Back to School

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Glendale News-Press

The Largest Back to School Section in the Verdugos

The Largest Back to School Section in the San Gabriel Valley

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

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Rising to the Challenge and Excelling Together

By Vivian Ekchian

Superintendent Glendale Unified School District

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he Glendale Unified Board of Education, our district administrators, teachers and staff, and I are excited to welcome students back for what promises to be a unique school year. Though our first day of school looked very different from prior years, we are working hard to create a safe, engaging learning experience where students will thrive. As we start our school year in a distance learning environment, our school and district leaders remain relentlessly focused on three guiding principles: 1. Keep students at the center — focus on learning recovery, build relationships with students and families, and provide social-emotional support 2. Continue to focus on equity — address needs of all students,

Vivian Ekchian

including students with special needs, English learners, low-income students, foster/homeless youth, and historically underrepresented student groups 3. Address the needs of teachers and staff — support professional and social-emotional needs of educators and staff Over the summer, we have

refined our educational tools and training for teachers, building on our experiences from our quick pivot to distance learning in the spring and our successful and well-received summer session, and using essential practices shared by our outstanding teachers. We are developing structured instructional schedules, which will include daily interactions with teachers and peers, assignments, assessments and feedback. The new school year kicked off on Aug. 19 with exciting, virtual first day activities to immediately engage our students and lay the foundation for our teachers to begin building meaningful relationships.

Elementary-age students will be provided the opportunity to participate in on-campus, supervised Technology Learning Pods during the regular school day.

Technology Learning Pods will provide child care and in-person support in a small group environment, strictly adhering to all state laws and public health guidelines. The district will also provide daily meals and Chromebooks and hot spots to all students who need them. These vital resources will support our students and families, creating an equitable learning environment that promotes social, emotional and academic learning for all children.

Glendale Unified will continue to shine as we rise to the challenge this year and offer a robust and dynamic education for every student. I, along with our board members and school and district leaders, remain committed to elevating student voices, supporting our educators and staff, and partnering with our families and community to continuously improve. We regularly engage our stakeholders in working groups

focused on sharing essential practices, preparing students for success in college and career, fostering inclusive environments, promoting health and wellness,

and ensuring culturally relevant and responsive education for all children. We are excelling together to prepare our youth for success in college, career and life.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

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Glendale Council PTA Keeping Connections Strong

By Rebecca Johnson PTA President Glendale Council

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Health Parents Forum focusing on students’ social and emotional needs at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 27, at facebook.com/glendaleusd. We are also developing other family engagement opportunities.

Meanwhile, our school PTAs are busy preparing for online meetings, planning virtual events and kicking off the National PTA Reflections Art program to offer students the opportunity to showcase

lendale Council PTA is pleased to welcome everyone back to the school year. While we aren’t greeting students, parents and teachers in the traditional fashion due to these Rebecca Johnson unusual circumstances, we look forward to connecttheir talents. ing school communities in new, virtual and Please support our mission to positively exciting ways. impact lives of all children and families by Glendale Council PTA proudly represents joining your school’s PTA — or any or all of 24 PTAs within the Glendale Unified School our school PTAs — today. Your membership District and supports them with training, not only assists the schools here in Glenresources and programs to enhance and dale and La Crescenta, but helps advocate enrich their schools. for youth and families at state and national In just one example of our collaboration, levels. Find out more at glendalepta.org. we are working with GUSD on a Mental

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 afford-

able.

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 said. 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

Mayfield Junior Looks at the Whole Child

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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

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

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Flintridge Sacred Heart Introduces Hybrid Learning

La Salle College Preparatory Sets the Standard

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a Salle College Preparatory is where students discover their path to excellence. Through our world-class academic courses, including 22 AP courses and 13 honors courses, or any one of our high-quality co-curriculars — award-winning visual and performing arts and media programs, honor and service societies, dozens of student clubs or championship-caliber athletic teams — we are committed to offering our students unique and valuable opportunities to learn, serve and lead.

Nestled in the beautiful San Gabriel foothills, La Salle’s campus is a safe and comfortable modern college

preparatory environment. Our diverse student community — the only coeducational, private Catholic high school in Pasadena — prepares students to excel in tomorrow’s world. Through the Blakeslee Learning Commons, students are able to work collaboratively in study rooms equipped with SMART technology. The innovation and design lab enables our students to work with 3-D printers, laser cutters and GPS technology. The fitness center features top-of-the-line cardiovascular, strength and conditioning machines. As part of an $800,000 fundraising initiative for our STEAM program, we will also unveil newly redesigned science labs.

La Salle College Preparatory President: Perry Martin Principal: Courtney Kassakhian 3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena 91107 (626) 351-8951 lasallehs.org Perry Martin

Courtney Kassakhian

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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

Deeper Learning at Sequoyah School

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

Center for Children Provides Hybrid Learning

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he most truly interesting problems in the world are not confined to one subject area,” says Sequoyah School’s Director of Curriculum Emily Singer. In describing how Sequoyah has always emphasized an interdisciplinary approach to learning, Singer noted that teachers often engage students in project-based learning to tease out the multifaceted issues that must be considered. She also pointed out that asking students to apply knowledge and concepts to real-world issues motivates deeper learning and hones skills. Students not only gather information and test their ideas, but they make mistakes and regroup to try again. These are key skills in developing persistence and resilience.

