Back to School by tgapen

www.southpasadenareview.com AUGUST 14, 2020

The Largest Back to School Section in the San Gabriel Valley

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FRIDAY, august 14, 2020

Virtual Doors Open on a Unique Year of Education By Geoff Yantz Superintendent South Pasadena Unified School District

elcome to the 2020-21 school year — a school year that certainly will be unique as we open our virtual doors this week. The runway leading up to the start of this school year has been eventful and challenging at times for everyone, but our team of SPUSD educators is moving forward and is encouraged by a fresh beginning full of new opportunities for students. The start of school is a chance for us to reflect on the district’s core values. This year is no exception. In fact, I would like to highlight an SPUSD motto that you may encounter on a regular basis because it appears on the front page of our website: Every Student — Every Opportunity — Every Challenge. We’re happy to report that we have reached Every Student within SPUSD by distributing Chromebooks before the start of the year. With a new one-to-one system in place, our students will be equipped to begin distance learning with a strong start. SPUSD teachers, counselors and aides will be interacting with every student, every day in a variety of ways, including through live interaction, synchronous and asynchronous instruction, and support. Every Opportunity for continuous learning within SPUSD will be given to our students as we continue to focus on improving ways for students to become active participants in the global

Geoff Yantz

community. This year, coursework related to the core subjects plus the arts, engineering, biomedical and computer science, and business/finance may look different than it has in years past, but teachers’ conscientious development of projects related to these subjects — especially in an online environment — continues to prepare students for college and career pathways of the future. Every Challenge that emerges will be thoughtfully discussed and reviewed by a team of educators, administrators, board members, parents and students when appropriate. Areas of concern such as instruction, health and safety, social-emotional wellness, family and community engagement, and operations issues will continue to be assiduously addressed throughout the year. Continuously monitoring changing circumstances and direction from governmental agencies will guide our path forward including a potential return to physical classrooms in the future. Our decisions will be based on data and science while keeping the safety of students

and employees as our first priority. Though not physically open at the start of the school year, many of our facility projects will be completed by the time we are able to return to school. Both the SPMS old gymnasium and the SPHS athletics facilities will be finalized in the next few months, creating a higher quality, safer environment and a more welcoming and enjoyable space for parents and the community. Let’s also take a moment to welcome our new faculty and staff members and offer to assist as everyone comes back to our various programs. Many of our team members work diligently throughout the summer. We appreciate everyone’s contributions including all of the hard work and determination put forth by our teachers who have been participating in professional development sessions focused on improving distance learning for our students. Our district continues to thrive because of the unwavering commitment from our amazing SPUSD employees, and we are eager to move forward on our path toward a successful school year. Please also consider supporting our SPEF, PTA, SPMS/ SPHS Booster clubs, and other school/classroom volunteer opportunities. Connecting with these organizations along with your students’ teachers, principals, counselors and support personnel is critical at this time to ensure that the tradition of a high-quality, public school education within South Pasadena continues now and in the future. I’m looking forward to a successful year ahead.

South Pasadena Council PTA: Support, Inspire, Connect — Now More Than Ever By Kathleen Baumann PTA President South Pasadena Council

elcome to the 2020-21 school year, South Pasadena families. Though we are starting the school year off campus due to the pandemic, I do believe our students, teachers and families will find creative ways to come together and thrive. These are unprecedented times, but PTA will continue to provide opportunities to support, inspire and connect. SP Council PTA would like to thank our community for the extraordinary support of our Back 2 Class fundraiser this summer. The funds will be delivered to the school district this month to support the PPE and safety requirements needed when our kids physically return to school. The generosity of our wonderful community inspires me. Connection during this time is more important than ever, and PTA is here to

Kathleen Baumann

facilitate that connection. Please look out for invitations to virtual Back to School coffees, PTA meetings, educational events and so much more. Thank you to each of our PTA/PTSA units at the elementary, middle and high schools. They are continuing to do the work of PTA with special consideration of the needs that students, staff and teachers have during this remarkable time. I appreciate your continued support of PTA as we navigate through the new school year. Be well.

