The Westwood Window
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Westwood Window
February 12, 2013
The Monthly Publication of Westwood Charter School February 12, 2013 Volume 40, Issue 5
2050 Selby Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 474-7788 www.westwoodcharter.org
Principal’s Perspective
FEB EVENTS 14 – SBM Meeting (7:45am – cafeteria) st (no SBM Mtg on 21 )
By Phyllis Scadron
This month’s topic in Educational Leadership journal is CREATIVITY. In an article entitled The Art and Craft of SCIENCE, by Robert Root-Bernstein and Michele RootBernstein, their discussion is “Scientific discovery and innovation can depend on engaging more students in the arts.” They further discuss the importance of Visual Thinking. “Learning to observe through drawing and painting has another benefit for students studying the sciences and mathematics. It turns out that one of the best predictors of success in scientific subjects in grades K-16 is visual imaging ability. Surprisingly, students who excel in science and mathematics usually outperform even those majoring in the arts in visual imaging and visual memory tests (Winner and Casey, 1992).
18 – No School 20 - Parent Student Community Council (6:30 pm)
22 – Armchair Auction Winners Announced 22 – Jump Rope for Heart 26 – Honors Day High Tea (1:45 pm Auditorium)
Conversely, students who have poor visual memory and imaging ability often do poorly in science and mathematics. …However, many studies have shown that providing students who have visualizing deficits with drawing and painting classes improves their visual imaging and memory test scores. This training also results in a significant increase in the students” ability to perform well in their science and mathematics classes and to succeed in standardized testing situations “. Educational Leadership/February 2013 pg. 18.
27 – Kindergarten Conversation (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm)
MAR EVENTS 2–
Auction Party at Beverly Hills Country Club (7:00 pm)
We are very lucky on Westwood Charter. Thanks to your wonderful donations to WISE, we are able to offer our students incredible specialists. Our programs include art, music, gardening, and drama. It is important for our students to continue receiving education in the arts so that they can continue their pursuits in attaining their inner creative mind. “The creative scientist needs an artistic imagination.”
Warm Regards, Phyllis Scadron
8–
Early Dismissal
11 – 15 Conference Week Early Dismissal 21 – Artshare Gallery and Performances 25 – 29 Spring Break
Traffic Duty (Week of): Feb 19 – Beer Feb 25 – Oschack Mar 4 – Kaufman Mar 11 - Crispi
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DONATE!
February 12, 2013
Bidding opens on March 2nd at 10pm and ends on March 13th at 10pm. Bid online at www.biddingforgood.com/westwoo dcharter.
Armchair auction bid sheets have gone out already. Results will be posted on www.biddingforgood.com/westwoo dcharter on February 22nd. Good luck! Questions? Contact us at auction@westwoodcharter.org Preparation for the auction is well underway. Auction volunteers and Westwood Charter families are all working together to to the auction this year. It's going to be the best year yet! Donate gift certificates, tickets to events, business services, lessons of all kinds and more!
It's not too late to submit a Talk to your room rep if you are interested. Ideas: wine and cheese tasting, chocolate tasting, cooking party, arts & crafts party, painting party, disco party, cake decorating party…. Anything!
ARTSHARE Be sure to buy your tickets to the Auction Party which will be on March 2nd, 7pm at the Beverly Hills Country Club. Go the school's website: http://www.westwoodcharter.org/auction-2013 for more information and to buy th tickets via Paypal. We will also be in front of the school starting February 19 during drop off and pick up selling party tickets and raffle tickets. We've got a fabulous night planned with delicious food, open bar, flipbooks, and the live auction. This year's raffle baskets will have amazing items. You do not need to attend the party to win a raffle basket so don't miss out on your chance to win!
Join students at the annual “ARTSHARE”, a gallery night of student art, with live music, theater and spoken word performances held in our auditorium on Thursday, March 21st at Westwood Charter in the auditorium.