Sequoyah’s High School Director Marc Alongi explained: “Thinking about one’s own thinking improves and reinforces learning. There are a variety of ways to approach this type of practice.”

In the K-8 program, students prepare portfolios, collecting meaningful examples of their work to present to their classmates. When asked about an interdisciplinary Josh Brody approach, he explained high school faculty want students to ask themselves, “What specific ideas did they find most fascinating? Why? How did that expand their curiosity? Did they act upon that curiosity and in what way?

What new intellectual connections have they made and where will their learning go from here?” They answer those questions in a formal process at key points during the school year. In these ways, Sequoyah’s K-12 curriculum is designed to facilitate connections and foster deeper learning.

Sequoyah School Head of School: Josh Brody 535 S. Pasadena Ave., Pasadena 91105 (626) 795-4351 High school campus: 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena 91103 (626) 441-2076 sequoyahschool.org

erving the needs of our greater community has always been the mission of Center for Children. Though this year’s pandemic has stunted much of our daily lives, the opportunity to create some sense of normalcy for families and their children has opened up in the form of distance learning on campuses. For this reason, we are excited to present our Distance Learning Academy. Following the Glendale Unified School District school day, we will have students on campus in groups of no more than 10 from 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and provide after-school care from 2:30-6 p.m.

Mixed within the online learning, we will provide recess, small breaks and additional activities. After-school care will be a welcome break from screens with outside time, crafts, games and social-distance friendly group activities. Please be advised that with our after-school care we are only allowed to provide care to children in our

Distance Learning Academy or those children completing online learning from home. We are looking forward to partnering with parents and the GUSD community as a whole this coming fall. For those with child care needs for children from 8 weeks to pre-K, we still have room available in our Infant, Toddler & Preschool programs.

La Crescenta Presbyterian Church Center for Children Director: Pat Chambers 2902 Montrose Ave., La Crescenta 91214 (818) 249-8124 center4children.com Pat Chambers

“Nine-tenths of education is encouragement.”

- Anatole France

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

YWCA Glendale Offers Programs for Girls 8-15

WCA Glendale invites girls in our community to attend our 202021 school year programs: Girls Circle (ages 12-15) and TechGRYLS (ages 8-11). The Girls Circle model is a structured support group that integrates relational theory, resiliency practices and skills training in a specific format designed to increase positive connection, personal and collective strengths and competence in girls. Our TechGYRLS activities include coding camps, career presentations and robotics workshops to

inspire girls to dream big and pursue careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

Programming is free and registration is required.

YWCA Glendale CEO: Tara Peterson 735 E. Lexington Drive, Glendale 91206 (818) 242-4155 glendaleywca.org

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

now Open & accepting applications

Where Children Excel and Learn

Celebrating 23 years of Excellence

We provide pre-school services for children of 18 months to 5 years old OpEn YEar-rOund

Webcam coverage indoor and outdoor 3212 La Crescenta avenue, Glendale, Ca 91208 818.957.1517 • www.BrightStartCDC.com

Offering Infant care 3 months to 18 months Come visit us 818-957-1517 director@brightstartcdc.com

DownloaD our app

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

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Stratford School Unveils Its Plans for Fall S

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-to-campus 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 several teach-

ing 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.

ful 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 informaOnward With Optimism! tion evolves. This continued focus As communities begin to open back up, it is important to be mind- 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 the creativity and inven-

tiveness 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.

Judy Burbank

Candi Schreuders

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

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

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

Why High Point Academy?

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elcome to High Point Academy, an independent, coeducational kindergarten-8th grade school, nestled in the beautiful foothills of Pasadena. What makes High Point unique? Our mission is dedicated to awakening the joy of learning in each student and inspiring every student to reach his/her fullest potential in a close-knit, nurturing, collaborative, and stimulating community of caring and learning.

We share a long-standing, unwavering commitment to provide academic excellence and to develop and nurture the “Whole Child” (academic, social, emotional, ethical, physical). Our dedicated and talented faculty provides a strong, challenging and engaging curriculum that, in addition to the core academics, includes Spanish or French, vocal and instrumental music, visual arts and

design, library, the latest in technology and innovation, and daily physical education. High Point’s graduates gain entrance into acclaimed independent high schools, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars in merit scholarships for their academic excellence and achievement.

High Point’s website will provide you a snapshot of our school and allow you to sign up for a tour to visit our diverse, dynamic, close-knit community.

Experience firsthand why High Point’s engaging K-8 curriculum instills self-confidence, good character, and an incredibly strong and vibrant academic foundation.

High Point Academy Head of School: Gary Stern 1720 Kinneloa Canyon Road, Pasadena 91107 (626) 798-8989 | highpointacademy.org Gary Stern

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

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