PRINCIPALS’ UPDATES FROM ALL ABCUSD SCHOOLS • 19 Elementary Schools • 5 Middle Schools • 5 High Schools • ABC Adult School • Preschool Programs

DISTRICT NEWS & INFORMATION

• Bus Stops • District Holidays • STAR Accountability Report • Open House & Graduation Dates

PRINCIPALS’ UPDATES FROM ALL ABCUSD SCHOOLS

DISTRICT NEWS & INFORMATION

2011 ABCUSD BACK TO SCHOOL RESOURCE GUIDE

2 2011 ABC Unifi ed School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

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Table of Contents

Best Wishes for a Successful School Year!

District Map ...............................................................................................................4A Message From The Superintendent - Dr. Gary Smuts ...............................................5A Message From The Board President - Maynard Law .................................................5Board of Education ......................................................................................................6School Calendar ..........................................................................................................7STAR Accountability Report .......................................................................................8ABCUSD Announces New Superintendent for Mid-2012 ................................................9ABC Unifi ed School-An Award Winning District ......................................................... 10ABCUSD Graduation Dates, Open House ..................................................................... 11ABC Magnet School Programs ....................................................................................12ABC Unifi ed School District Bus Stops ...................................................................... 14ABC Unifi ed School District Preschool Programs ........................................................16ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ............................................................................... 18Aloha Elementary School ........................................................................................... 18Mary Bragg Elementary School ................................................................................. 19Burbank Elementary School .......................................................................................20Carver Elementary School ......................................................................................... 21Cerritos Elementary School .......................................................................................22Elliott Elementary School ..........................................................................................22Furgeson Elementary School .....................................................................................24Gonsalves Elementary School ....................................................................................25Hawaiian Elementary School ......................................................................................26Juarez Elementary School .........................................................................................26Kennedy Elementary School ......................................................................................27Leal Elementary School .............................................................................................28Melbourne Elementary School ...................................................................................29Niemes Elementary School ........................................................................................30Patricia Nixon Elementary School .............................................................................. 31Palms Elementary School ..........................................................................................32Stowers Elementary School .......................................................................................32Willow Elementary School .........................................................................................33Wittmann Elementary School ....................................................................................34MIDDLE SCHOOLS ........................................................................................34Carmenita Middle School ...........................................................................................34Fedde Middle School .................................................................................................35Haskell Middle School ..............................................................................................36Ross Middle School ...................................................................................................37Tetzlaff Middle School ..............................................................................................38HIGH SCHOOLS ................................................................................................39Artesia High School ..................................................................................................39Cerritos High School .................................................................................................40Gahr High School ...................................................................................................... 41Tracy High School .....................................................................................................42Whitney High School .................................................................................................42ABC Adult School ......................................................................................................43

4 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

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2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 5

In this “BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION” all of ABC’s 30 schools and preschools take the opportunity to start the new school year by communicating directly with the educational com-munity we serve. As you know, effective communication between schools and parents is one hallmark of ABC.

The challenges facing California public schools have never been greater. Our own school district has reduced spending by over $35 million. While the responsibilities of public educa-tion continue to expand, our resources continue to shrink. However, student achievement in ABC has never been higher! Despite these hardships, ABC continues to prosper academically

and our children are enriched daily by thriving programs in art, music, and athletics. In this “BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION” you will read about ABC schools that are designated “magnets” in

that they have specialized programs that draw students to an educational theme that is distinguished by a rigorous academic focus. Other schools highlight their characteristics that make each of them distinctive. This annual publication helps us refresh our understanding that each of school is a reflection of the students, parents, and staff that form their unique learning community.

The Los Cerritos Community News has again joined ABC in a special partnership to develop and print this “BACK TO SCHOOL” Resource Guide. This is another example of hundreds of community partnerships that provide tremendous support for ABC schools throughout the year. The continued support of PTA’s, booster clubs, volunteers, business partners, and our new ABC District Education Foundation enhances ABC’s growth and improvement. If you, your organization, or your business wants to join the others who work in our schools, please call our Volunteer Office at (562) 926-5566, extension 21197.

I have been an educator in ABC for nearly 38 years. I love and admire so much about this wonderful place. My colleagues, our children, and those of you I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with – I will treasure my good fortune as I move closer to my retirement in June, 2012.

Thank you for your continued support during the 2010-2011 school year and welcome BACK TO SCHOOL!

A Message From The Superintendent - Dr. Gary Smuts

Dear Parents,

On behalf of our School Board, I am pleased to welcome you and your family to the 2011-2012 school year with existing news. The newly released Academic Performance Index shows that student test scores in ABC are at an all-time high with a district-wide score of 833.

ABC Unified School District continues to provide a world-class education to all our stu-dents. Although the District has experienced severe funding reductions the focus of student

achievement continues to be our number one goal. This goal of academic excellence for all is only possible through a partnership between the Students, Parents, Teachers, Classified Employees, Administrators and the School Board.

The entire Board wishes your children a very successful school year.

Sincerely,Maynard Law

President, Board of EducationABC Unified School District

A Message From The Board President - Maynard Law

6 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

Sophia Tse, Member of the Board, was elec-ted to the ABC Board in 2007. Sophia is a pediatric nurse practitioner and part-time university instructor. Sophia has been a re-sident of Cerritos for 24 years. All three of her children attended ABC schools. Sophia has been involved in her children’s schools as PTSA board member at Carmenita MS and Whitney HS, chairwoman at Whitney HS Chinese PTSA and volunteer nurse practiti-

oner for Cerritos HS soccer teams. She has served in the com-munity through the following organizations: Chairwoman and Board Member of the Southern California Chinese Culture As-sociation; participant in the March of Dimes Program for pre-mature Infants; and community instructor for basic life support and parenting classes. Mrs. Tse is a Southeast ROP board mem-ber representing ABC. Mrs. Tse is the liaison to the Closing the Achievement Gap Board Advisory Committee. She believes that educational instruction should develop all aspects of the student, including the physical, intellectual, social, and psycho-logical aspects, in order to create a well-rounded individual. She strongly feels that success in a student’s education can only occur through strong parental involvement and participation.

