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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

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Bret Harte Elementary School

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William McKinley Elementary School

Independent Learning Academy

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Joaquin Miller Elementary School

Ralph Emerson Elementary School

The Largest Back to School Section in the San Gabriel Valley

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

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‘Excellence and Equity’ Are Focus for New Start

By Matt Hill Superintendent Burbank Unified School District

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elcome to the 2020-21 school year!

As we plan for the beginning of a new school year that is truly like no other we have seen in the past, our focus remains on providing “Excellence and Equity” for our students, parents and employees. At Burbank Unified, we strive to ensure that every child, every day is finding a way to feel connected, challenged by new learning and

Matt Hill

experiences, and guided with academic rigor and support.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged all of us to develop a new learning model. We greatly appreciate the dedication and expertise of our employees, the resilience of our students and the partnership with our parents.

Burbank is a special place, and we are lucky to have the opportunity to educate our future leaders in such a caring community.

The district created four committees comprised of parents, students, staff and board of education members to work on reopening plans for this fall:

(1) instruction, (2) social-emotional well-being, (3) family and community engagement, and (4) operations and health and safety. While the decision was made to begin the school year with a distance learning model, we all look forward to returning to in-person instruction when it is deemed safe.

The BUSD website is a great place to visit for important information, for example, school calendars, board of education meeting schedules, committee opportunities, etc. I encourage new and returning families to visit burbankusd.org and take a

tour. From the home page you can also subscribe to BUSDeNews emails and read my weekly updates in English, Spanish and Armenian.

I believe Burbank Unified is uniquely positioned to build on our reputation of excellence and equity, while partnering with local officials, our supportive business community, and the committed and hardworking members of the Burbank Council PTA, to provide our students with the best educational experience possible.

By continuing to work together, I am confident that we will build a stronger BUSD.

Burbank Board of Education Members

Board of Education members include: Roberta Reynolds, Steve Frintner, Armond Aghakhanian, Charlene Tabet and Steve Ferguson.

