WELCOME TO PUSD

Welcome TO PUSD DISTRICT WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS THIS SUMMER COURTESY PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

New school years bring new staff members and Pasadena Unified School District is no different. Here are a few new faces to PUSD this school year.

Marco Villegas

Dr. Marco Villegas is associate superintendent of specialized student support. Villegas is responsible for administering all programs and services for children with disabilities, leading cross-departmental strategic planning, improving standardized procedures and training for staff, strengthening collaborative partnerships with parents, and improving the organizational efficacy of the special education department.

With nearly three decades of experience as a teacher, successful principal and regional director, Villegas has provided leadership skills training and coaching, and customized professional development for schools across the state.

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Villegas to PUSD where he will focus on improving the efficacy of systems that serve students with disabilities,” says Superintendent Brian McDonald.

“As a teacher, successful principal, district administrator, and mentor to emerging educational leaders across the state, Dr. Villegas is uniquely qualified to lead our district’s special education department in developing effective teams and creating systems that support a culture of learning for all students.”

Villegas joins PUSD from the Ontario-Montclair School District in San Bernardino County where he served as regional director of learning and teaching since 2015. In this position, he was the direct supervisor of 16 schools in the region while supporting the general administration of instructional, business and operational functions.

“I truly feel honored to join the Pasadena Unified School District family, and I am excited about the level of collaboration and the systems already in place that support students with disabilities,” Villegas says. “I look forward to partnering with general and special education educators and families to provide the best possible educational opportunities for all of our students.”

Villegas earned a Ph.D. in urban educational leadership from Claremont Graduate University and has been an adjunct professor in the educational administration department at Azusa Pacific University and California State University Los Angeles.

An experienced educator and leader, he has served as a mentor for aspiring school administrators and leaders through the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators’ (CALSA) mentoring program. He has also presented at numerous state and national educational conferences over the past 10 years. He replaces Dr. Cherilyn Lew, who accepted a position with another district.

Ana Maria Apodaca

Ana Maria “Ria” Apodaca, director of health programs. Apodaca leads the planning, development, implementation, evaluation and maintenance of all district student health programs, including the delivery of health services, health education, staff development, and assistance pursuing competitive grants. “I am pleased to welcome Ms. Apodaca to PUSD at this crucial time in our history,” McDonald says. “As a proven educational leader with deep ties to our community, non-profit administrator, and devoted advocate for the health and well-being of our students and staff, Ms. Apodaca is a crucial member of the PUSD team as we confront the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and plan for our district’s return to normal times.”

With 25 years of experience as a leader and advocate for student wellness, a trauma-informed practices administrator and coach, school principal and classroom teacher, Apodaca brings a dedication to the academic, physical, social and emotional growth and development of the children of PUSD. She has extensive experience working with nonprofits and has deep ties to the community, having grown up in the area and devoting her professional life to serving the needs of the students of PUSD.

“In these challenging times, services that support the health and well-being of our students, teachers, staff, and families have never been more essential and therefore the work of the Health Programs Department is even more valu

able,” Apodaca says. “I have been honored to have served PUSD for many years as both a teacher and an administrator and now I am honored to continue to serve our community by joining the health programs team as we continue our vital mission.”

A member of the PUSD team since 1995 when she began her career as an educator, Apodaca moves to the director of health programs position from her most recent post as a second- and third-grade teacher at Madison Elementary School.

From 2017-2019, she was director and trauma-informed practices coach with the Resilience in School Environments program of the Los Angeles Edu- cation Partnership. Apodaca supported the management of Kaiser Permanente national pilot project, designed and implemented professional development focused on trauma-informed practices, collaborated with district and school leadership to ensure that policies and procedures reflected a trauma-informed mindset, and coached school personnel to implement and sustain traumainformed practices. She developed a curriculum for the Resilience in School Environments program funded by Kaiser Permanente.

Previously, Apodaca was principal of PUSD’s Altadena Elementary School, where she collaborated on the successful application for a Magnet School Assistance Program grant and the development of an implementa- tion plan for the school’s French Dual Language Immersion program. Prior to Altadena Elementary, Apodaca was principal of Field Elementary School from 2007 to 2016, leading the school’s Mandarin Dual Language Immersion program and implementing a successful Farm-to-School Program, including the development of a 12,000-square-foot vegetable garden and three hydro- ponic gardens. Under her leadership, Field Elementary won the California Distinguished School Award in 2010 and the Title I Academic Achievement Award in 2007.