Board of Education

Armin Reyes, Vice President of the Board, is in his third term as a member of the ABC School Board and was first elected in Novem-ber, 1999. Armin brings both experience and education in negotiations and conflict ma-nagement to his service with the Board. He originally moved to Cerritos because of the excellent schools in the District and wants to make sure that the quality of education re-

mains high. Armin has three small children, and two of them are ABC students

Olympia Chen, Clerk of the Board, was first elected to the ABC School Board in 1997. She also served as the Board President in 2000, 2004, and 2009. Olympia was a high school teacher and has been a resident of Cerritos for 25 years. She has extensive involvement in the school district and the community. She volunteered in her children‘s schools, inclu-ding serving as secretary of Carmenita PTA

and Cerritos High School PTSA. Olympia is a board member for the Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross as well as the Community Family Guidance Center. She is a member of Women’s Club of Artesia Cerritos and a life time member of Friends of Cerritos Library. Olympia enjoys most „Read Aloud“ events at the schools. Olympia feels it is critical to continue a partnership between teachers, other staff and the administration in the ABC Unified School District. „This will allow us to focus on quality education for all students.“ Olym-pia is the liaison to the Finance and Audit Committee.

Maynard Law, President of the Board, was elected to the ABC Board in 2007. Maynard is a retired Special Education Teacher as well as a retired public administrator. Maynard has been a resident of Cerritos for 34 years, with both of his sons educated in ABC. He has extensive involvement in the school dis-trict and the community. He has served the community on various ABC School District

advisory committees, coached more than 40 youth sports teams, volunteered as a scout leader, as a member of the Friends of Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, as President of the Cerritos Optimist Club, and as Chairman of the City of Cer-ritos Parks and Recreation Commission. He feels honored to continue the leadership excellence that is the cornerstone of the ABC District. He believes that continuing strong partnerships among parents, teachers, administrators, employee groups, and the school board is a priority. He believes that a primary role of a board member is to ensure that every student has the resources to achieve academic success. Mr. Law is the liaison to the Leg-islative/Policy Board Advisory Committee.

James Kang, Member of the Board, was elected to the ABC School Board in 2009. He graduated from Korea University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administra-tion and a MBA Degree in Marketing, then worked as a systems analyst for the Los An-geles County Data Processing Department for three years, before spending thirty years as a real estate businessman. During his busi-ness career, he continued post graduate study

at Cerritos College and CSULA. He and his family have been residents of Cerritos since 1977. His three children graduated from Cerritos Elementary and Whitney High School. His first son graduated from UC Berkeley and became a medical doc-tor, and his second son graduated from Yale University and be-came a lawyer. His daughter graduated from UCLA and works as a pharmacist. He honors and thanks all the teachers who gave a great education to his children. As he became involved in his children’s activities, James Kang was a founding leader of the Whitney High Korean Parent group. He also served as a Chairperson of the Whitney Foundation for Educational Ex-cellence. He served as a member of the ABCUSD Strategic Planning Committee and the Student Achievement Commit-tee. He is now involved in supporting youth activities such as middle school track meets, essay contests, and oratorical contests. James Kang supports students who would like to go into a professional trade as well as further academic study. He encourages all ABC students to do their very best during their stay with ABCUSD.

Celia Spitzer, Member of the Board, was first elected to the ABC Board in 1999 and to her third term in 2007. She has been a resident of Cerritos since 1971. Celia worked as a systems engineer for IBM after graduating from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor‘s Degree in mathematics. Both of her children atten-ded ABC schools from kindergarten through

high school. Celia is proud of the many accomplishments of our district, its students and its employees. Many of our schools have received state and national recognition for academic per-formance. ABC has received national recognition for its excel-lent relationship with district employees with everyone working together to promote student achievement. All of this is being accomplished with a balanced budget that focuses on the needs of all students. Celia thoroughly enjoys serving on the Board and is proud of how well our schools and the communities they serve are working together.

2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 7

ABC Unified School District

Welcome Back To School !

Wishing you all the best and continued success as

you begin a new school year.

Don Knabe Supervisor, Fourth District County of Los Angeles www.Knabe.com

Friday, November 11, 2011Veteran‘s Day

Friday, November 18, 2011Elementary Student Free Day

November 21-23, 2011Furlough Days-No School

Thursday and Friday, November 24-25, 2011Thanksgiving Recess

Friday, December 23, 2011 through Friday, January 6, 2012

Winter Recess

Monday, January 16, 2012Martin Luther King Day

Friday, February 3, 2012Secondary Student Free Day

Monday, February 13, 2012Lincoln‘s Birthday

Monday, February 20, 2012President‘s Day

Monday, March 26, 2012Furlough Day-No School

Friday, April 6, 2012Local Holiday

Monday, April 9 through Friday, April 13, 2012

Spring Recess

Monday, May 28, 2012Memorial Day

Thursday, June 21, 2012Last Day of School

2011-2012 School Calendar School Holidays/No School for Students (Local and Legal Holidays for Students)

8 2011 ABC Unifi ed School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

By Dr. Mary Sieu, Deputy Superintendent

California Department of Education released its 2010-2011 Accountability Progress Report to the public in September. The Report provides re-sults from the state account-ability system which includes the Academic Performance Index (API and the federal accountability system using the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) targets. Both the API and AYP are based on the state-wide assessment results from the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program and from the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).