Burbank High School Associated Student Body 2020-21

John Burroughs High School Associated Student Body 2020-21

ASB President

Carmen Blanchard

ASB President

Nadaly Jones

ASB Vice President

Isabella Bowman

ASB Vice President

Melina Zelada

ASB Auditor

Natalie Bazik

ASB Auditor

Leoda Khosravi

ASB Secretary

Alina Indzheyan

ASB Executive Secretary

Paulynn Alipio

Senior Class President

Pavel Tantchev

ASB Legislative Secretary

Katie Kennedy

Senior Class VP

Elin Markarian

Senior Class President

Alyssa Valenzuela

Junior Class President

Shushanna Ter-Petrossyan

Senior Class Vice President

Dainava Petrulis

Junior Class VP

Johnny Agazaryan

Senior Class Treasurer

Sophie Bruno

Sophomore Class President

Serineh Ter-Petrossyan

Junior Class President

Jurnee Fuentes-Bumpus

Sophomore Class VP

Sara Aslo

Junior Class Vice President

Lucy Cerrato

Freshman Class Co-President

Alaleh Dolatshahi

Sophomore Class President

Laurel Piper

Freshman Class Co-President

Andranik Bilbuyan

Sophomore Class Vice President

Lindsey Mazarei

Events Commissioners

Ella Abedin, Elizabeth Kundibekian, Ana Pilavjyan

All-Purpose Commissioners

Emily Huerta, Aaron Schlossman

Student Faculty Commissioners

Paige Mazzola, Ida Danesh, Lily Piramzyan

Athletics Commissioners

Geo Garza, Lily Gonzalez, Chloe Kaitz

Philanthropy Commissioners

George Khalil, Rachel Tomasek, Ania Simonian

Community Liaisons

Tiffany Rodriguez, Priscilla Sandoval

Publicity Commissioner

Maddie Gomez, Alicia Cho, Galia Housepian

Events Commissioners

Vivi Cannon, Sofia Ferrel, Kai Lopez

Spirit Commissioners

Yazmin Razavi, David Manko, Isabella Gentile

Poster Commissioners

Linda Tam, Mia Terrano

Sport Commissioners

Max Mendieta , Yana Stepanyan, Ray Sanchez, Sophia Warren

Public Relations Commissioners

Wendy Garcia, Caroline Perez

Publicity Commissioners

Juliana Cobb, Malia Nagashiki, Kaylan Silva

All Purpose Commissioners

Danny Akopyan, Armen Lakisyan, Chris Concepcion, Celine Mansour

Recognition Commissioners

Tyler Cantrell, Marinna Salazar

Spirit Commissioners

Zach Arnold, Lexi Seale, Sophia Terrano

Student Store Commissioners

Ever Huerta, Sofia Remelius

Poster Commissioners

Amber Franco, Melanie Indzheyan, Yuliana Sekuifin, Mari Shahinyan, Emily Hasunuma, Katy Raytis, Emma Audette

Student/Faculty Representatives Bea Conwi, Hannah Fuentes “Tribe”

‘‘

Ryan Jaramillo, Jule Reader

Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.

- Bill Gates

’’

burbankleader.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

PTA Is the ‘Champion for Children’

Burbank Council PTA 2020-21 Executive Committee

By Wendi Harvel Burbank Council PTA President

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ugust is the time for backto-school shopping: buying new backpacks, school supplies and clothes. This year, instead of buying backpacks, we are buying headphones, room dividers and desks — things to help our students succeed during distance learning.

It is now, in this time of social distancing and separation, that our Parent Teacher Associations are needed more than ever. It is imperative to advocate for all children and ensure that our families are engaged and united when we cannot physically be together.

This is my second year as Burbank Council PTA President, and I know that our 16 local PTAs are ready for this challenge. They are looking for innovative ways to embrace new and existing members and will harness the power of social media to enhance communication and stay connected with

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President

Wendi Harvel

1st VP Leadership

Amy Kamm

2nd VP Membership

Lori Little

3rd VP Legislation and Advocacy

Erin Konstantine

Financial Secretary

Chris Molaro

Treasurer

Kelly Duenckel

Auditor

Marja Slaughter

Corresponding Secretary

Charlene Walters

Historian

Mona Slek

Parliamentarian

Kirsten Morris

Recording Secretary

Judy Crivelli

Wendi Harvel

our community.

Please, join your local PTA today, and know that we will raise our voices to support state and federal funding for schools, which will prevent layoffs, reduce class sizes, and protect essential programs and services our students need.

Include, Invite, Involve, Unite!

Want to support Burbank schools? Join all 16 of our PTAs today. Visit our website to become a “Champion for Children!” at BurbankCouncilPTA.org.

Social-Emotional Support for Students Is Always Available

By John Paramo Assistant Superintendent Educational Services and Sharon Cuseo Assistant Superintendent Instructional Services

S What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.

- George Bernard Shaw

tudents in Burbank Unified School District have full access to mental health-care services and preventative interventions while in distance learning through Family Service Agency of Burbank.

The school-based counseling, a 20-year partnership between BUSD, the city of Burbank and FSA, remains in full operation. In fact, it has never stopped. Students have been accessing services through the summer months. Family Service Agency is providing tele(mental) health care, gradually integrating virtual health as an option in the near future. Additionally, FSA’s Student CARE Centers remain in full operation.

Students may call or text (818) 333-6239 to make arrangements to come to the FSA site on Burbank Boulevard, or schedule a tele(mental) health session immediately. The school district

Burbank Educational Foundation BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ana Connell, president Annette Fiol Amy Kamm Linda Matsumoto Linda Rosen Elena Hubbell

Burbank Arts for All Foundation BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jill Vander Borght, co-chair Tom Vice, co-chair Freddy Jarjour Cathy Stevens Carrie Brown Bob Mohler Patrick Prescott Karen Broderick

Brenda Etterbeek Alexandra Helfrich Kevin McCarney Lili Rossi Caroline Ross Solberg Art St. Germain Karen Volpei-Gussow Suzanne Weerts

We hope you will join us in advocating for and investing in the next generation of thinkers, creators and doers. We can and we must build a better future for our community — together.

- Burbank Educational Foundation Burbank Arts for All Foundation

and FSA both recognize that students and their families have been isolated for several months and they may need assistance. We have services available to our students in Burbank and we are happy to provide these services because the health of students is our No. 1 priority.

