Monrovia School Superintendent's July Update

Monrovia Unified is committed to the continued success of our scholars, a goal reflected through work done at the District level and at our facilities this summer.

Our Board of Education approved the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for the 2019-20 school year. The LCAP focuses on goals such as high academic achievement and increased student engagement. Major actions outlined in the LCAP are access to experienced teachers, high-quality instructional materials and well-maintained facilities.

During July, the track and artificial turf field at Monrovia High School underwent a full renovation, ensuring that MHS athletes, scholars, and the community can enjoy the field for 10 to 15 more years! In addition, air-conditioning systems at Plymouth Elementary School and Clifton Middle School were replaced.

Continuing on with the exciting news, the District received notice that Monrovia High School was listed on the 2018-19 California Honor Roll. We are proud of our students and educators from MHS and are thankful for this recognition!

Lastly, the City of Monrovia started repairing and replacing crumbling sidewalks in front of Monrovia High School this month. The project includes tree removal, concrete cutting, and curb removal; the city has indicated the trees will be replanted when the project is finished. For more information, please contact the City of Monrovia Public Works Department at (626) 932-5575. We look forward to the improvements beautifying the paths at MHS!

School starts back up on Aug. 14, and we are excited to see the successes our students will achieve this year! From our intensive arts program to dual-language immersion, from robotics to Code to the Future, Monrovia Unified offers a deep array of engaging curricular options to engage our students’ interests and spark their creativity.

Dr. Katherine Thorossian
Superintendent

Source: Monrovia School District press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Oak Crest Institute Wins U.S. i6 Government Grant

Oak Crest Institute of Science, a Monrovia-based non-profit science research and education organization, has been approved for full funding support through the i6 Challenge program under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Regional Innovation Strategies Program.

Oak Crest is one of only 22 awardees out of 183 applications in 2019, and one of only two awardees from California.

Since 2011, Monrovia has focused its economic development on making the city a premier location for technology and science-focused businesses, such as Oak Crest.

Source: City of Monrovia press release - https://is.gd/ZBzQ5d

- Brad Haugaard

School District Plans to Reach Out to China for Students

At its next meeting (agenda: https://is.gd/nd9oGb) the Monrovia Board of Education will consider hiring Kay Mui for $90 an hour for three months to set-up and manage an account on the Chinese social media platform, WeChat, to promote the district's Mandarin Dl program and grow the district's marketing database and "reach out to overseas schools/agents." She will strategize on WeChat design, plan content and try to increase the number of followers for the district, especially during Chinese New Year. https://is.gd/nzBKI6

- Brad Haugaard

Projects at Monrovia Schools

Monrovia Unified School District's vision of offering world-class schools for our world -class students is reflected in the work being done this summer in our facilities. While budgets remain tight, we were able to find matching grants and capitalize on past work to renovate the air-conditioning systems at Plymouth Elementary School and Clifton Middle School. Most exciting is the use of our restricted funds to renovate the track and field at Wildcat Stadium.

The turf, installed in 2011, was coming to the end of its life cycle. Thanks to the leadership of the Board of Education and the tenacity of the Business Department, the upgrade expected to occur a few years from now, is happening this summer. The project features several remarkable benefits.

First, the upgrades will cost our community a fraction of their cost. Materials used in the original, totaled almost $500,000. The contractor who installed the field stood behind its work and offered not only a free replacement, but a low-cost upgrade to a much higher quality field - and a new warranty extending coverage for eight years.

The more than $210,000 project will include smoothing out the field to eliminate uneven areas that had developed over the last eight years. The District also opted to upgrade the rubber pellet infill to a cool-fill product, which helps decrease the turf temperature. In addition to the turf replacement, contractors will relocate communication boxes to outer parts of the field, ensuring the continued safety of students.

Moving toward a wireless approach, the District is upgrading technology infrastructure by purchasing and testing Sling Studio, a wireless device that allows students to record and stream competitions without having to physically link with communication boxes.

Taken altogether, the project will ensure our athletes and the community can enjoy the field for 10 to 15 more years, while presenting our students with new learning opportunities.

Repairs began June 10 and are expected to be completed by July 19. At the completion of the project, the track will be cleaned and re-striped. At this time, summer practices for MHS sports are being held on alternative fields.

For more information, please call the District office at 471-2000.