South Pasadena High School

PTSA Envisions a Year of

Principal’s Welcome Message

Remarkable Strides

By Janet Anderson Principal South Pasadena High School

ince we’ve been in such constant communication over the past weeks, sending a welcome to families now seems as though the cart isn’t just in front of the horse; the horse is chasing the cart. Still, I want to officially welcome you to the new school year. I cannot express how grateful I am for your patience during our time of reimagining our school structures. In addition to your concerns about school and your children, I know that you are all dealing with the personal impacts from COVID-19 and the changes it has wrought. Still, I have found our families to be gracious and understanding throughout. People keep referring to this time with words like unprecedented, haunting and life-altering. Though it is all of those, I mostly find it weird. Still, as I have shared previously, we can look for the good that we can find amongst the bad — more family time, less emphasis on a rushed world, and a reconnection to personal and community values and outreach. Our kids have a choice to make in using the situation to develop resilience and flexibility. Still, sudden change comes with a price, so we will be offering many venues for a schoolhome connection through clubs, activities, communication, and social-emotional and counseling opportunities. Please encourage your children to join in, not only

Janet Anderson

with their academics, but also with the co-curricular and extra-curricular school engagement events. The other world-changing event of the summer that brings us hope for a better future is the renewed opportunity we have through the Black Lives Matter movement, to examine, consider, and act upon the societal need to emphasize equality and to promote self-reflection, both personally and institutionally. A group of our district administrators met throughout the summer for an intense and enlightening book study led by Dr. Narro from Monterey Hills School based upon “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi. Our school’s Anti-Bias Club has continued to meet and reach out to give voice to others, including being the force behind a new commemorative mural to be painted in South Pasadena. We look forward to inviting more students to work with the Anti-Defamation League in their anti-bias program after the school year gets underway. With the late summer surprise retirements of Mr. Mike

Hogan and Ms. Elinor Charlton, we do have some staffing changes. Our librarian, Ms. Wilkerson, is a health teacher, so she will assume the health portion of Ms. Charlton’s position. Ms. Andrea Fox, our internship coordinator will temporarily oversee our Tiger Newspaper program while we search for a permanent replacement, and Mr. Mark Zavidow from the English department is taking over the yearbook (Copa) responsibilities in Mr. Hogan’s place. I will save the nuts and bolts information for my calls and emails home, taking things one chunk at a time so as to not cause overload. Reflecting on the summer, I so appreciate the partnership of our PTSA and Booster Club and, of course, the amazing energy and preparation of our teachers and staff in this “summer that wasn’t.” There will be some hiccups as we tackle new innovations and practices, and I am confident that when we all assume best intent, we’ll make it through to the other side in a way that works well for all. After many years at each school in SPUSD and now half of them as the principal of SPHS, I think I’ve never been prouder of our district schools and community for working together with their focus always on what is best for our students. With that as our lens and shared commitment, we’re on the right track. As always, I can be reached at janderson@spusd.net, and I look forward to continuing our work toward our common passion, our kids. Go, Tigers!

By Jim Dowd PTSA President South Pasadena High School

elcome back, South Pasadena High School Tiger families. It is a great honor to represent such a great institution as PTSA president in 2020-21. SPHS is one of the premier high schools in the state, and our PTSA will do everything possible to support our students and teachers. Though this is not how we envisioned starting the school year, we will work together to make this the best experience possible. I am proud of how our many PTSA volunteers helped our organization continue to function smoothly since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. This academic year, which is the 101st for our PTSA, will look a little different. Just as the students and teachers will start off the year online, our volunteers are going virtual with parent programs, general and executive board meetings, social events and fundraising. For example, last May, we hosted a virtual webinar on the dangers of vaping with experts from USC and tips from our SPHS student peer mediators. We have two more virtual programs coming up, with “All Things SPHS” on Aug. 24 and an introduction to “Naviance” on