The 2010-2011 STAR Program includes the Cali-fornia Standards Test (CST) for students in grades two through eleven. The test results of the English language arts and Math tests were sent home to families during August and September.

ABC Unified School District continued to demon-strate strong growth with its increased API of 822 in 2010 to 833 in 2011. The State’s 2011 API average is 778. The ten points gain is significant for a school district that serves multiple communities with a diverse student population. One of the major District strategic

goals for the past several years has been to close the achievement gap among the various subgroups including students from low socio-economic families and English learners.

Eighteen of the 29 schools tested in the District met the State’s target of 800 or more on the API. Among the schools that dem-onstrated sig-nificant growth were Title I schools including Furgeson ES (48 points), Willow ES (54 points), Melbourne ES (38 points), Burbank ES (31

points), Fedde MS (48 points), Ross MS (32 points) and Kennedy (32 points). Artesia HS continued to grow by 17 points from 748 to 765.

ABC Makes Great Gains on the STAR TestRising Academic Performance Index (API)

State and ABC Comparison

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Frontier Youth Baseball League is dedicated to providing a positive, family atmosphere that strives for a balance between fun, competition, and player development. We offer a complete Spring Baseball season, including tournament play and All Stars.

We also provide instructional seasons in the Summer and Fall.

Our Major (ages 11-12) and Babe Ruth (ages 13-15) Divisions play official baseball rules on intermediate (50'/70') and full-size baseball fields. Frontier is chartered with

Babe Ruth League, Inc. and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

2011 ABC Unifi ed School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 9

ABCUSD Announces Next Superintendent

On Sept. 6th, the Board of Education of the ABC Unifi ed School unanimously approved Dr. Mary Sieu’s contract as the next Superintendent following the retire-ment of Dr. Gary Smuts in July, 2012. Dr. Sieu is currently the Deputy Super-intendent in ABCUSD. She has been an administrator for the past 21 years in the District having served as Assistant Super-intendent of Academic Services, Direc-

tor of Special Programs and Services and Supervisor of State and Federal Programs.

Dr. Sieu has been responsible in the development of thirteen magnet schools in the District, created international exchange programs in the Pacifi c Rim, key collaborator with ABCFT on numerous projects and founder of the District’s Parent Leader-ship Conference and Academy.

In the community, Dr. Sieu served as the President of the Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2010-2011. She continues to chair the Business and Education Council and the Student Government Day Program as Past President of the Chamber. She has been involved with the Cerritos-Artesia Rotary Club since 1997 and is an active member of the South-east Regional Collaborative in Hawaiian Gardens. In addition to her role in ABCUSD, she has been an adjunct professor at USC with the Rossier School of Education working with graduate students in the fi eld of education.

This year, Dr. Sieu is the recipient of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) State Administra-tor of the Year Award in Valuing Diversity. She received the Administrator of the Year Award in 2010 for Central Offi ce Administrator. Currently, she serves on ACSA’s State Board of Directors, the State Equity and Diversity Committee and chairs the Women’s Leadership Network for Region XIV.

Dr. Sieu is originally from Chicago, IL where she began her teaching career with the Chicago Public Schools. She has taught in the Chino Unifi ed School District as well as worked as a foreign language teacher in the People’s Repub-lic of China. She worked as a Clinical Supervisor at UCLA’s Teacher Education Laboratory. She earned her Ph.D. at UCLA in Education in 1990. Dr. Sieu is the proud mother of a son who currently works at the Community Family Guidance Center in Cerritos.

(866) 337-4695www.franklincareercollege.com12440 Firestone Boulevard Suite 2000, Norwalk, CA 90650

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Welcome back to school!

Your friends at Los Cerritos

Community News.

10 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

ABC Unified School District has been recognized and highlighted on many occasions throughout the past year. Schools and individual accomplishments have been highlighted at the national, state and local levels. The following are some examples:

ABC Unified School – An Award Winning District

Principals and staff dedicated to providing healthier food receive awards from Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Principals from seven different schools receive award from the California Business for Education Excellence.

Whitney Senior Distinguished Young Woman of CaliforniaWhitney High School Senior Hannah Joo , 2012 Distinguished Young Woman of California winner, formerly the Junior Miss Contest,was introduced to members of the ABC Board of Edu-cation at its Sept. 20 meeting. Joo will represent California in the national competition schedule for next June in Alabama.She said she hopes more students will enter the competition in the future. “Its an experience you have once in a lifetime and make new friends”, she said. With her are (l-r) Darshna Shah, Ronda Burd, Joo, Whitney Principal Ronda Buss and School Board President Maynard Law.

Golden Bell Award-Niemes Elementary School.

Members of the ABC Board of Education presented Certifi-cates of Recognition to beginning teachers at their Sept. 20 meeting who have completed a two-year Assessment Induction Program. With them are (right) Board President Maynard Law and Assistant Supt. Of Human Resources Carol Hanson and Program Coordinator Stacey Hamagina (second row left). The program is intensive with support providers who help innovate methods of instruction to the new teachers.

From the Cerritos City Council

Best Wishes for a Successful School Year!

2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 11

HIGH SCHOOLS

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLOpen House Schedules 2011-2012

SECONDARY SCHOOLOpen House Schedules 2011-2012

ABCUSD Graduation Dates

ABC Back To School Resource GuidePublished by Los Cerritos Community Newspaper Group.

All rights reserved, ©2011. Published once per year, circulation 35,000.

