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Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts

Wildcat Theater to Perform 'In the Heights'

Coming up at Monrovia High's Wildcat Theater will be "In the Heights,"  March 22, 23, and 29, 30, from 7-9 p.m.  "In the washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, a young store owner watches the joys and heartbreaks of this tight-knit community pass through his bodega." Bodega = little grocery store in Spanish speaking neighborhood. https://goo.gl/zd6M4Q

- Brad Haugaard

Philip Heng to be Honored as Educator of the Year

At its next meeting (https://goo.gl/swBE7V) the Monrovia Board of Education ...

~ Will honor teacher Philip Heng on being named "Educator of the Year," by the California League of Schools.

~ Will consider hiring On-Site Welding & Construction for $23,901 to manufacture and install wrought iron fencing on the east side of Bradoaks Elementary School.

~ Will, together with the Chamber of Commerce, honor Employees of the Month for January:  Jennifer Dana, Teacher at Mayflower Elementary; Cherie Holguin, Instructional Aide at Plymouth Elementary; and Sheena Rehaume, Teacher at Plymouth Elementary.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School District: Spending More than It's Taking In

A final audit shows that Monrovia School District is spending more money than it is taking in. It appears that in 2018 the district spent about $3 million more than it brought in, and it brought in less than it did the year before: $78 million vs. $82 million in 2017, so it has cut expenses. Also, this is a smaller loss than in 2017, when it spent $3.8 million more than it brought it. I'm not an accountant, however, and if someone with more expertise would like the give the audit a look, it is here: https://goo.gl/SYAc6b

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High Retires Jersey of Former Student Corie Blount

Monrovia High has retired the jersey of former MHS basketball player, Corie Blount, who went on to an NBA career. At a ceremony Blount thanked those who helped him along the way, particularly his former coach, Mel Simms. https://goo.gl/rsuxGe

- Brad Haugaard 

Schools Consider Adding 'Immigration Status" and 'Gender Identity' to Nondiscrimination Rules; Also, Tough Money Times Ahead

At its next meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/9kAfjg) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Consider making its nondiscrimination board policy more stringent by including more criteria which may not be used for discrimination, particularly immigration status and gender, as recommended by the California School Board Association.

So, the new rules would forbid discrimination on the basis of "immigration status" or "nationality," which has been added to the existing, "national origin."  Also, in addition to forbidding discrimination on the basis of "gender," the new rules forbid it on the basis of "gender expression" and "gender identity." Also new are bans on discrimination based on age, "genetic information," and pregnancy. https://goo.gl/AyZXNE

Comment: What in the world is the difference between "gender" and "gender expression" and "gender identity?" Is gender what you really are, and gender expression how you act, and gender identity what you sorta think? Or what? Things are getting bizarre.

~ Hear a report on the district's fiscal situation, which is not terrible but is not great either. According to the staff report (https://goo.gl/C6q6Dj), "for the 2020-21 fiscal year, the District projects a positive Ending Balance of $1,413,726. However, this positive Ending Fund Balance will be unable to provide the required estimated 3% Reserve for Economic Uncertainties of $2,131,979." This means the district will have to submit a "qualified" (that's not good) certification.

- Brad Haugaard

Wrought Iron Fence Planned for Bradoaks School

At its next meeting (https://goo.gl/aYBPV9) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider  installing wrought iron fencing at Bradoaks School, installed by Charlie's Fence Company, for $34,500.  https://goo.gl/aJDDcz

- Brad Haugaard

Travanti and Lockerbie Win Seats on School Board

The two winners in Monrovia’ School Board election are Maritza C. Travanti and Selene Lockerbie. 

Maritza Travanti - 4,313, 29.63%
Selene Lockerbie - 4,196, 28.83%
Terrence Williams - 3,981, 27.35%
J. Christian Holt - 2,066, 14.19%

- Brad Haugaard 

New Fake Grass at Monrovia High Field; Updated Sex Ed Rules; Etc.

At its next meeting (agenda: here) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider ...

~ Replacing the field turf at Monrovia High using upgraded materials with an 8-year warranty. Link

~ Adopting modified district rules on sex education. Link and link

~ Adopting a memo of understanding with USC to have its education students - as part of their education, I take it - assist Monrovia teachers. Link

~ Add a course in cultural geography. Link

- Brad Haugaard

Statements of Candidates for Monrovia School Board

Here are links to statements from each of the four candidates for the Monrovia Board of Education, in the order I received them:

Maritza Travanti
Terrence Williams
J. Christian Holt
Selene Lockerbie

There are two seats being contested, so you can pick two.