Jim Dowd

Sept. 28. We hope you can join us on ZOOM for these informative events. I would like to encourage all members of our SPHS family to join our PTSA. We encourage you to visit our revamped website at sphsptsa.net, where you can become a member and donate to PTSA and other SPHS-related groups. Even though the students are not physically in school, the PTSA will still be funding programs, including the Reflections Art contest, offering Student Club Mini-Grants and granting scholarships to our graduating seniors. Thank you to the South Pasadena community for your support over the past century. This year may be one of the most challenging, but our Tiger spirit will carry us through.

Don’t stress. Do your best. Forget the rest. - unknown

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020

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FRIDAY, august 14, 2020

SPMS Ready for Distance

United We Are

Learning and Beyond

Stronger Tiger Cubs! By Grace Kung PTA President South Pasadena Middle School

By Cheryl Busick Principal South Pasadena Middle School

elcome to the new school year, South Pasadena Middle School families. I never imagined that we would begin a school year without physically being in the building, but this is the reality for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. Our devoted SPMS teachers and staff have been preparing for distance learning throughout the summer. We are excited to partner with you during these critical years of your child’s life and during this unprecedented time in our history. As a parent of a senior at SPHS, I understand the challenges associated with distance learning and the disappointment that our children are feeling returning to school in the distance learning model, which is why our collaboration is even more critical. Family and community support and partnership are essential to student success, and together we can make the school year valuable for our kids. Virtual learning is new, and we are all learning together. The following information will serve as a guide to help you navigate all aspects of distance learning for middle school students. Students are expected to participate in school daily and follow the bell schedule. Unlike distance learning in the spring, teachers will be presenting live instruction daily, taking attendance, and will be assigning letter grades for assignments and tests, so please ensure your child engages daily. The schedule in each class may reflect short periods of live online learning throughout the day followed by time for independent learning activities. Though distance learning looks and feels different from in-person instruction, the program we have devel-

Cheryl Busick

oped will ensure that our students continue to meet the learning standard in all subjects during the time we are engaged in distance learning. They will work and interact with their classroom teacher(s) to achieve their educational goals. In addition to teacher-led instruction, students will experience opportunities to interact with other students in their class(es) via Google Meets or Zoom. It is important to take the time to get to know your child’s teachers and school staff, especially in this virtual space. We will provide opportunities for school-wide, grade level, and special areas of interest for parental support. Communication will be vital to our success this year, so please commit to staying connected to the classroom. Great schools are a direct reflection of the parent and teacher/school connection. WE NEED YOU! We need you to ensure your child is ready and prepared to learn daily. Therefore, get ready to “plug in” and partner with SPMS. We’re all in this together, and we look forward to partnering with you throughout our distance learning journey. Take care, stay healthy and Go, Tiger Cubs!

elcome to an exciting new 2020-21 school year. It truly will be a unique year unlike any other. With the current pandemic, we get an opportunity to chart a territory that is new to everyone. As a former Monterey Hills Elementary School PTA president and the previous South Pasadena Council PTA president, this new role of South Pasadena Middle School PTA president Grace Kung will be my most challenging yet, and I embrace it. dents receive at the beginning of the We may be uncertain about what the school year. This theme will carry us future holds, but as long as we rememthrough these unpreceber the mission of PTA — to dented times. Last Monpositively impact the lives day, Aug. 10, we hosted of children and families our first virtual 6th-grade — we will be fine. SPMS parent Zoom meeting with PTA will continue to be a nearly 300 attendees, our partnership between our biggest audience so far, dedicated parents, teachand learned so much from ers, administration and that experience. I thank staff. We all work together everyone for their underto enrich our children’s standing and patience. education and school With the start of school, experiences, and to unite we look forward to workour community. We do ing together to support this inclusively, by having our teachers and staff as conversations, developing they navigate this uncerprograms, activities and tain new world of eduraising funds to implement cation with our children. these plans. This year’s SPMS binder They will need all the help “United We Are Stronreminder cover “United We Are they can get. And, we as ger” is the theme of the Stronger” was designed by an parents will need support 2020-21 SPMS binder SPMS student. from each other, to stay reminder, which is the connected despite social distancing. planner that all middle school stu-