Major contributions by the following ABCUSD personnel:Dr. Mary Sieu, Deputy SuperintendentLaura Lowe, Administrative Assistant

ABC Council PTA Board2010-2011

PresidentCynthia Corrales

SecretaryShiva BhattTreasure

Melodie JohnsonAuditor

Priva VenkatPrograms

Elsa Garcia-ChauHistorianAna Marty

ParliamentarianLouise DodsonHospitalityPilar Aguayo

MembershipYolanda Williams

Elementary Schools Open House Schedule for 2011-12

Computer:Users:brian:Documents:Microsoft User Data:Saved Attachments:OpenHs 11-12.doc

School/Principal Ext. # Date Time

ALOHA

Yabumoto, Julie 22500 Thursday, March 8, 2012 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.

BRAGG

Janeway, Annette 22600 Thursday, April 5, 2012 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

BURBANK

Bray, Beth 22700 Thursday, May 31, 2012 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

CARVER

Berlyn, Debbie 22800 Wednesday, April 25, 2012 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

CERRITOS

Wilson, Dennis 22900 Thursday, May 31, 2012 6:00 p.m.

ELLIOTT

Mitchell, Danielle 23000 Thursday, May 31, 2012 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

FURGESON

Lozano, Mayra 23100 Thursday, May 17, 2012 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

GONSALVES

Benko, Rob 23200 Thursday, April 19, 2012 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

HAWAIIAN

Cordova, Laurie 23300 Thursday, May 31, 2012 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

JUAREZ

Adler, LuAnn 23400 Thursday, May 31, 2012 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

KENNEDY

Valentine, Melissa 23500 Thursday, May 31, 2012 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

LEAL

Makely, Laura 23600 Thursday, May 17, 2012 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

MELBOURNE

Neder-Olivos, Kathy 23700 Thursday, March 15, 2012 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

NIEMES

Jimenez, Meg 23800 Thursday, May 31, 2012 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

NIXON

Ortiz, Melinda 23900 Thursday, March 8, 2012 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

PALMS

Huh, Eveline 24000 Thursday, May 31, 2012 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

STOWERS

Tracy, Tom 24100 Thursday, March 22, 2012 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

WILLOW

Dohm, Linda 24200 Thursday, May 17, 2012 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

WITTMANN

Walker, Patrick 24300 Tuesday, May 22, 2012 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Elementary Schools Open House Schedule for 2011-12

Computer:Users:brian:Documents:Microsoft User Data:Saved Attachments:OpenHs 11-12.doc

School/Principal Ext. # Date

Time

CARMENITA

Song, Kester

24400 Thursday, February 22, 2012 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

FEDDE

Castro, Carol

24600 Thursday, February 16, 2012

(Student Led Conferences) 1:00 - 3:00 and 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

HASKELL

Lewis, Camille

24700 Thursday, February 9, 2012

(Student Led Conferences) 1:00 - 3:00 and 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

ROSS

Brown, Ricardo

24500 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 6:00 p.m.

TETZLAFF

Wise, Crechena

24800 Wednesday, February 29, 2012 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

ARTESIA

Garcia, Sergio

21601 Tuesday, April 17, 2012

(Report Card Night) 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 - Gym

CERRITOS

Peterson, Janice

21800 Tuesday, March 27, 2012 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

GAHR

Zietlow, Gina

22001 Tuesday, March 20, 2012 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

TRACY

Green, Jeff

22200 Wednesday, May 30, 2012 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

WHITNEY

Buss, Rhonda

22300 Wednesday, April 18, 2012 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

ADULT

Guo, Pao-Ling

25011 Friday, May 11, 2012 9:30 - 11:30 Noon @ Cuesta Site

Computer:Users:brian:Documents:Microsoft User Data:Saved Attachments:Grad Dates 11-12.doc

ABC Unified School District 2011-12 GRADUATION DATES

ADULT SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOLS, SECONDARY SCHOOL

DATE SCHOOL TIME LOCATION

June 1, 2012

(Friday)

Adult School

5:00 p.m.

Cerritos Center for

the Performing

Arts

June 19, 2012

(Tuesday)

ABC Secondary

School

(Independent

Study)

6:00 p.m.

Cerritos High

School East

Gymnasium

Gahr High School

6:00 p.m.

Gahr High School

Rants Stadium

June 20, 2012

(Wednesday)

Tracy High School

6:00 p.m.

Artesia High

School

Atkins Stadium

Artesia High

School

6:30 p.m.

Artesia High

School

Atkins Stadium

Cerritos High

School

7:00 p.m.

Gahr High School

Rants Stadium

June 21, 2012

(Thursday)

Whitney High

School

5:00 p.m.

Whitney Athletic

Field

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

DATE SCHOOL TIME LOCATION

Carmenita Middle

9:00 a.m.

Quad Area

Fedde Middle

9:00 a.m.

Fedde Sports

Complex

Haskell Middle

9:00 a.m.

Quad Area

Ross Middle

8:30 a.m.

Shelter Area

June 21, 2012

(Thursday)

Tetzlaff Middle

8:00 a.m.

Quad Area

Computer:Users:brian:Documents:Microsoft User Data:Saved Attachments:Grad Dates 11-12.doc

ABC Unified School District 2011-12 GRADUATION DATES

ADULT SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOLS, SECONDARY SCHOOL

DATE SCHOOL TIME LOCATION

June 1, 2012

(Friday)

Adult School

5:00 p.m.

Cerritos Center for

the Performing

Arts

June 19, 2012

(Tuesday)

ABC Secondary

School

(Independent

Study)

6:00 p.m.

Cerritos High

School East

Gymnasium

Gahr High School

6:00 p.m.

Gahr High School

Rants Stadium

June 20, 2012

(Wednesday)

Tracy High School

6:00 p.m.

Artesia High

School

Atkins Stadium

Artesia High

School

6:30 p.m.

Artesia High

School

Atkins Stadium

Cerritos High

School

7:00 p.m.

Gahr High School

Rants Stadium

June 21, 2012

(Thursday)

Whitney High

School

5:00 p.m.