- Brad Haugaard

Frank Jansson Library Dedication



- Brad Haugaard 

Statement of Monrovia School Board Candidate Selene Lockerbie


Hello, my name is Selene Lockerbie and I am running for Monrovia School Board.

Monrovia teachers, civic leaders, community members, business owners and parents are supporting my candidacy because they know that I will bring a fresh, informed, and passionate perspective to the school board. I look forward to working with the other board members, superintendents, teachers, staff, and our state and federal legislators to improve our students’ scholastic futures.

I am running to bring gender diversity, transparency, and the stakeholders’ voice to the board. My Educational Trifecta is: developmentally appropriate curriculum materials; better budget management that focuses resources on the schools, not bureaucracy; and innovative programs that entice enrollment in MUSD. I have three videos posted on my Facebook page, Selene Lockerbie for Monrovia School Board, that unpack these priorities in more depth.

I welcome the opportunity to support and expand our music and arts programs for all children, reinforce our Dual Spanish and Mandarin Language programs at Monroe and Plymouth, and bring vocational programs to the High School to offer students and families an option of a path to college or a respectable vocational career.

When you consider that I am a parent of school-aged children, who will be in this district’s public schools for seven more years, a community volunteer, a campus volunteer, and a Girl Scout leader you can be confident that your vote for me is the best investment for our children’s educational success.

Please vote for Selene Lockerbie for Monrovia School Board.

Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against Monrovia School District Settled

Lawyers for a former Monrovia High student who said she was sexually abused by a security guard said she has reached a settlement with the school district in her lawsuit. link

- Brad Haugaard

Statement of Monrovia School Board Candidate J. Christian Holt


J. Christian Holt for Monrovia School Board

Serving the community and Monrovia schools for 19 years.

J. Christian Holt's goal is to help Monrovia School District improve:

  • Improving the budget 
  • Eradicate bullying 
  • Listening and Improving communication 
  • Reorganize, focus and fund special needs 
  • School wide maintenance

For the last 25 years I have happily lived in Monrovia with my wife and three daughters. We have had the pleasure of attending Bradoaks, Clifton, Santa Fe and MHS. Being a self employed financial advisor in Monrovia has afforded me the opportunity to be actively involved in my children’s education and coach soccer for 13 years.

I decided to run now because my three daughters are older, two in college and the other is a senior at MHS. It would have been irresponsible of me to consider this large responsibility when my children were young. My family is my number one priority, so I waited until they didn't need me as much. Everything I have done, was done as a family.

In 19 years building relationships with teachers, staff, parents and students. Not only with the english speaking community but the spanish as well. "I'm Bilingual".

I have held 12 different PTA positions, President for 5 year and School Site Counsel, Principle Nominating Committee.

Recipient of 5 different service awards. The most prestigious award was from the California Congress of Parents, Teachers and Students “Honorary Service Award” and was also awarded the Continued Service Award as well.

I’m proud of co- founding the Watchdogs in Monrovia. This is a program that pushes for the involvement of dad’s in their children’s schools.

I hosted and promoted for 10 years the Friends and Family 5K Walk or Jog. It promoted exercise, family, making new friends and most of all a positive community.

Currently working on a anti- bullying and student misconduct program.

Help Make A Difference.
If you would like to mail a contribution:
Holt 4 Monrovia School Board
432 W. Foothill Blvd. Monrovia Ca. 91016

Venmo Acct: Holt 4 Monrovia School Board
Campaign I.D. # 1410098

Statement of Monrovia School Board Candidate Terrence Williams


Dear Monrovians,

It has been an honor and privilege to serve our community as a Board Member. I take great pride in the role I have played in helping shape the future of every child in the Monrovia Unified School District.

Some of the accomplishments I am most proud of during my first term in office include, closing the achievement gap, increased high school graduation rate, the implementation of Code to the Future, creation of programs that provide pathways to offset college tuition, advocating for fully-funded Special Education, established broadcast capabilities for the entire school district, including the unincorporated area, inside the MUSD board meetings to keep the community more aware and involved with the school board, Directed in establishing the Dual Immersion programs, which include both Mandarin and Spanish, into Plymouth Elementary School (Mandarin) and Monroe Elementary School (Spanish), support of teen suicide prevention programs like Healing Connections, and continued collaboration with Board Members, teachers and staff to attract and retain the highest level of educators.

Education is not a “one-size fits all” proposition. Children learn at varied speeds. As a parent of both General and Special Ed children, who have and do attend Monrovia Schools, I know first-hand the issues that matter most to parents. I have worked hard the last 5 years to make the educational dream come true for our students. I humbly ask you to elect me to another term so that I may continue this important work.