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020

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Arroyo Vista Wildcats

Connectivity Is No. 1

Are Stronger Together

at Arroyo Vista

By Kim Sinclair Principal Arroyo Vista Elementary School

By Karissa Adams PTA President Arroyo Vista Elementary Schoolo

elcome Back to School, Arroyo Vista Wildcats! I hope this message finds you and your family safe, healthy and ready the 2020-21 school year. We know this year will be unique, and we look forward to working with you to make it the best year ever. The AV teachers and staff have been working day and night to make sure the school year is filled with Arroyo Vista Wildcat traditions in a nontraditional way. I am confident your children’s school year will be one filled with meaningful learning, fun and kindness. Since we transitioned to online learning in the spring, Arroyo Vista teachers have worked diligently to develop new lessons and experiences specifically designed for a distance learning environment. In a virtual setting, teachers have worked to put structures in place to group students in smaller sections to allow for greater student participation. Teachers also worked collaboratively to create meaningful learning experiences in a distance learning environment, which will provide students with more engaging activities. The AV teaching team worked on ways to have your children partner with their classmates on project-based learning activities that promote collaboration, communication and problem-solving. Through these activities, your children will have the opportunity to respond through hands-on activities as well as written, video and audio submissions. The need for social-emotional support will also be a focus for the AV stu-

T Kim Sinclair

dents. Social-emotional learning and classroom community-building will be an important and a necessary part of the instructional day. These lessons and activities will include building friendships, supporting and relying on others, understanding empathy and living through trauma. Teachers will have time on Fridays to continue to engage in professional development and planning time with their colleagues. As we work through the year, teachers will continue to make the appropriate adjustments in how they work with your children. Our goal is to create a learning environment that meets the academic and social-emotional needs of your children. The year ahead brings with it challenges that are constantly changing. Arroyo Vista is a community filled with love, support, compassion, collaboration, creativity and kindness. I am confident these traits will see us through any challenges that may come our way and will make us a stronger school community. I look forward to “seeing” you all. AV is stronger than ever together.

he 2020-21 school year marks a milestone in my life, as it will not only be my final year on the Arroyo Vista PTA, but more significantly my last year at the school. My oldest started kindergarten at Arroyo Vista a decade ago and now my youngest of three children is preparing to enter her capstone year as a 5th-grader. As those who have walked this path before me have said, Arroyo Vista is an integral part of my everyday life — from nurturing friendships, to celebrating successes, to exploring new opportunities for myself and my children. So, it is with excitement and sadness that I welcome everyone back to the school year as your PTA president. As the last several months have proven, though, this year will be far from traditional for us all. The PTA playbook for back-to-school preparation and planning has been thrown out, and we are all redeploying our creative energies and focus to supporting our students, our wonderful Arroyo Vista teachers, and staff and our community in these unpredictable times. Our dedicated volunteer parent board has been hard at work, collaborating with our new principal, Kim Sinclair, to identify opportunities to create rewarding memories and moments for each child. As your PTA president, I am committed to helping implement efforts and programs that use creativity and

Karissa Adams

hope to give comfort, strength, and most of all, connectivity to us all. With the support and generosity of families from last year’s No Sweat and Jog-a-Thon fundraisers, we have already been able to fund classroom subscriptions, gradelevel books and important teaching tools for online learning. We have also created volunteer groups to function as technical support in every classroom, and grade-level and foreign-language focused discussion groups for parents. In an ongoing effort to foster an inclusive community, we have also created an official AV Diversity, Inclusion and Equity group. It is with this hope and positivity that we jump into this school year ready to take on the ever-changing challenges of our new reality. As a group we will always be stronger working together and I look forward to leading that charge. I wish you all a successful, happy and healthy year!