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Jump Rope for Heart On Friday, February 22nd, Westwood Charter students will be participating in Jump Rope for Heart. We are jumping to raise money for the American Heart Association. Children who raise $40 or more will receive a Jump Rope for Heart t-shirt. Raising $10 or more will give students the chance to receive TWO tickets to a Los Angeles Galaxy home game. The top fundraiser at Westwood Charter School will receive an awesome PUMP and GO, the first human powered, push free, skateboard in the world!! How cool is that? The top fundraiser in the LA area will get 4 tickets to a Clippers Playoff Game! It could be you! Children who register on line at www.americanheart.org/jump will be placed on our “Westwood has Heart” bulletin board in the main hallway. It’s free to register! Last year, we raised close to $14,000. Of the money we raised, $500 was given back to our school to purchase P.E. equipment. Your support will be instrumental in helping raise money for heart research. Keep an eye out for donation forms in your child’s homework folder. Please wear red the day of the event (February 22nd) to show your support for the American Heart Association. Happy jumping! Your Jump Rope for Heart Committee
Westwood is sparkling! Thanks so much for everyone’s efforts in making clean-up day a success. Your support and hard work was amazing in both the classrooms and in the common areas. A special thanks to all of the clean-up day representatives who helped coordinate the supplies and people that made our school shine! With much gratitude, Danielle Ambrose, Caroline Dreyfus and Karie Zaritsky
Join us for High Tea on Honors Day 2013 Join us on Tuesday, February 26th at 1:45 in the auditorium as we honor the incredible parents whose participation and involvement seems to surpass any expectations year after year. These veteran parents have stepped up multiple times, in so many ways, taking the reins of both old and new events. We will be thanking them, as well as recognizing the teachers who make our school so special. Those who have reached the markers of 5 years, 10 years, some even 25 years of dedication to our children will be honored as well. If you did not receive the E-vite (or discarded it), please RSVP to Jennie Fahn at jenniefahn@yahoo.com. A $10 donation at the door will be your admission for a wonderful high tea and fun afternoon on February 26.
The Honors Day Committee
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Honor Presidents’ Day by participating in a special Council!
Join our Parent-Student Community Council on:
New Hula Hoops! 3rd grade student, Madison B., noticed that our school's hula hoops were in poor condition. So she decided to write a letter to our principal suggesting a fundraiser to make money to replace the hula hoops. Mrs. Scadron wrote back and agreed that it was a great idea. Shortly thereafter, Madison along with her friend Devin, and both of their younger siblings, hosted a fresh orange juice stand. With their revenue, they then replaced the hula hoops with several beautiful new ones! Pictured in attached photo: Madison B., 3rd grade (Mrs. Clark), Jake B., Kinder (Mrs. Kaufman), Devin H., 3rd grade (Mrs. Wu), and Zoe H., Kinder (Mrs. Higa).
February 20th at 6:30 p.m. We recognize Abraham Lincoln and George Washington on Presidents’ Day. What if there was a day to honor YOU? Cookie decorating will be part of the Council activities!
Warmly, Holly Clark
Kindergarten Conversation It’s that time of year again. Westwood will be holding its Kindergarten Conversation on Wednesday, February 27 from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Please encourage your friends and neighbors with Fall, 2013 incoming Kinders to attend this informative evening. Allison Gelfond K Conversation Committee Chair
Whether you are new to Council, or a regular participant, it promises to be a memorable evening! All are welcome – even if you didn’t RSVP! *Child care will not be provided as the students will be participating in Council.