Apodaca earned a master’s in educational leadership from California State University, Los Angeles, a teaching credential from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and a bachelor’s from the University of California, Berkeley.

She replaces former Health Programs Director Ann Rector, who retired in June.

Leonard Hernandez

Leonard Hernandez Jr., director of maintenance, operations, transportation and facilities. Hernandez leads the management of districtwide facilities planning, maintenance and repair functions, custodial services, transportation services, fleet management, utility manage- ment, and district safety, recycling, indoor air quality and security programs. Hernandez has served in high levels of school district facilities management, led facilities and operations for a 1,800-student school complex, taught JROTC, and retired from the U.S. Army as a sergeant, first class, after more than two decades of honorable service.

“Mr. Hernandez brings a unique blend of leadership, experience, and expertise in school facilities and operations, school site-level administration, classroom instruction, and military service to PUSD,” McDonald says.

“His emphasis on excellence in service through delivering campuses that are clean and in good repair is especially important as we prepare for the eventual safe return of students and staff to our schools as public health condi- tions with the COVID-19 pandemic evolve.”

Hernandez joins PUSD from the Pomona Unified School District, where he was director of facilities, maintenance operations, from 2019-2020 and was responsible for directing, coordinating, evaluating, and planning the day-today facilities, maintenance, operations and transportation for the district’s 43 campuses and three sites. From 2003-2007, he was a school site administrator for Pomona Unified’s Pueblo K-8 and Village Academy High School com- plex that served 1,800 K-12th grade students and hosted an adult education program. In this role, he managed student discipline and student leadership activities, the schools’ operations, maintenance, and facilities, and supervised classified employees. He was subsequently promoted and served as Pomona Unified’s coordinator of civic center permits and operations from 2007-2016.

From 2016-2019, he was the chief facilities operations officer of the Inglewood Unified School District, where he supervised the construction, maintenance, and repair of school buildings and facilities, energy manage- ment, and facilities planning and operations.

“I am honored to join the PUSD team,” Hernandez says. “As a former site administrator and classroom instructor, I know that the role of school facilities and maintenance is to support and serve students, teachers, and staff with clean facilities in good repair. The facilities and maintenance team has a powerful influence on the educational experience of our students, staff, and families. I look forward to working collaboratively to provide excellent and caring service to our students and staff during the challenging times we face now and in the future.”

Hernandez has a passion for education and is a life-long learner, obtain- ing several degrees and professional certificates. He earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix, a master’s degree in occupational studies in education from California State University, Long Beach, and a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College in New York.

Merian Stewart

Dr. Merian Stewart, interim principal of McKinley School. Stewart is the interim principal of McKinley School for the 2020-21 academic year. Stewart brings 29 years of steady experience as an elementary and middle school principal. She has served as principal of Franklin Elementary since 2016, where she ushered in a computer immersion program, and Washington STEAM Middle School from 2008-2016, where she led the school’s transition to a STEAM magnet school.

Stewart previously served as principal of Noyes Elementary and as program and services director of D’Veal Family and Youth Services Mental Health Agency. She began her career as an instructional assistant in PUSD. Stewart brings experience with technology and her commitment to family and community partnerships.

Dr. Merle Bugarin

Dr. Merle Bugarin, interim principal, Don Benito Fundamental Elementary School for the 2020-21 aca- demic year. Bugarin brings 23 years of experience as an elemen- tary and middle school educator and administrator. She successfully served as principal of Roosevelt Elementary for the last five years. Prior to becoming a principal, she was a teacher on special assignment coordinating the K-12 English Learner program for the Pasadena Unified School District for two years, a curricu- lum coach for 12 years and a classroom teacher for five years. Bugarin has consistently mentored colleagues throughout her career. Her focus while at Roosevelt was to use a growth mindset model to develop learners who are curious, motivated to think critically, innovative in developing solutions, and strong communicators.

