Students asked thoughtful questions and enjoyed the pictures and videos he shared from his work at Northrop For more information...

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

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From Our Education Center

Text-A-Tip

Engineer’s Week at the Adult Transition Program (ATP)

Help us keep kids in school and the community safe. Use Text-A-Tip with any information that you might have regarding any suspicious or unsafe activities in, or near, our schools and within our community; such as bullying, drug use, student depression, fights, or truancy.

Text-A-Tip. It works. Text (562) 551-8472… that’s 551-TIP2. Thank you!

The students at the El Rancho Education Center (EREC) Adult Transition Program (ATP) had an exciting time celebrating Engineer’s Week. On campus and in the community, students conducted experiments in the field of rocket science. Newton’s laws of motion were one of the topics covered during the week with experiments such as the Balloon Blast-Off, an Egg Launch Challenge, and a Rocket Science Experiment. During the Balloon Blast-Off, students engaged in competitive balloon races which relied on air propulsion. Students were elated to see their balloon rockets accelerate down a raceway, relying upon the energy and engineering invested. The Egg Launch Challenge involved studentdesigned rocket ships which were launched from an elevated level to test the viability with which their raw egg passengers were protected. The students engaged in many trials which really pushed the rockets to their limits. Although some trials resulted in broken eggs, many were a great success. ATP students cheered for each egg that landed unscathed, as a result of their well crafted vessels.

The last experiment conducted on campus consisted of a rocket assembled with students which was propelled by a combination of white vinegar and baking soda. The first trial prompted the students to try again. With ceaseless determination, students conducted their second rocket launch. The rocket blasted off into the air as everyone watched in awe. It was a great success.

In addition, two different science-inspired Community-Based Instruction (CBI) trips were held. One trip was to the California Science Center and the other was to the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Students had a full day of education and training as they explored the science centers in Los Angeles. Many students had an opportunity to conduct experiments in the area of rocket science. Adult students were engaged in hands-on learning opportunities with the many experiments facilitated by the science centers. It is safe to say that everyone had a blast!

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