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FRIDAY, august 14, 2020

Parents Needed to Join Marengo’s PTA

Marengo’s Principal Gears Up for Terrific Year

By Patty Cheadle Principal Marengo Elementary School

e are all very excited to welcome our students and families, and we are gearing up for a terrific year. Although the 2020-21 school year will look very different, our attention remains on providing a student-centered learning environment that encourages creativity, wellness, strong connections and high achievement. Since we left campus in March, the Marengo teachers and staff have spent a tremendous amount of time considering and preparing for the school year ahead. The teachers have reflected upon the instructional practices that were successful in the spring and have participated in professional development to strengthen their distance learning skills. I am impressed by the amount of collaboration and teacher dialogue that has taken place during the summer months. Our students will certainly benefit from the teachers’ hard work and dedication during this very unusual time. In order to minimize learning loss in a virtual environment, adjustments have been made to include an increase in live teacher and student interaction. Teachers will continue to evaluate their students’ academic engagement through the use of

By Calvin Wong President Marengo PTA

Patty Cheadle

standards-based instruction and assessment. Student attendance and progress will also be closely monitored by the teachers and staff, and assistance will be offered through check-ins and small group intervention. The pandemic and recent protests about racial injustice and police brutality have increased our students’ awareness and need for social and emotional support. There will be a greater focus on community building and opportunities for our students to express their thoughts and ideas about current events. I look forward to nurturing a strong partnership between home and school. Our students will do their best when they know they can count on each and every one of us for encouragement and guidance. Warmest wishes for the new school year.

he Marengo PTA welcomes our new and returning students and families to the 2020-21 school year. School starts under a distance learning program without students on campus, so it is more important than ever for the PTA to help build a sense of community and support our exceptional teachers and staff. We have worked closely with our principal, Patricia Cheadle, towards identifying the programs, activities, and supplies the PTA can hold or fund to help in our goals of community building and helping teachers. The executive board and event committees are also working diligently on reimagining the educational, cultural, enrichment, fundraising and social events we traditionally hold in person. Our Read-a-Thon, an event where

students read for pledges, and our Wish Night, which collects donations for classroom supplies and equipment, will both move completely online this year. We are launching a revamped website. But much Calvin Wong work still needs to be done. To all Marengo parents, please become a PTA member. Now more than ever, we need your involvement and ideas to meet the challenge. Your membership also supports the advocacy work on behalf of all students by the California PTA and the National PTA. Join at marengopta.org.

Welcome Back to School, South Pasadena By Michael Mayne President South Pasadena Educational Foundation

am Michael Mayne, the president of the South Pasadena Educational Foundation and proud parent of a fifth-grader at Arroyo Vista. I have served as a volunteer director on the SPEF board for the past five years. As a graduate of South Pasadena High School (Class of 1993), I know firsthand what a special community South Pasadena is. Whenever I look back at my childhood, I always appreciate this town, and so when it came time for my daughter to start school, I moved my family back here. I wanted her to have the same exceptional education that I did, make lifelong friends and have South Pas feel like home. This school year will look like no other, yet SPEF’s mission and commitment to our schools and students remains the same: to provide both enrichment opportunities and much-needed funding for the students of South Pasadena. SPEF depends on your generosity to continue offering our students what many districts

cannot. We fund essential curriculum and programs across all subject matters, including STEM, visual and performing arts, language arts, physical education and athletics, as well as social-emotional mental health. Since our Michael Mayne inception in 1979, we have raised more than $15 million to bridge the gap between what the state funds and what we have come to expect for our students. SPEF also provides enrichment programs that over 3,000 students participate in each year. Those programs include K-12 summer school, afterschool classes and the ever-popular fifth-grade musical. Your support is vital – and there is no better reward than seeing the kids in our community thrive. Our schools are the anchor of our community and why many of us choose to live here. Support our schools. Support SPEF.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020