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PAW POWER! On February 1, 2013, Ms. Bray’s (TK/K) class in room 4 showed PAW Power. In class they discussed ways to make our earth a more beautiful place. The class agreed that picking up litter would help. As a class, they all picked up litter around the outside eating area, the art and gardening area and all around the school. They had so much fun making our school look beautiful and they were very proud of themselves for doing so. They helped our school stay clean and safe. Way to go Room 4! By: Karen Selcov Room 4 TA
GIVE BLOOD AND RAISE MONEY FOR WESTWOOD CHARTER! There will be a blood drive at the Westside Pavilion on Friday February 22 from 12:30 until 6:00 PM in community room A (the hallway behind the food court.) Everyone donating can earn 10,000 SCHOOL CENTS POINTS for our school! The school with the most points wins $3,000. If there is any way you can donate, we'd really appreciate it!! For more information and/or to register please contact Kendal at Guest Services at 310-470-8752 or kendal.vanwuyckhuyse@macerich.com. If you have any questions about School Cents, please contact Erica Fox (ericazzz@aol.com) or Sabrina Kiperman (sabrinakip@gmail.com)
February 12, 2013
Sign up for emails from Westside Pavilion and School Cents to earn 2,000 points for our school! The school with the most points wins $3,000 -- and we are currently in 3rd place! They will not sell or misuse your address and you'll only get about 1-2 emails per month. To sign up, visit http://www.shoppingpartner ship.com/points/westsidepavilio n.htm and click where it says CLICK HERE TO EARN UP TO 2,000 POINTS. Then just follow the instructions. After you register, you will be emailed a link you will need to click to finalize your registration -- don't skip this fast but important step. Limit one email address per person, must be 13 or older. And don't forget to shop at the Westside Pavilion and drop your original receipt in the collection box sitting on the table outside the main office. Our school will receive School Cents points for every dollar spent. If you prefer to keep your receipt, our school will still receive credit for your purchase if you bring your receipt to Guest Services on the 2nd floor of the mall. They will stamp it and return it to you. We receive points for every dollar spent at the mall, including Nordstrom, Gymboree, GapKids, Westside Tavern and the Landmark movie theater. Thanks for supporting our school! If you have any questions please contact Erica Fox (ericazzz@aol.com) or Sabrina Kiperman (sabrinakip@gmail.com)
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HARRY POTTER BINGO NIGHT
Thank you Book Donors! These books will be donated to Book Roots which gives books to under-served teens.
Harry Potter Bingo Night …was a big hit at Westwood Charter Elementary School. Hosts Megan and Eli kept the game lively. No magic was used by the winners, at least that’s what they say! Although we think we spy a few magic wands… oh wait… those are just pencils. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening a success!
HTTP://WWW.WESTWOODC HARTER.ORG/FUNDDRIVE Imagine our school without: music, art, PE, teaching assistants, computers, a librarian, gardening programs, science programs, drama, dance… make your pledge today!
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LOG IN TO AMAZON VIA WESTWOOD CHARTER If you shop at Amazon.com, please get there by clicking the brown Amazon box on the Westwood Charter homepage (www.westwoodcharter.org).
2013’s Fourth and Fifth Graders enjoyed their three day, two night trip to Catalina Island’s Marine Institute where they snorkeled, rock climbed, and learned about marine life in a hands-on science environment.
Your shopping experience will be exactly the same as always -- and Amazon.com will give Westwood 4 to 8% of whatever we spend on their website. We can only get this donation if you get to Amazon from westwoodcharter.org so remember to click through every time you shop -- and tell your friends and family to click through as welll!
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WWC ALUMNI PEOPLE TO PEOPLE STUDENT AMBASSADORS TRAVEL DELEGATION Cassidy & Gracie G., Westwood Charter Alumni and Emerson Middle School students have been selected to be a part of the People to People Student Ambassador delegation traveling to Europe in the summer of 2013. President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments.” He believed the path to peace was paved by shared experiences and understanding. He founded the People to People movement because he believed that ordinary citizens of different nations could solve their problems and live harmoniously with one another. As Emerson Middle School student ambassadors Cassidy & Gracie will have the unique opportunity to reach out to the world in the spirit of President Eisenhower’s vision. Along the way, they will learn about new cultures, travel to new places, and forge new friendships. The world is a large, complex place, but through participation in People to People, we believe that the Globerman sisters will discover that they’re capable of conquering any challenges that may come their way. As the parents of Cassidy & Gracie, we couldn’t be more proud of our girls. We watched as Westwood Charter prepared them for middle school and witnessed as Emerson Middle School continued to mold our girls into scholars. This upcoming adventure is another milestone in our children’s journey through life. During the three weeks of travel through France, Italy Austria and Switzerland our girls will once again embark on another chapter of their lives and begin to see the world through new eyes as they venture into the world in the name of peace, friendship, and understanding!