Terrence G. Williams
www.Williams4Monrovia2018.com

Statement of Monrovia School Board Candidate Maritza Travanti


As a parent of a school-aged child, school volunteer, Hispanic female and a 28- year government professional, I am the best choice for the Monrovia School Board. As a Senior Policy Analyst with the IRS, I have the skills that directly translate to the duties of a board member such as data analysis, interpreting law, regulations, statutes, creating and reviewing budgets and drafting new policy.

Education every where is changing right before our eyes and I want to ensure Monrovia is on the cutting edge and preparing our children for a fast paced world. Education is not “One size fits all.” It is critical to have many viable options in place where students will feel inspired, focused on a pathway and feel a sense of readiness to embark on their future goals.

MUSD needs to attract and retain students by continuing to add programming that is attractive and beneficial in addition to becoming masters of the programs already in place such as the Dual Immersion, Code to the Future, STEM, Arts and curriculum that makes our graduating students competitive.

I will add new energy, a fresh perspective and a spirit of collaboration to ignite our community’s maximum education potential. 66% of all enrolled Monrovia students are Hispanic or Latino. The board is in dire need of someone that understands the challenges and barriers that exist with many of our students and families. I have the right qualifications and background to make the biggest impact and hope to earn your vote!

Pre-Election Thoughts on the Monrovia School District

With the School Board election coming up I'd like to share a few semi-informed thoughts on the Monrovia schools:

- I applaud the emphasis on technology and college prep, but I think the trades are getting short shrift, not just in Monrovia but in most schools. My wife had an uncle who got an engineering degree from Caltech, worked at it for a while and hated it, so he bought a nursery and happily worked at it all his life. There's nothing dishonorable or second class about being a plumber or electrician or mechanic, and I think students should at least have the opportunity to explore those options if they are interested. I believe candidate Selene Lockerbie has commented on this, so that's something. [Candidate Maritza Travanti writes to say that she also has "addressed the need to have ... pathways as diverse as our students are. Not everyone is headed to a college or university."]

- I have recently been chatting with a young man about investing, and have been wondering why there isn't a life-skills class in high school that teaches students this basic stuff, things like: how to cook an egg, basic nutrition, how to shop, how to write a check, how banks work, how to invest, using credit cards, renting an apartment, writing a resume, and so forth. Maybe it's there but I've never heard of it.

- Maybe there are things going on here I'm unaware of, but it seems to me that Monrovia's continuation high schools are AMAZING (many of the students go on to college; at most continuation schools zero go to college), and I really don't get why the district doesn't do more shouting and waving and tooting of horns to tell the world, "Look, this is how it should be done!"

These are impressions, and I'd be happy to be corrected, and I'd especially welcome comments by the four School Board candidates.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Board Candidate Forum

A School Board Candidates’ Forum will be held Oct. 9, at 7 p.m., at the Monrovia Unified School District board room. The address is 325 E. Huntington Dr.  The event is hosted by the Monrovia Teachers Association and will be moderated by the Pasadena League of Women Voters. Anyone attending will have an opportunity to hear the candidates’ views and pose questions.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Budget; Cop on Campus; Etc.


The general fund.

At its Sept. 12 meeting (agenda: https://goo.gl/rPgK73) the Monrovia Board of Education will ...

~ Take a look at the district's general fund. It looks to me as if revenues are down, but so are expenditures: https://goo.gl/YT5N9j

~ Consider implementing with the city a School Resource Officer (Cop on Campus) program for up to $80,000 a year. https://goo.gl/1Xk9BL

~ Consider hiring Leslie Stawarz for up to $16,500 to - as best I can figure out - help the district with the computer system of CALPADS, the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System, a data system that tracks students' academic performance. https://goo.gl/RGDQ9C

- Brad Haugaard

Back to School Nights

Here’s the back-to-school night schedule:

Mayflower - August 23
Bradoaks - August 28
Monrovia High - August 29
Monroe - August 30
Clifton - September 5
Santa Fe - September 6

- Brad Haugaard 

Monrovia High School 125 Years Old

At a special City Council/School Board meeting this Monday (July 16) at 6 p.m. in the City Council chambers, the Council and School Board will recognize the 125th Anniversary of Monrovia High School and discuss the "ACTV Monrovia Initiative," which is the plan to add bike lanes to Ivy and Primrose and make them one-way streets. https://goo.gl/X9SXCB

- Brad Haugaard