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The 2020-21 School Year Will

MHS Roadrunners Sprint

Prove to Be Like No Other

With High Spirits

By Laurie Narro Principal Monterey Hills Elementary School

By Crystal Arceo PTA President Monterey Hills Elementary School

he good things. The Monterey Hills Elementary School faculty has been preparing for the reopening since the day we closed our doors in March. The teachers worked hard in the spring; they learned a lot and had many new experiences, which will positively impact the upcoming year. Many teachers exchanged their 30-45 minute lessons for more targeted 10-15 minute mini-lessons, allowing the balance of time for independent and guided practice. In our physical classrooms, whole group instruction took place most of the day, but in the virtual setting, group size became smaller and allowed for greater student participation. Our students, your children, had opportunities to not just respond through written work (as they did while in their classrooms), but during distance learning, children could express learning through video and audio submissions. The good things will just get better. To minimize learning loss, there will be some changes. Daily attendance will be mandatory, and the state has set a minimum amount of time for daily instruction. Teachers will work to ensure the mastery of standards through ongoing assessment and grades will also be given. And things will keep getting better. As we work through the year, teachers will continue to make thoughtful and appropriate adjustments in how they will spend time with your child: perhaps more flexible small group instruction; differently paced lessons that allow for guided and independent practice; schedules that take into account your child’s increased stamina. Teachers will have time on Fridays to continue to engage in professional development and planning time with their peers. The need for social-emotional support has been heightened by both the pandemic AND the issues raised through the protests that continue to be witnessed by us all. Social-emotional learning and class-

M Laurie Narro

room community building will be greater components for our instructional day. This includes building a skill set for active listening, trustful friendships, supporting and relying on others, understanding empathy and living through trauma. Teachers are doing deep work in understanding the issues of racism and the way it impacts education, and we will continue to work to ensure equity and access for all our children. Many of our teachers participated in a six-week book club, reading “How to Be an Antiracist.” I was able to facilitate meaningful discussions with our teachers as we were introduced to the difference between ‘not a racist’ and an “antiracist.” We came to an understanding about our individual history as well as our future journey as we work toward anti-racism. Some of our teachers attended a three-part training offered by PBS on antiracism. A group of teachers looked at cultural equity in assessment and grading. Throughout the year, we will examine our curriculum and supplemental materials and augment them in order that everyone’s stories are told. The year ahead brings with it challenges we cannot foresee, but I am confident that we will tackle any issues that arise in a spirit of collaboration and mutual support. There is strength in our community. There is love in our homes. There is hope in our children. I look forward to “seeing” you all, my learning family.

onterey Hills Elementary School PTA welcomes our families, students, teachers and staff to the 2020-21 school year. This year will undoubtedly be filled with new changes, unexpected twists and turns and an unknown future of how the school year will end. But one thing is certain. Our Roadrunners’ high spirit will propel us through this year with strength, endurance and a growth mindset to create a love of learning and resilience. MHS faculty and PTA have been sprinting to make preparations for the reopening since the day we closed our doors in March. There will be more social emotional learning and community building in our classrooms. PTA is working to transition events and programs virtually. We plan to retain as many regular activities as possible, such as Friday spirit-wear days, Friday school assemblies and offer virtual enrichment programs, including cul-

Crystal Arceo

tural arts assemblies, Red Ribbon Week, Read-a-Thon/Young Author’s Week and parent education classes. Our principal, Laurie Narro, has worked tirelessly all summer, and with her leadership and the hard work of our teachers, staff and education administrators, Narro believes we can tackle any challenges that arise this year with a spirit of collaboration and mutual support. She wrote in her first address to MHS families: “There is strength in our community. There is love in our homes. There is hope in our children.” And that is all we need to make this year a success.