Whitney Athletic

Field

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

DATE SCHOOL TIME LOCATION

Carmenita Middle

9:00 a.m.

Quad Area

Fedde Middle

9:00 a.m.

Fedde Sports

Complex

Haskell Middle

9:00 a.m.

Quad Area

Ross Middle

8:30 a.m.

Shelter Area

June 21, 2012

(Thursday)

Tetzlaff Middle

8:00 a.m.

Quad Area

12 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT MAGNET SCHOOLSALOHA ELEMENTARYA Health and Medical AcademyThe Aloha Health Medical Academy provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for the growing Health and Medical Industry. Academically, Health and Medical topics are intertwined with state standards, both in the classroom and in the state-of-the art Science Lab. Students are also prepared for this line of work through field experience with field trips, guest speakers, and school wide assemblies. The rigorous curriculum accommodates all types of learners and is designed to expose students to professions that are in high demand.

BURBANK ELEMENTARYA Visual, Performing, and Folk Arts Magnet SchoolThe Burbank Visual, Performing, and Folk Arts Magnet provides our students an arts-based academic program that reflects America’s cultural richness. Music, visual arts, performing arts, and drama are integrated into the standards-based curriculum incorporating parent and community partnerships, technologically enhanced instruction, and frequent arts lessons.

CARVER ACADEMYA Communication Arts Magnet Elementary SchoolThis Magnet program helps students gain skills necessary for success in the 21st century through exploration of both interpersonal and technological communication. The program of schoolwide enrichment and academic achievement for all students, allows them to build the foundation for lifelong success, while developing their personal talents and abilities. The emphasis is on a challenging curriculum that accommodates a wide range of individual differences and is designed to develop the talent potential of all students, preschool through grade six.

ELLIOTT ELEMENTARYWorld Navigators - A Global Studies and Technology MagnetElliott School World Navigators explore their world with an integrated social studies curriculum and state-of-the-art technology. Multimedia projects enable students to learn similarities and differences with cultures around the world.

FURGESON ACADEMYAcademy of Communications and Technology MagnetFurgeson Academy of Communications and Technology (FACT) promotes better understanding of world cultures — with an emphasis on technology, broadcasting and communication. Its state-of-the-art broadcasting and recording studio allows students to write, produce, and broadcast news and presentations.

LEAL ELEMENTARYA Visual and Performing Arts MagnetArts In Motion (AIM) offers thematic instruction in four disciplines of the Arts: Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts while focusing on academic work including Aesthetic Valuing, Artistic Perception, and Cultural/Historical Awareness.

NIEMES ELEMENTARYSchool of Environmental Science and Technology MagnetNiemes Elementary is on the cutting edge of environmental education. Students develop awareness of the interconnection of all species and the ecosystems on our planet through integration of environmental science and technology across all subject areas. The program includes a new Environmental Science Laboratory, an Outdoor Nature Center, Spanish-English Dual Immersion Program, and an after school program.

NIXON ACADEMYA Multimedia Arts Production Magnet Elementary SchoolThe Nixon Academy Multimedia Arts Production Magnet program nurtures innovative and creative learners by providing an enriched and challenging curriculum with unique experiences in multimedia arts production, engaging all students to be empowered for the future. Students have opportunities to develop an appreciation for the arts, engage in hands-on experiences, and explore the use of media technology to enhance their learning experiences. Nixon Academy Magnet develops students who are tech savvy and ready to compete in the 21st century.

2011 ABC Unifi ed School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 13

STOWERS ELEMENTARYSchool of International Studies - A Unique Primary Years ProgramA magnet school based upon the International Baccalaureate programme offering a rigorous and challenging inquiry-based curriculum. All students learn Spanish, develop leadership, communication, and global research skills through real world projects and engage in a weekly enrichment in Seminar, a critical thinking and problem solving, collaborative dialogue. Stowers Magnet promotes and develops international-mindness in their students and provides them with the opportunities for learning about issues that have local, national and global signifi cance.

FEDDE MIDDLE SCHOOLInternational Studies AcademyModeled after International Baccalaureate’s Middle Years Programme, Fedde offers a program that emphasizes strong research and communication skills while remaining student-centered with a project-based approach to learning. In addition to learning Spanish, students develop a global perspective for real-life issues and use the latest technology to research, present, and exchange ideas. Following the progression from the Primary Years Programme, students at Fedde Academy complete their Middle Years Programme and are prepared for entry into the Diploma Programme at the high school level.

ROSS MIDDLE SCHOOLAcademy of Creative and Media Arts MagnetThe highly creative atmosphere at Ross Academy of Creative and Media Arts encourages students to be motivated and engaged in the program of academic excellence and creativity. The program includes a state-of-the-art computer lab, video/media production, creative writing, theater arts, musical arts, and fi ne arts (ceramics, printmaking, and sculpture).

TETZLAFF ACADEMYA Pre-Advanced Placement Magnet Middle SchoolTetzlaff Accelerated Learning Academy is Los Angeles County’s fi rst magnet middle school that provides a pre-Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum for all students. Our mission is to offer students Pre Advanced Placement courses to expose them to the relevance, rigor, and relationships necessary to meet the demand required of Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school. We recognize every student as an individual with unlimited potential. Our goal is that all program participants will graduate from high school and enter college well prepared to pursue careers of their own choosing, and to be leaders in their communities.

ARTESIA HIGH SCHOOLBridge to the Future - Where All Students SucceedA preparatory magnet that promotes achievement and prepares students for success in college and careers. New and expanded course offerings include multiple options that embrace the interests of every student. Exciting and unique programs for students include: Medical Sciences Academy, Visual and Performing Arts Academy, “No Fail” Math Program and powerful partnerships with local businesses.

ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT MAGNET SCHOOLS

14 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

ABCUSD BUS STOPSELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

ALOHA ELEMENTARY NECTAR & CARSON 215TH & LONGWORTH CENTRALIA & GRIDLEY

BRAGG ELEMENTARY STUDEBAKER & BIGELOW, STUDEBAKER & JERRY PIONEER & LOS COYOTES BURBANK ELEMENTARY STUDEBAKER & 4 TREES APTS 169TH & CLARKDALE (PADELFORD PARK)

CARVER ELEMENTARY SOUTH & PIRES, SOUTH & ALPHINGTON, SOUTH & SHOEMAKER DEL AMO & MAMMOTH, MOODY & BORREGO

HAWAIIAN ELEMENTARY 221ST & IBEX

JUAREZ ELEMENTARY NORWALK & ECHO RIVER WAY, BLOOMFIELD & HIDDEN CREEK BLOOMFIELD & MOLETTE, 169TH & CLARKDALE (PADELFORD PARK) EXCELSIOR & WILDER, DAWN & CEDARWOOD KENNEDY ELEMENTARY ALONDRA & MADRIS 183RD & SHOEMAKER

MELBOURNE ELEMENTARY NORWALK & CIVIC CENTER DRIVE

NIXON ELEMENTARY SOUTH & GRAYLAND

PALMS ELEMENTARY BLOOMFIELD & 215TH, BLOOMFIELD & GRADWELL

WILLOW ELEMENTARY CENTRALIA & GRIDLEY STUDEBAKER & HORNET

WITTMANN ELEMENTARY ALONDRA & WILDER

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

CARMENITA MIDDLE CARMENITA & CHURCH AM, CARMENITA & SOUTH PM

FEDDE MIDDLE CARSON & NECTAR, CENTRALIA & GRIDLEY

HASKELL MIDDLE ARTESIA & GRIDLEY, NORWALK & 183RD, STUDEBAKER & 183RD STUDEBAKER & SOUTH

ROSS ACADEMY BLOOMFIELD & ALONDRA, 166TH & GRIDLEY, 166TH & ISLANDIA 183RD & SHOEMAKER, BLOOMFIELD & 166TH

TETZLAFF MIDDLE MOODY & BIGELOW, MOODY & BORREGO 183RD & NORWALK, SHOEMAKER & DROXFORD

HIGH SCHOOLS

GAHR HIGH SCHOOL BLOOMFIELD & ALONDRA BLOOMFIELD & 166TH

TRACY HIGH SCHOOL BLOOMFIELD & CENTRALIA, CARSON & SEINE, CARSON & NORWALK

PIONEER & DEL AMO, PIONEER & CENTRALIA

WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL BLOOMFIELD & CENTRALIA, CARSON & NORWALK, NORWALK & CARSON NORWALK & DEL AMO, PIONEER & DEL AMO, PIONEER & 215TH STUDEBAKER & SOUTH, 195TH & BLOOMFIELD, 195TH & NORWALK 195TH & STUDEBAKER, 166TH & GRIDLEY, 166TH & STUDEBAKER, 195TH & GRIDLEY

2011 ABC Unifi ed School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 15

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CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT FALL PROGRAMS

A tutoring program can sharpen skills and create a pace and rigor that will carry students into a successful new school year. Tutoring will A tutoring program can sharpen skills and create a pace and rigor that will carry students into a successful new school year. Tutoring will be offered to supplement homework, projects, or extended learning. If you need assistance in English, Math, Science, History, or any other

subject please stop by and enroll in Study Hall located in all Game Rooms and Teen Centers. We are here to help you succeed!

COMPUTER LAB Date/Time: Tue, Wed and Thu 3pm – 7pm

The City’s computer lab is on the second floor of the Public Safety Center & Library. Come to the lab to receive on site help The City’s computer lab is on the second floor of the Public Safety Center & Library. Come to the lab to receive on site help with creating documents, presentations, graphic designs, resumes and much more.

CROSS COUNTRY (CO-ED)Registrations are now open for boys and girls: Grades 3-4 (C Division), Grades 5-6 (B Division)

You may register at the C. Robert Lee Activity Center or for more information please call (562) 420-2641, Ext. 229.

Lee Ware (562) 420-2641, Ext. 266Date/Time: Mon – Thu 2:30pm – 4:30pm

C.R.L. Game Room (562) 420-2641, Ext.263Date/Time: Tue and Thu 2pm – 7pm

C.R.L. Teen Center (562) 420-2641, Ext. 283Date/Time: Mon and Wed 3pm – 6pm

CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTFALL PROGRAMS

Welcome Back Students!

TUTORINGChildren ages 7-17 who are interested in joining the tutoring program please contact one of the following locations:

16 2011 ABC Unifi ed School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

ABC offers numerous preschool programs for children and families in our community. We service nearly 400 Preschool chil-dren

here in ABC. Head

Start classrooms, supported mostly through federal funding, exist at Aloha, Carver, Kennedy, Niemes, Melbourne, and Willow Elementary schools. California State Preschool Programs, funded by CA Dept. of Ed, are located at Palms, Furgeson, Hawai-ian, and Artesia Children’s Center. In addition to the regular funding class-rooms at Palms, Carver, and Willow also receive enhancement funding from LAUP. The enhancement funding is based on a star rating which all three sites have the highest star rating which is a fi ve star. All programs are open to income eligible families with children three to fi ve years of age and operate 3 – 3 ½ hours a day. Artesia Children’s Center is a full-day, year round pro-gram. All programs provide a safe, nurturing, and educational experience designed to meet the social, emotional, language, cognitive, and physical needs of preschool children preparing them for later success in school and be Kin-dergarten ready.