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia High School Recognized as a 'High Performing' School

Monrovia High School has been recognized by the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) with a place on the 2018-19 California Honor Roll as part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and districts that are improving student outcomes.

The recognition is not one for which schools or districts may apply. In California, CBEE Honor Roll is based solely on objective achievement data from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The goal is to guide other educators to data-informed best practices for raising student achievement. For that reason, schools are informed about this accolade only upon their selection.

"At Monrovia High School, we are committed to ensuring each one of our students is meeting his or her academic goals and providing all students with the resources they need to be successful," Principal Kirk McGinnis said.

The honor roll highlights schools that show consistent high levels of student academic achievement, are leaders in getting students to grade-level proficiency, and have strong measures of college readiness.

"Preparing our students for college and careers is at the forefront of everything we do," Board President Ed Gililland said. "Monrovia Unified has a strong college-going culture that ensures students are prepared to be successful in all their future endeavors."

Monrovia High school will be provided with an Honor Roll banner and be recognized as a model for other districts and schools.

"Monrovia High School's selection by the CBEE validates the work done by the educators on campus, demonstrating that we are meeting our goal of preparing our students for the challenges of higher education and as contributing citizens of our increasingly connected world," Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. "We are proud of our students and are thankful for this recognition."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Maykayla Pedroza Is Citrus College 'Service Leader of the Year'

Monrovian Maykayla Pedroza is one of two students selected to receive the 2019 Citrus College Service Leader of the Year award. Candidates for this  honor are nominated by faculty. Representatives from the college's constituent groups screen and select the recipients, who are judged on  academic achievement and volunteer service to the college and community. A psychology and criminal law major, Pedroza will graduate from Citrus  this month. In addition to pursuing her associate degree, Pedroza was vice president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club and served as a senator on the Associate Students of Citrus College Executive Board. She has volunteered for the Los Angeles LGBTQ center as a community health educator and community health ambassador. This fall, she plans to transfer to the University of California, Irvine, to pursue her bachelor's degree. Her ultimate goal is to earn a doctorate degree or apply to law school.

Source: Citrus College press release

- Brad Haugaard

Officer Montes Appointed Monrovia Schools Resource Officer

Officer Thomas Montes, who has served the city of Monrovia since 2006, has been appointed as Monrovia's new School Resource Officer (SRO) for the 2019-20 school year.

Montes is well-known at Monrovia Unified, having worked closely with many of the District's site administrators in the past, ensuring that Monrovia schools remain a safe and nurturing learning environment for students.

"Officer Montes has been a support to Monrovia Unified schools in his career as an officer, and he has responded to calls from various schools to provide support and guidance during difficult situations," said Jennifer Jackson, Clifton Middle School principal. "He is a professional, calm, and a asset to students and their families, and we are excited for him to serve as our new School Resource Officer."

Montes has a background in psychology and knowledge and experience working with individuals of all ages.

"We are excited to welcome Officer Thomas Montes to Monrovia Unified," Superintendent Katherine Thorossian said. "We are positive that he will provide excellent support to our schools and to our students."

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Days - This Weekend - Featuring Monrovia Students

This Friday through Sunday is Monrovia Days, and on Saturday the Parade will feature students from Monrovia Unified schools, as well as civic leaders and a variety of organizations that serve the city.

During the celebration Monrovia Unified will showcase its award-winning programs such as robotics, ceramics, and performing arts with on-stage student performances. There will also be a variety of family-friendly attractions, entertainment, games, and carnival rides.

Tickets are available at MonroviaDays.org; single-day tickets, unlimited two-day wristbands, and unlimited three-day wristbands are available. Day-of tickets will be sold at Library Park.

The district is partnering with the city, Centre Stage Theatre, and the Volunteer Center of San Gabriel Valley to host the festival.

For more information, contact the City of Monrovia Public Services Department at 256-8246.

Schedule:

Friday, May 17
5 to 10 p.m.
Student performances: 5 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 18
9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Parade: 10 a.m.

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Santa Fe Students All Issued Chromebooks

Students from Santa Fe Computer Science Magnet School lined up to receive Chromebooks, chargers and laptop sleeves to protect the computers.

"A Chromebook gives students access to our digital world," Principal Geoff Zamarripa said. "By giving our students this competitive advantage, we are preparing them with the skills that employers desire and setting them up for a brighter future."

At Santa Fe, students will create, collaborate, develop, communicate, and interact online with the Chromebooks, adding a new dimension to the school’s curriculum. Many subjects such as English and math have available online curricula, and students and teachers can begin working on the transition immediately.