Don’t stress. Do your best. Forget the rest. - unknown

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FRIDAY, august 14, 2020

Clairbourn School: A Seamless Learning Experience

Flintridge Prep Opens School Year With Optimistic Outlook

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.” 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.

or area parents wondering about the quality of education their child will experience this fall due to COVID-19 circumstances, Clairbourn is a refuge from the uncertainty. As a CAIS- and WASC-accredited independent school for preschool through grade 8, Clairbourn has taken extensive steps to ensure a healthy and socially distanced oncampus learning experience as well as a Remote Learning Program for grades K-8. Our spacious, student-ready campus is equipped with new hand-washing stations, disinfecting foggers, new cleaning protocols, and many additional safety features. The school also has the technology, high-speed network, tech-savvy teachers and training needed to conduct a successful remote-learning experience for our students. Not only do Clairbourn teachers have an average of 16 years teaching experience, but they are supported by a team of educational technology experts who empower them to deliver meaningful lessons using appropriate and compelling software and technology tools. Though many events have switched to an online format, parents still enjoy a high level of direct access to school adminis-

trators, enjoy office hours for almost all teachers, and have access to a robust learning management system that allows them to monitor their child’s progress.

Jim Pickett

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

Clairbourn School Head of School: Amy Patzlaff 8400 Huntington Drive, San Gabriel 91775 (626) 286-3108 clairbourn.org

Amy Patzlaff

‘Together’ for Virtual Learning at Holy Family Catholic School

Why High Point Academy?

W O

ur dedicated faculty, staff and administration are guided by our school mission of “Educating students to achieve academic excellence while becoming disciples of Jesus Christ.” We have been preparing for a variety of scenarios and are now moving forward with our virtual learning plans. We begin our 2020-21 school year virtually learning together with our upgraded 1:1 iPad program for all of our Knights in grades TK-8, and with new laptops and Surface Pros for our teachers. Welcome to the new school year at Holy Family. Holy Family Catholic School Principal: Darcie Girmus 1301 Rollin St., South Pasadena 91030 (626) 799-4354 | school.holyfamily.org

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.

Gary Stern

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

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Flintridge Sacred Heart Introduces Hybrid Learning

La Salle College Preparatory Sets the Standard

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.

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

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 Sister Celeste Marie Botello and Sister Carolyn McCormack

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

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

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

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.

Deeper Learning

Mayfield Junior Looks at

at Sequoyah School

the Whole Child

“T

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 approach, he explained high school Josh Brody 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

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 Mayfield Junior School Holy Child community for Head of School: Joe Sciuto students and families. 405 S. Euclid Ave. As pioneers of whole Pasadena 91101 child education, we (626) 796-2774 believe a child’s time in mayfieldjs.org 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.

Joe Sciuto

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 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 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 reinvig-

Judy Burbank

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

Westridge: Where Girls Are the Future

estridge is an independent school for girls in grades 4-12 committed to educating intellectually adventurous thinkers, and courageous, compassionate leaders. Immersed in an environment and community designed specifically for girls, our students are free to dive deep into learning and discover their voices. The Westridge curriculum includes strong academic, arts, athletic and human development programs enhanced by small class sizes and a personalized college counseling program. It balances challenging academics and leadership development with a priority on the human side of education, including development of sense of self and consideration of individuals’ responsibilities to others and the world. Signature programs at Westridge

include Research in Science, which places Upper School students in working laboratories, including at Caltech, the Carnegie Observatories and City of Hope; Perspectives in Literature, an interdisciplinary course and student literature conference; interdisciplinary humanities programs in grades 6-8; a comprehensive 4-12 human development program; a four-year Upper School Community Action Project; and a Global Fellow transcript distinction option. The school’s Lower School program includes art and project-based science classes, PE, vocal and instrumental music (strings) and Spanish. Zoom-based tours and information sessions will be held through the fall. Visit westridge.org/admissions.

Westridge School Head of School: Elizabeth McGregor 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena 91105 (626) 799-1153 westridge.org Elizabeth McGregor

orated by 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.

Candi Schreuders

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

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FRIDAY, august 14, 2020