February 12, 2013
Editor’s Corner: HELP WANTED! If you’d like to be part of the Westwood Window, we’d love to have you join our team! We could use another co-editor, or for lighter volunteer work, we could use some help with distribution. Contact Jennie Fahn or Paisley Taylor at the address below. Please submit articles and photos about your Westwood Charter committees, activities, and events to westwoodwindoweditor@yah oo.com. (Submissions are subject to approval and editing.) Our deadlines are always the Wednesday prior to the issue date. Below are upcoming issue dates and deadlines. Enjoy the Window and keep those submissions coming! Kids – we love your submissions, too! Upcoming Issues and Deadlines: March issue date: 3/13 – deadline 3/6 April issue date: 4/17 – deadline 4/10 May issue date: 5/15 – deadline 5/8 Window Editors: Jennie Fahn & Paisley Taylor Window Distribution: Yvonne Condes, Judy Posner
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SBM Minutes—January 10, 2013, 7:50 am – 8:50 am Attendees: Phyllis Scadron, Lisa Woods, Sherry Kaufman, Allan Shepps, Jeannie Miceli, Diana Greenstein, Patricia Young, Jerelyn Newman, Janine Bielski, Kim Hoffman, Ilyse Bronte, Diane Gross, Debbie Babbush, Henrietta Fai, Brigid Huskey, Sabrina Kiperman, Judy Posner, Chung Wu, Stephanie Thyer, Kendra Pearson, Tom Nichols, Evan Lesner, Lysa Geller, April Blaszkowski, and Michelle Pelsue. Approval of minutes: Approved the meeting minutes from the November 15, 2012 meeting with the correction that Hudson Lerner’s first name contains a “s.” Welcome from Phyllis Scadron Student Council: Jackson Joseph, the Chair of Chairs; Adam Simon, the Chair of Service; Hudson Lerner, Chair of Publicity; and Lulu Weidman, the Chair of the Green Team; presented for student council. The sixteen members of the student council helped spearhead an effort to provide clothing and supplies to a school in Rockaway County, New York, that was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The student council helped raise $600 to cover the shipping costs for the clothing and supplies sent by Westwood Charter to this elementary school in New York. Additionally, student council advertised the following special days: Pajama Day on January 18; Jersey Day on February 8; Crazy Hair Day on March 8; Celebrity Day on April 10; and Matching Day on May 10. Student council has a bulletin board in the hallway by the front office and will be disseminating information about student council and special days on this board. The Green Team has instituted a new program whereby students have to clean up their eating area and need the permission of a teacher or Mr. Jackson to dismiss them for lineup. Also, the Green Team will be holding a waste free lunch contest in the near future and the class with the highest percentage of waste free lunches will win an ice cream party. Old Business: SBM and Charter Rewrite: Lisa Woods and Jeannie Miceli have agreed to serve on the parent section of the charter renewal committee. Traffic Update: Phyllis Scadron met with the district about the flow of traffic around Westwood Charter. The district stated that we cannot change the traffic signs. The district proposed a valet program, where the police trains 20 volunteers and these same 20 volunteers direct the traffic flow around the school all year long. The possible benefit to this program is that the police will come by our school more often to check in on our traffic situation. Jeannie Miceli stated that we have participated in this program in the recent past, which is how we got the orange cones and vests. While this program was effective initially, it is no longer working. Ms. Scadron said that she has asked for a crossing guard on La Grange. Debbie Babbush said that during the first week back to school after winter break, she talked to the police officer stationed at our school and he agreed that our traffic situation is crazy and Ms. Babbush suggests that we follow up with this officer. Rockaway County School: Ms. Scadron thanked all the parents for their very generous material and monetary donations to the Rockaway County School. New Business: Safety Procedures at Westood: Ms. Scadron reported that Westwood Charter has a three volume safe school plan. This plan includes instructions regarding earthquakes, lock downs, fires, shelters in place, etc. The teachers have clipboards in their classrooms with each drill and the evacuation plan. The drills are practiced monthly. Westwood Charter was 1 of 600 schools to have a police officer on our school grounds for one week, which was the first week of school after winter break. The police officer evaluated the safety of our school and stressed the importance of communication. Accordingly, Phyllis Scadron, Stan Jackson, Allana Shepps, Jeannie Miceli, and Kendra Pearson will each carry a walkie-talkie. There are 6 entrances/ exits to our school in the morning. The new procedure will be that beginning at 8:10, Mr. Jackson will lock all the entrances to the school and by 8:20, all the entrances will be securely locked. Mr. Jackson will call the front office after he locks each gate.