Data from student assessment is collected and analyzed throughout the year in order to effectively plan developmentally appropriate activi-ties to maximize student growth and learning. Classroom lessons focus on the California Preschool Foundations as well as the Houghton Miffl in cur-riculum which is designed to encourage active participation in the learning pro-cess. In addition, emphasis is placed on parent involvement and education. Parent workshops are held addressing

relevant topics such as parenting skills, discipline, self-esteem, healthy living, and child abuse. Events such as “Fam-ily Fitness Fun Day” and “Transition to Kindergarten” are also scheduled during the year.

In concert with the Superinten-dent’s initiative to focus on clos-ing the achievement gap, we have completed our second year of our SPROUTS (Supporting Preschool Outcomes) program aimed at

responding to the individual needs of at-risk children in our Preschool classrooms. Identifi ed four-year old students received additional small group instruction targeting key con-cepts and literacy skills. Funding for these interventions was made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and some District funding.

Professional development op-

portunities are provided regularly for staff members. This year the teachers were invited to attend GLAD (Guided

Language Acquisition Develop-ment) training and

last

school year the teach-ers were invited to attend a four-day Summer Institute focusing on Literacy, Science, Math, and Music. Inspirational workshops such as these provide teachers a chance to collaborate and share best practices. Every LAUP teacher has been trained for the RE-NEW (Renew Environments for Nutri-tion Exercise and Wellness) project and will be implemented in all four LAUP classrooms.

It is our desire to positively impact the future educational achievement of our students by providing quality preschool programs for ABC’s young-est children.

ABCUSD PROGRAMS

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2011 ABC Unifi ed School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 17

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Welcome to Aloha Health Medical Academy, a federally funded magnet

school which focuses on health science, medicine and tech-nology. Our magnet program exposes students to careers in the medical field, anatomy, history, and a myriad of hands on science explorations. Aloha is a high

performing Title 1 school which was recognized by California as a Title 1 Achieving School. Aloha’s Academ-ic Performance Index (API) is at 755 which is moving towards the state goal of 800. Aloha has an excellent staff consisting of highly trained teachers and support staff. Through federal magnet funds, we have a magnet coordinator, science teacher, technology specialist, and instruc-tional nurse. Aloha is dedicated to ensuring the academic success of every child and providing a safe and comprehensive educational program. Students are taught their grade level standards using state adopted cur-riculum in all subject areas. Teach-ers frequently analyze data and use it to plan and differentiate instruction. High academic expectations are held for all of our students.

Aloha has many programs to support the academic, social, and emotional development of elementa-ry students. Aloha has a highly suc-cessful reading intervention program that provides intensive support to students who need extra assistance in reading flu-ency and comprehension. The program utilizes a Response to Intervention (RTI) Model which incorporates standardized assessment and research based materi-als. Students in the intervention program receive effective direct instruction using GATEWAYS, SRA Horizons and Cor-rective Reading materials. The whole school recites the PeaceBuilders Pledge each morning after the flag salute. We follow the 6 basic rules of PeaceBuilders:

to praise people, to give up put downs, to seek wise people, to notice and speak up about hurts, to right wrongs, and to help others.

Aloha truly focuses on the whole child. Nutrition and exercise are an ex-tremely important component of a child’s education. We want to make sure that our students are performing to their best abil-ity by eating right and staying healthy. Our school participates in the Network for a Healthier California which provides

lessons, assemblies, and workshops on healthy living

Students are also rewarded academi-cally in numerous ways. Three school wide awards assemblies are held through-out the year. At the assembly, students are recognized for academic achieve-ment, citizenship, and attendance. Par-ents are invited to attend the assembly to help recognize their child’s achievement. A “STAR” assembly is also held prior to the statewide STAR testing, which recog-nizes students who have scored advanced or made proficiency level growth. Our

students are also rewarded each month for being the top 3 readers in their class. The top 3 readers are the students who read the most minutes in our district’s Walking for Reading challenge. The ABC Unified School District Superinten-dent, Dr. Smuts, challenges the students to read at home. Aloha continues to meet our reading goals in Dr. Smuts Walking for Reading Challenge.

All Aloha students participate in Art Masters which focuses on four master

artists throughout the school year. Students interactively learn about the life and techniques of famous artists. Art helps students think more creatively, raises academic achieve-ment and reinforces self-esteem. The Art Masters Program is a fun way to learn the art standards, vocabulary and gain an appreciation of the fine arts

Aloha has a free after school child care program to meet the needs of working families. The EXTRA (Ex-tending Time to Raise Achievement) program offers a safe place for kids to stay after the school bell rings. This program services our kindergarten through sixth grade students every school day during the year. Students get academic support, homework help, and enrichment. Arts, crafts and physical education are also incorpo-rated in both programs.

Parents are an integral part of Aloha Elementary School. We have an active Parent Teacher Associa-tion (PTA) that supports the school

by providing assemblies and field trips. Each class usually goes on 1 or 2 field trips each year. We encourage more parents to become involved at Aloha by joining the PTA, School Site Council, volunteer in the classroom, attend parent education classes, and family nights. Research shows that parent involvement increases student academic achievement!

Our school community which con-sists of teachers, parents, professional staff, and students are looking forward to another year of continued success!

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Aloha Elementary School11737 E 214th Street, Lakewood, CA 90715 (562) 924-8329Principal – Julie Yabumoto

18 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

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Adding Value to the Neighborhood

Welcome to Mary Bragg School, whe-re high expectations, hard working teachers, and strong parent sup-port have helped our students perform ex-ceptionally well on school and state-wide

achievement assessments. Our student centered academic instruction, and en-richment and intervention programs are guided by our Mission and Vision State-ments.

Mission Statement - The Mary Bragg Elementary School Staff pro-vides an exceptional standards-based instructional program that motivates students toward becoming independent critical thinkers and life-long learners.