PARENT DISTANCE LEARNING SUPPORTS

The instructional technology team has developed a website with parent resources. In addition, during the first week of school there were parent meetings in English, Armenian and Spanish to provide them with some tips for supporting students with distance learning. The school site staff and teachers are ready to help with Google Classroom and other educational programs. In order to assist parents with technology hardware issues, the technology department has also created a Google form on the district website for a parent to request assistance.

We look forward to continuing to support our students, parents and employees in this new learning model.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

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Start Your Career at Woodbury University E

stablished in 1884, Woodbury University is a small, private nonprofit institution known for its highly regarded School of Architecture; School of Business; School of Media, Culture & Design; and College of Liberal Arts. Its goal is to cultivate a personal, interactive learning environment that focuses on a practice-based education.

Situated in Burbank, at the heart of the creative and business economies, Woodbury’s location gives students the opportunity to intern and work alongside industry professionals at some of the largest companies in the world.

David Steele-Figueredo

Woodbury University President: David Steele-Figueredo 7500 Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank 91504 (818) 767-0888 | woodbury.edu

Glendale Community College Is Ready and Able

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eliable. Adaptable. Affordable. After more than 93 years of successfully educating the community, Glendale Community College has proven to be reliable.

When COVID-19 forced educators to transition to a remote learning environment, GCC deftly made the move in one week proving the college is adaptable. Through it all, GCC has remained affordable.

Whether you are looking to transfer to a four-year university, obtain valuable job skills, or are simply interested in personal enrichment, GCC is ready and able to help you reach your educational goals. The fall semester begins Aug. 31.

David Viar

Glendale Community College Superintendent/President: David Viar 1500 N. Verdugo Road Glendale 91208 (818) 240-1000 | glendale.edu

Flintridge Prep Opens School Year With Optimistic Outlook

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drive-thru Book Day is not what the Flintridge Prep faculty and administration had hoped for, but even before Gov. Newsom announced in July that private and public schools in L.A. County would not open for hybrid learning, plans were underway to make the day special with gifts and surprises for students and their parents in addition to the usual haul of textbooks.

Part of the plan includes the presence of Jim Pickett, who will greet families in his first official appearance as head of school. “The resiliency of our students is truly remarkable. I’ve heard tremendous stories of students supporting each other through the spring and summer,” he said.

In his opening letter to families, Pickett reinforced the feeling of optimism, noting that the administration has been preparing equally for three possible schooling options since the spring.

“The faculty are ready to move to a hybrid model of learning as soon as officials say we can, and we’re all looking forward to a safe return to school”, Pickett wrote. Faculty will be teaching within the recently completed Bachmann Collaboration Building, which houses an art studio, makerspace, science lab, conference spaces and classrooms, and emphasizes collaborative teaching and interdisciplinary learning.

Flintridge Prep Head of School: Jim Pickett 4543 Crown Ave. La Cañada Flintridge 91011 (818) 790-1178 | flintridgeprep.org Jim Pickett

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

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Stratford School Unveils Its Plans for Fall

tratford School is excited to welcome students back for the upcoming school year with safety in mind and plans for a flexible learning environment.

To date, they have established priorities aligned with the school’s mission and goals for students, created a return-tocampus plan, and are building support systems for several contingency plans. Here’s a preview of our plans for fall: STAYING TRUE TO STRATFORD’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES Safety The commitment to the health and safety of the school community is paramount. Stratford will abide by all state and local statutes, heed the advice of health organizations, notably the CDC, and maintain a clean and healthy environment within the schools.

Quality Academic Programs Depending on the final state and local statutes for this school year wherein shelter-in-place or reduced-occupancy mandates are imposed, teachers will be ready to transition to one of sev-

eral teaching and learning models, among them (1) a period of distance learning or (2) a hybrid of distance and on-campus learning (necessary, for example, if classroom capacity limits are imposed).

Commitment to Improvement School year 2020-21 teacher training will focus almost entirely on blended learning techniques — how to develop curriculum and programing with clear throughlines that seamlessly integrate traditional and modern teaching pedagogies, synchronous and asynchronous learning, in-person and digital experiences.

A Caring Atmosphere In all distance-learning interactions with students, the school bridges the digital gap with some playfulness, some fun, and other manifestations of care and connection. In advisory meetings and in academic classes, Stratford has incorporated elements that support social-emotional health.