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At Thursday’s staff meeting, Ms. Scadron presented three scenarios to the teachers (a man walking into a school bathroom, early gator parents lingering on the yard, and a person going up the steps to the second floor of the main building without passing the front office) and the teachers discussed how to correct these problems. For instance, kindergarten parents with children on the early schedule will be asked to wait out in the front of the school after they pick up their kindergartener until their older child’s pick up time. Ms. Scadron stressed the importance of signing in with the front office so that the school knows who is on the campus in the event of an emergency. Lisa Woods added that WISE is going to form a safety committee made up of parents. The teachers already have a safety committee in place and the parents and teachers will work together to address our school’s safety needs. Ms. Pearson thanked all the parents for getting visitor passes and asks for our assistance in encouraging other parents who are not wearing a visitor’s badge to come by the front office to get one. Judy Posner suggested a constant contact go out about the safety committee forming and any new procedures that the safety committee wants parents to be aware of, such as the kindergarten pick up. A separate constant contact will be sent to kindergarten parents with any unique procedures pertaining to them. The front office will also have a table set up in the entrance way to the school from 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. for tardy slips and visitor passes. There was a question posed about hiring a security guard for the school. The teachers are split on the issue. Ms. Pearson mentioned that we may want to consider hiring a Campus Aid, which is a 2 to 3 hour position through LAUSD, and that person’s job is to patrol the school gates. W.I.S.E. Update: The ipad cart is on route. At the next W.I.S.E. meeting, the topic of school safety will be addressed. WISE Board Meeting - Wednesday, October 31, 8:15 a.m.- WWC Library WISE Board Members in Attendance: April Brandon, Ilyse Bronte, Susan Chae, Angelike Dexter, Eva Fogg, Staci Miller, Judy Posner, Lisa Woods, Jae Wu. Additional Attendees: Deb Adair, Christina Close, Yvonne Condes, Chris Friedman, Kim Hoffman, Diane Gross, Kim Levin, Jessica Meir, Sharon Rosas, Kerri Schwartz, Ilene Simon, Edva Sims. Minutes Angelike Dexter Last month’s minutes will be approved at the next meeting. Westside Neighborhood Council Lisa Woods Lisa introduced Lisa Morocco from the Westside Neighborhood Council (WNC). Lisa M. thanked Jae Wu for inviting her to come speak to WISE. Lisa M. reported that the WNC is one of 96 neighborhood councils in the city of Los Angeles. It works arm-in-arm with the City Council to identify and report needs of our specific community with respect to businesses, schools, churches, local fire departments and other community members. The WNC is given $35,000/year to help those members and has contributed library furniture to WWC as well as iPads. Lisa M. is presenting to WISE in order to tap into the energy of our parent body. Many members of our community came out to plant trees on “Plant Pico Day,” and came out to support businesses on “Pick Pico Day.” She would like our parents to start thinking outside the box about ways to make our neighborhood even better and for us to take a look around our neighborhood and see what could be improved. Some thoughts already are: (1) Emerson is creating a spelling bee; and (2) the blacked-out Macy’s windows could be a display for our students’ art. The WNC has been working hard to beautify the area between Patricia Ave. and the 405, while still keeping the area’s mom-and-pop feel. Jae said that the last Pick Pico Day was the first weekend in June; students put on a performance and got community service hours. WISE thanked the WNC for its generous contribution of both library tables and iPads to WWC. Gardening Update Ilene Simon Ilene reported that CSA (the organic fruit and vegetable delivery service) has started up at the school and over 40 families are participating. The money this will generate will be enough for most of the gardening program’s supply needs. She would like help with distributing the boxes on Mondays.