Education A DIRECTORY OF LEARNING OPTIONS

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Altadena Arts Magnet

At Altadena Arts Magnet, the dedicated teachers use evidence-based approaches to instruction, including Balanced Literacy and social-emotional learning, to provide a rigorous and nurturing education for students in grades PreK-5. Visual and performing arts are an integral part of our curricu lum, boosting engagement and achievement. We provide weekly instruction in all five art forms—music, dance, visual arts, theater arts, and media arts. Professional teaching artists also collaborate with teachers and a full-time, credentialed arts specialist to integrate arts and academics into every class room, every day, include during remote learning. Additionally, the campus offers a French dual-language im mersion option during which students become bilingual, biliterate, bicognitive, culturally sensitive learners. These amazing opportunities are offered to students for free. Come see how valuable free can be. Sign up for a tour of the school at 743 E. Calaveras Street, Altadena. For more information, contact Benita Scheckel at 626-396-5650, ext.14099, or visit pusd.us/Altadena

Altadena Children’s Center

ekindergarten in five separate classrooms. The center is following the most stringent COVID-19 health protocols, including a comprehensive wellness check each morning and stable, small groups of children. Altadena Children’s Center space for infants in its warm and cozy classroom that serves a maximum of eight infants with three teachers. Families enrolling in the program find the center’s programs meet the needs of the whole child within a high-quality, developmentally appropriate framework, which includes a focus on social/emotional learning and Anti-Bias Education. Its family-centered approach helps to nurture healthy partner ships between teachers and parents as they all work together to support the children in the school family. The staff is eager to help families from diverse backgrounds discover that Altadena Children’s Center is the best place for their child’s early care and learning. continued on page 14

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Emmaus Lutheran School

For 78 years, Emmaus Lutheran School has nurtured children from preschool through eighth grade. Rigorous academic standards and Christian-based life skills produce well-rounded students. Graduates go to universities including Johns Hopkins, MIT, West Point, Oxford College, USC, UCLA and other UC campuses. The school is starting with virtual classes in the fall, but the building is CDC compliant in all safety areas. Classroom sizes will remain small and all necessary distance restrictions will be maintained when in class instruction is allowed to begin. Once approved, all enrichments will be available including beforeand after-school care; sports; student government; fieldtrips; music; art; Spanish and technology. Call to tour our campus. Emmaus can issue form I-20 for in ternational students wishing to study in the United States and all our teachers have training in English Language Learning including one full-time dedicated ELL teacher. Learn more at: emmausalhambra.org or visit 840 S. Almansor Street, Alhambra. For more information, call 626- 289-3664.

John Muir High School Early College Magnet

John Muir High School’s Early College partnership with Pasadena City College allows motivated students to earn up to two years of college credits tuition-free along with their high school diploma. Courses are offered in an on-campus PCC satellite building (or online) during the school day. Students also enroll in one of three schoolwide College & Ca reer Academies—arts, entertainment and media; business and entrepreneurship or engineering and environmental science. Each academy provides opportunities for students to learn from leading industry partners who provide job shadows, internships, fieldtrips and guest speakers. Additionally, the school’s renowned athletics programs and student leadership opportunities reflect its core principles of pride, tradition and excellence. Your future begins here. Sign up for a tour today. The school is located at 1905 N. Lincoln Avenue, Pasadena. For more information, contact Gretchen Pinto at 626-396-5600, ext.82020, or visit pusd.us/Muir

The Gooden School

The Gooden School has been nurturing students from kindergarten through eighth grade since 1975. It is an independent Episcopal school nestled in the foothills of Sierra Madre, offer ing an exceptional learning experience with small class sizes and individualized attention. Its strong core academic program is complemented by music classes, visual arts, STEAM, as well as Spanish and Latin. Its commitment to academic excellence continues as the staff adjusts its program for virtual learning. The school is planning for an in-person and hybrid transition as soon it is safe to do so. Its large and flexible campus provides ample outdoor and indoor space for students to experience all that the unique program has to offer. To learn more and to set up a virtual tour of the campus, contact Tricia Xavier, director of admissions and enrollment management, at admissions@goodenschool.org.

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PASSING THE COMFORT AND FOCUS TESTS For homeschooling, create an atmosphere conducive to success By Bruce Haring

We don’t have to tell you that these are not normal times. Businesses are closed, activities are curtailed, and even the simple act of going outside requires some thought and preparation.