Onward With Optimism!

As communities begin to open back up, it is important to

be mindful of potential messages around COVID-19 that may be confusing to children.

Introducing proactive, age-appropriate discussions about how school might look different when they start the new school year are important topics in which to engage and develop as information evolves. This continued focus around what

we do know about the virus and sharing the things that are within our control can help build confidence, and a level of comfort, in our children.

As we begin to plan for this upcoming school year, we are still driven by the mission and vision that attracted us to teaching in the first place, and we are reinvigorated by

Judy Burbank

Candi Schreuders

Stratford School Head of School: Judy Burbank 2046 Allen Ave., Altadena 91001 (626) 794-1000 stratfordschools.com/altadena

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the creativity and inventiveness unleashed in response to extraordinarily challenging circumstances. We will begin the school year grateful for the opportunity to teach and to learn as we move onward to an excellent future.

To learn more about Stratford School or to schedule a virtual tour, visit stratfordschools.com.

Stratford School Head of School: Candi Schreuders 1200 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles 90038 (323) 962-3075 stratfordschools.com/melrose

Mayfield Junior Looks at the Whole Child

t Mayfield Junior School our program is focused on the philosophy that each child is blessed with unique gifts and talents. We provide the skills and encouragement for each student to explore connections in the curriculum, discover new interests, and become a confident learner. At each stage in K-8, MJS balances academic achievement with creative opportunity and spiritual growth. Engaged and compassionate, our students find their passion and voice in life.

Mayfield was founded and is sponsored by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. Holy Child Schools pair religious and educational development within welcoming, diverse communities.

Students continuously benefit from an educational philosophy tried and tested around the world for more than 150 years.

Led by Head of School Joe Sciuto, Mayfield’s curriculum combines innovative K-8 programs with an emphasis on character development. “I am inspired by our school motto ‘Actions not words.’ Collectively, members of Mayfield’s community embrace this

and live it every day.”

Mayfield Junior School provides a joyful Holy Child community for students and families. As pioneers of whole child education, we believe a child’s time in kindergarten through 8th grade is formative. Choosing the right school during unprecedented times is crucial to ensuring that your child reaches their fullest potential.

At MJS, we are fully prepared to educate the whole child whether state and local guidelines permit on-campus or remote learning. Learn more about how Mayfield Junior School is responding to the wants of the age at mayfieldjs.org/EverForward.

Mayfield Junior School Head of School: Joe Sciuto 405 S. Euclid Ave. Pasadena 91101 (626) 796-2774 | mayfieldjs.org Joe Sciuto

burbankleader.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

Flintridge Sacred Heart Introduces Hybrid Learning

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lthough the educational landscape has been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy has viewed this challenge as an opportunity to refine its current best practices and develop new teaching methods. The school’s new flexible learning program allows teachers and students to switch seamlessly from on-site to online without any disruption to the class schedule. Though the future continues to be uncertain, Flintridge Sacred Heart is well prepared and confident to thrive in any scenario by offering a hybrid learning program for students to learn on campus, off campus, synchronously and asynchronously.

Since the end of the 2019-20 school year, 100% of the school’s faculty has engaged in deeper learning by partnering with OneSchoolhouse to design, build and teach courses that can easily transition to and from on-site and online. In addition, the new school schedule sets aside dedicated time to support the emotional well-being of each student. Each Wednesday, free of scheduled class time, students will be able to dive more deeply into their own spiritual and personal journeys while developing strong relationships with classmates and mentors.

Whether on campus, or learning from a distance, students will be able to participate in Masses, prayer services, retreats, clubs and co-curriculars.

As this upcoming school year begins

once again from a distance, Flintridge Sacred Heart’s mission of educating young women for a life of faith, integrity and truth will continue as it lives within the hearts of each talented and dedicated teacher.

Regardless of uncertain circumstances, the school will continue to provide an exceptional learning experience, empowering each student to find her voice and make positive change in the world.

Sister Celeste Marie Botello and Sister Carolyn McCormack

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy President: Sister Carolyn McCormack Principal: Sister Celeste Marie Botello 440 St. Katherine Drive La Cañada Flintridge 91011 (626) 685-8500 | fsha.org

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

Burbank Leader

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