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Ilene also reported that Judy from FOOD restaurant has been very supportive of our gardening program and she would like to think of ways to help promote the restaurant in return. Ilene also proposed setting up an after-school gardening program for an extra fee; potentially even a drop-in program. She will make a formal proposal. Finally, Ilene asked for WISE and other parent support for her “Seeds of Change” grant program application. She would like parents to go to the Seeds of Change website and vote for WWC’s application. Multicultural Week Edva Sims Edva reported that Multi-Cultural Week will be the second week in December. There will be performers for the opening ceremony. During the week there will be workshops incorporating outside talent and her team will be sending out requests for help with some projects. It is unclear if the museum will be on display this year. Technology Update Lisa Woods Lisa updated the group on the iPad cart. Teachers have asked for 18 iPads (so that the largest classes will have a 2:1 ratio students:iPads). However, the funds are not there, so WISE is proposing to fund 12 iPads and the cart and the WNC will fund an additional 3 iPads. In order to obtain the funding from the WNC, Lisa is applying for a business tax certificate for WISE from the City of LA. WISE is appreciative of WNC’s generous support of this initiative. Lisa reported that the cost to WISE for 12 iPads and a cart would be $12,178. Staci moved that WISE fund the $12,178. Jae seconded. All were in favor with no opposition or abstentions. Technological Support Lisa Woods Lisa reported that WISE has been paying $2500/month for technological support and that the faculty and staff do not feel like we are getting anywhere near the support needed for that money (the support team is not that helpful, rarely on campus and do not provide continuing education). That team is on a month-to-month arrangement, not on a contract, so WISE is able to change support teams if it chooses to. Susan Chae reported that after discussing this with Ms. D’Arceaux, Ms. Ellman and other members of the Technology Committee, the teachers’ biggest focus is on continuing education and professional development. There is a non-profit organization, Star Enrichment, that can provide both tech support and development during their time contracted. They could start in January and be on campus 3-4 hours daily. The start cost would be around $1800 a month for the first six months. Staci moved that WISE switch from our current technological support program to the Star program, given that WISE will get more services for less money. Judy Posner seconded. All were in favor with no opposition or abstentions. The initial contract with Star will be from January 7 through May 31st, 2013. Hurricane Sandy Relief Lisa Woods Lisa reported that Niki Russo-Schindler will be organizing a relief drive for a school destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. While the first ask was for books for the school, it has expanded to a clothes drive as well. Parents will need to help pay for shipping as well. Physical Education Lisa Woods Lisa reported that last year, WWC was informed by the district that we were no longer able to fund Coach Stevens’ position as we have in the past (paying him as a day-to-day sub). LAUSD will be flexible for the current school year with respect to our ability to keep Coach Stevens through this year, but next year WWC will have to pay LAUSD $97,000 to keep him. If we contract through an outside organization, WWC could hire a coach (although not Coach Stevens) for $35,000. WWC is committed to its teachers and staff, and Phyllis has fought the district for Coach Stevens and is looking at creative ways of saving him for WWC. This year, WWC is paying $60,000 to LAUSD to keep Coach Stevens for the rest of the year. Campus Needs Lisa Woods Issue was raised with respect to overgrown branches and other campus needs. Group discussed the fact that LAUSD should take responsibility for some of these needs. Jae also suggested that the school create a master “honey do” list so that volunteers would be able to know where to focus their time and talents. WISE Responsibilities Lisa Woods Lisa reported that several parents had expressed frustration with respect to how the 4/5 classes were structured and taught. Lisa reminded the group that those types of issues are not under WISE’s authority and, as SBM is the school governing body, these issues should be addressed with SBM and/or the administration. [Adjourn 8:15 p.m.] Respectfully submitted, Angelike Dexter, WISE Secretary