Digital instruction provides access for teachers to monitor the progress of assignments, ensuring each student is staying on track with classroom work. Teachers can switch focus more on project-based instruction, giving students the opportunity to learn new skills and master new concepts as they conduct research to complete projects.

Source: Monrovia Schools press release

- Brad Haugaard

Superintendent on Schools Accomplishments, Asks Help for Robotics Teams.

Superintendent Katherine Thorossian writes that as the district approaches the end of the school year, "I am inspired by our passionate educators and determined students, who have demonstrated such remarkable growth since September. Team work, perseverance, and a strong work ethic paid off for our robotics teams at the Regional Championships.

"Congratulations to Clifton Middle School’s Hippie Bots and Monrovia High’s Kings and Queens as they head to World Championships in Houston, Texas! Please consider contributing to the GoFundMe accounts for the Kings and Queens and the Hippie Bots to help get them to the Championships!

"In March, our school community came together to raise more than $25,000 for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a Monrovia-based charity that funds research on childhood cancers. Several Monrovia Unified staff and students shaved their heads in solidarity with children who lose their hair during cancer treatment. I’m proud of our school community for their compassion and drive to help others.

"Compassion and hard work are also embodied by our Monrovia Unified volunteers who were honored at the annual Golden Apple Awards on March 25. We are grateful for their dedication to our school community."

Source: Monrovia School District

- Brad Haugaard

School District to Honor Students, Employees, Volunteers

At its next meeting (https://is.gd/hHJsjV) the Board of Education will congratulate lots and lots of people.

Students who participated in the District PTA Reflections competition:

• Dance - Gabriella Figueroa, Monroe; Katherine Regencia, Monrovia High.
• Literature - Sophia Lee, Clifton; Darlene Luong, Santa Fe; Madison Maljian, Plymouth; Cosette Menard, Monroe; Elliot Webster, Mayflower.
• Photography - Ella Andrews, Monroe; Walker Andrews, Clifton; Briana Rojas-Sandoval, Monrovia High.
• Special Artist/Visual Arts - Marco Vazquez and Giovanni Vazquez, Monroe.
• Visual Arts - Samuel Acuna, Bradoaks; Adelene Atkins, Monroe; Ryen Covey, Monroe; Kennie Fess, Plymouth; Madelynn Leyva, Monrovia High; Andrew Lin, Mayflower; Sarah Lopez, Santa Fe; Sophia Luconi, Mayflower; Sofia Perez, Mayflower; Mika Ramsey, Bradoaks; Raphael Romero, Plymouth.

And these students on being honorees of the National Hispanic Recognition Program, for scoring within the top 2.5% on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test: Luis Alejo, John Gutierrez, Anthony Romero, Kate Tadeo and Jacob Valenzuela.

And - along with the Chamber of Commerce - these Employees of the Month for April: Rosemary Torres, Clerical Assistant I, Monroe; Brenda Rivas, Teacher, Monroe; Denise Boudreaux, Instructional Aide, Wild Rose; Paula Langdale, Teacher, Wild Rose; Maria Sandoval, Office Manager, Santa Fe; Jennifer Wiley Magana, Teacher, Santa Fe.

AND - along with the Monrovia Schools Foundation - Rob Cady and Dana Elliott for their contribution to the success of the Monrovia Elementary Olympic games.

AND, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Dr. Darvin Jackson, on being recognized by the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators, for his outstanding contributions to the educational success of children in California.

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus Ranks Among Top Schools for Hispanics

For the 12th consecutive year, Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has been recognized as one of the nation's top community colleges by Hispanic Outlook on Education, a national monthly magazine. This year, it ranked Citrus 25th out of the nation's more-than 1,100 community colleges for the number of Hispanic students receiving degrees and certificates. The college also ranked 32nd for total enrollment of Hispanic students.

- Brad Haugaard

Citrus College Named as 'Military Friendly'

For the ninth consecutive year, Citrus College has been designated a Military Friendly School by VIQTORY, an organization that connects the military community to educational opportunities and civilian employment. Citrus appears on MilitaryFriendly.com (here: https://goo.gl/hgtWEf) as well as in the "2019 Guide to Military Friendly Schools," published in G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse magazines. Citrus serves the Monrovia area.

Source: Citrus press release

- Brad Haugaard