One of the biggest disruptions caused by the pandemic is the education of our children. In the Los Angeles area, the upcoming semester that starts in August will continue the online learning experiment started in the spring. That’s for the foreseeable future.

Normally, after a summer spent working, playing and generally relaxing, the young students in your home would be heading back to campuses. They would renew old friendships, prepare for new challenges, and continue on the arc that culminates in high school and college graduations.

That is no longer an option. At best, there will be a hybrid program with limited in-person education in place at some point. Which means that homeschooling will be the rule for the foreseeable future.

Not every home is set up for quality online education. Like the classroom, a student needs focus and comfort, a great computer connection, and a way to interact with others virtually so as not to feel isolated. That means they will occupy a room that needs to be made livable for studying and relaxing.

It all starts with a desk, a computer, good lighting and a strong internet connection. With those essentials, a student is equipped to do the tasks at hand.

But as with other things in life, studying is a task made more enjoyable if there are comforts at hand beyond the basics. Presuming the study area will be in an enclosed room, like a bedroom, there needs to be segmented space from playtime and worktime. Some trendy and wealthy college students were actually enlisting interior decorators to come up with dorm room ideas, and there’s no shortage of designer websites that are inspiring students to reach a bit with their budget.

The art of room decoration is a highly subjective one, made all the more complicated by the fact that your scholar may be sharing a room with one or more people. Tastes vary, and the space students have is generally small and utilitarian, designed to accommodate the basic necessities of living rather than luxuriating.

Statistics on how much people previously spent on dorm décor are hard to come by. The National Retail Federation indicates that around $1,000 was in the ballpark of what the average student spent in 2018, the last year stats are available. But obviously that’s a vested interest in getting you to load up. That figure undoubtedly includes some things that the average student can easily live without. U.S. dorm spending totals more than $50 million per year, though, so someone is digging deep into their pockets.

WORK WITH THE SPACE

To take full advantage of limited space, student study rooms need to be organized. You need a space for studying, one for sleeping, and then hopefully there’s room for a comfortable chair or two to make it easier to read or to accommodate the occasional sit-down with you, the teacher.

Setting the mood in a study room all starts with light. Most bedrooms have one window that may or may not look out at something appealing or provide proper light. Thus, it’s smart to have a lamp that can bend in several directions. A good desk lamp that can be repositioned is ideal, as the desk will likely adjoin your sleeping space and can serve two purposes if you read laying down.

You may also consider a stand-alone pole lamp that can be used for ambient lighting in the room.

Posters can also help set a mood. A landscape can provide some calming moments in hectic times, and prints are easily found on websites like Etsy and Society6 that have many thousands of unique art prints.

Storage is also at a premium in tight quarters. A three-drawer vertical cart on wheels can be positioned wherever there is space in the room. There are also pieces of furniture that can provide storage options and not take up a lot of room. Consider the unused spaces in the study room as well—places like under the bed or on top of the dresser. Both are ripe for storage containers that can hold various items.

THE LUXURY ITEMS

The above are the items that you need to live a basic existence. But a Spartan existence, while budget conscious, isn’t really conducive to enjoyment. There are a few other items to consider that will bring some vibrant qualities to make the room feel more like home.

First and foremost, get a dorm-size refrigerator. It helps to have some drinks and snacks in your room for the wee, small hours of the morning, and a dorm room refrigerator is the godsend that will help you get through some of those times. Most small units start below $200, going up from there, depending on what else you want. Keep in mind that space is at a premium and this isn’t a kitchen, so plan for something that will provide a maximum of enjoyment in a minimum of space.

In the old days, a television in the dorm was a luxury. Now, thanks to streaming, most students can watch whatever they want on their laptops. Since there are subscription costs for many sites, plan accordingly for what you really, really need to watch.

Finally, consider a small area rug to give a touch of warmth to the study area. Small rugs can be found for $100 or less, and they add considerable charm to your living space.

Think of all of the above as something of an investment in your life. These are unique times, but they are still a crucial moment for your students, and they need to continue to take their scholarly pursuits seriously, even though the setting is different. By setting up the study space in proper fashion, you’re already on the way to a passing grade.