Clifton Teacher Honored at LA Clippers Game

Clifton Middle School’s Daniela Mazzeo was recognized on court at the Los Angeles Clippers game on Feb. 13 for her success as a teacher.

She has provided instruction and guidance to robotics students, which has led to multiple awards and recognition for Clifton’s teams, and is working on a plan to expand Clifton’s traditional yearbook program by adding multi-media.

Principal Jennifer Jackson said. “She does not settle for what is, but rather what should be."

Source: https://goo.gl/JvR7a9

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Robotics Team Comes Out on Top

Monrovia High robotics teams, The Suitbots, took first place in the Lucky Baldwin league, and advances to the next round, to be held this Saturday, Feb. 9, at Monrovia High. https://goo.gl/knUF7k

- Brad Haugaard

Inspirational Teacher, Erin Gruwell, to Visit Clifton Middle School

Erin Gruwell, the teacher whose experience transforming the lives of at-risk students was turned into the movie "Freedom Writers," will visit Clifton Middle School this Thursday to deliver a presentation about how education can spark change. https://goo.gl/v21R98

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Enrollment Keeps Heading Down; Though Mandarin, Spanish Programs Boost Enrollment at Some Schools

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

~ Consider a report showing average daily attendance at the district is 5,181 for the 2018-19 school year. There is no comparison from previous years in the staff report: https://goo.gl/nGbZTK

~ Receive a report (https://goo.gl/NqWzNw) indicating that, "District enrollment decreased 2.14% this year compared to last year, and has decreased 7.78% since the 2014-15 school year, its lowest level since at least 1992. District enrollment peaked at 6,762 in 1999."

Elementary enrollment decline 3.99% this year, and 6.86% since 2014-15, however Plymouth increased .22% this year and 7.64% since 2014-15, mainly due to the Mandarin dual Immersion program. Monroe has also increased, 3.36% since 2014-15 because of the Spanish Dual Immersion program.

Middle school enrollment increased 1.9% due to a slightly larger class moving into sixth grade, but has declined 3.67% since 2014-15. High school enrollment is down 2.84% since last year.

- Brad Haugaard

Robotics Teams Compete at Monrovia High Today

Ten Monrovia schools robotics teams are competing today (details: https://goo.gl/jMfXvk) in the annual Inter-League Tournament. Six are from Monrovia High, two from Clifton Middle School, and two from Santa Fe Computer Magnet School. Top-scoring teams will advance to the LA Regional Championships at Monrovia High on March 9.

Students will control robots they have designed, built, and programmed in head-to-head challenges that simulate space rover actions such as landing, mining, sample gathering, and parking.

- Brad Haugaard

Chinese Students Visit Monrovia Elementary Schools

More than 100 students from China visited Monrovia elementary schools as a part of a cultural immersion program. They visited Mayflower, Plymouth, and Bradoaks. https://goo.gl/EHwq3L

- Brad Haugaard

Disco Fundraiser for Mayflower PTA

Get on your boogie shoes and bellbottoms and head to the disco to benefit the kids at Mayflower Elementary school. This adult only event will include dinner, a silent auction, and dancing. All are encouraged to dress the part, and to get in the groove, on April 27, from 6pm-10pm. The event will be held at the Santa Anita Golf Course at 405 South Anita Avenue.

All party lovers are invited to help celebrate with flashing lights and disco balls to raise funds to enhance children’s education at Mayflower Elementary School located in Monrovia, California. “Money from this event will assist with literacy programs, afford to send children on field trips and assist with ensuring classrooms have needed supplies” said Sarah Edgington, Mayflower PTA president.” We invite all the community to help their local school by joining us on this groovy night,” she added.

Ticket prices are $50 a person and $85 a couple and can be purchased at https://mayflowerdisco19.eventbrite.com. Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are also available. For more information, to give a donation or to learn more about how you can support Mayflower PTA, visit the Mayflower PTA Facebook page at Mayflower PTA, email mayflowerpta@gmail.com, or call 7609088058.

Source: Press release

- Brad Haugaard

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