Our school fosters the importance of the school-home partnership that values commitment to learning. Our staff and community share the goals of preparing students to become productive and res-ponsible participants in a complex, technology-based society, together with beco-ming respectful, informed, and caring citizens in a cul-turally diverse world.

Vision Statement - The staff at Mary Bragg Elementa-ry School valu-es each student and is proudly committed to instilling a rich tradition of academic excellence and high expectations in every student. Students will be well-rounded, life-long

learners with academic and social skills that empower them to be responsible, contributing members in an ever-chan-ging and diverse world.

School-Wide Commitment to En-richment and Interven-tions - Based upon local and state data, each teacher compiles test scores to crea-te English/Language Arts and Mathematics enrich-ment and intervention pro-

grams. Our programs run during the school day and after school.

Recognition - Stu-dent recognition is another important part of our educational program. Eight times a year classroom awards are presented to s tuden ts

Mary Bragg Elementary School11501 Bos Street, Cerritos, CA 90703 (562) 860-5580Principal – Annette Janeway

A California Distinguished School

{continued on page 20}

2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 19

20 2011 ABC Unifi ed School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

The Burbank Bull-dogs are excited to be back at school. We are so proud of the accom-plishments of our staff and students. This year our school increased its API (Academic Per-formance Index) score

by 31 points. Our score is 815, the highest score in the school’s history. The increase in the score means that more students showed progress in their learning than last year. Our “Burbank Stars” poster in the main hallway proudly displays 157 students that raised their scores one to two levels on the CST in 2011. Keep up the good work Bulldogs!

Our Burbank CommunityBurbank is a school in and of the community. Learning is

job one at Burbank and we provide many services for fami-lies and children. Burbank provides the after-school pro-grams, EXTRA and Extended Day Program with homework

help, arts and crafts, and outside games. The magnet program sponsors Family Arts Nights and the PTA offers evening events for families to have fun and learn together. The ABC Adult School provides Mommy and Me Parent Education classes and evening dance classes. Students can participate in the Mandarin Language and Culture classes after-school. Par-ents, student and staff celebrate our school spirit each month in a Community Gathering in which students are honored for academic achievement and character.

Our Burbank TalentsOur students explore their talents through the magnet

program. Using our Fine Arts Center, the students practice and perform for students and parents. Students create visual arts through the Meet the Masters program and grade-level projects. Our Howlers’ choir is an after-school club which per-forms two concerts every year. Students act, sing, dance, cre-ate props, and serve as stage hands for theatrical performances. The Music Express band performs several times a year. The award-winning Burbank Cheer squad performs every month for spirit day and participates in a regional competition in the spring. All children explore their talents at Burbank!

Burbank Elementary School17711 Roseton Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701(562) 865-6215Principal – Beth Bray

for academic achievement and good ci-tizenship. Parents and family members are invited to our award celebrations so that we can honor our students together. Additionally, students, staff, and pa-rents receive Praise Notes at our weekly PeaceBuilder‘s Assembly. Praise Notes are issued to those demonstrating the tenants of the PeaceBuilder‘s Pledge. Students may also receive a „Paws“itive Referral, being sent to the principal‘s offi ce to honor academic achievement, personal success, and leadership.

Parent Involvement Opportunities - There are many opportunities for parents to become involved at our school.

Parents are encouraged to participate in school-wide events, PTA and on School Site Council. Our PTA actively supports our standards-based curriculum inside and outside the classroom by sponsoring the Meet the Masters Art Program, enrich-ment assemblies, and funding for student fi eld trips. They also sponsor evening events and Family Nights throughout the school year.

Great students, fantastic teachers, sup-portive parents, innovative programs, strong community

partnerships and enriching activities make Mary Bragg Ele-mentary School a very special place for every student to learn and grow.

2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 21

We begin the year with the exciting news that our API score has risen to 864, a gain of 15 points! The students and staff worked exceptionally hard last year to ensure every students’ success. Throug-hout the last several years, our school has implemented programs that have created a dynamic and exciting educational program that addresses the development and needs of the whole child. Each year we conti-

nue to strive for excellence by setting high standards for all students and teaching the curriculum in an enticing way that develops critical thinkers and inquisitive learners. As we pre-pare for this academic year, our faculty will continue to reflect on past successes and implement new strategies and programs for continued growth.

This is not the only news that we are celebrating this year. Last year we received five grants that benefited our students. Two Carver teachers and a parent each won a Target Grant. Mrs. Shirley Tai, a Carver parent, wrote a grant to bring science backpacks to our second and third grade students. The backpacks were created to carry books, visuals and hands on experiments that children may take home for one week to share innumerable learning experiences with their parents.

The final grant we received allowed us to continue provi-ding our students with the much lauded art program “Meet the Masters”. Throughout the school year, students learn about the life of famous artists and their cultural contributions. They are taught about the style of art and the medium that each artist utilized.

S.P.I.C.E. (Senior Personally Involved in Children’s Education) Program

Carver is very fortunate to work collaboratively with the City of Cerritos to bring senior citizens and students together for mutual benefit. Each grade level has activities that they participate in with the many seniors from our communi-ty. Some of the activities include pen pals, learning about nutrition together, and sensitivity training. One of the exciting events is the seniors vs. 6th grade softball game. The students play against a team of athletic players who are between the ages of 50-81! Last year the sixth grades played a good game, but the seniors were victorious. This year’s class is looking forward to a rematch.

Carver Early Learning AcademyCarver Early Learning Academy begins educating students

at three and four years old. Our fee-based preschool provides quality educational opportunities for young children, preparing them for the rigors of their K-6 educations. Our teachers are well trained and prepare students with the necessary skills to become a successful and productive student. Once a child attends Carver Early Learning Academy, they are welcome to continue through sixth grade at Carver in order to create a seamless educational experience for the students and their families. We accept students from neighboring communities to attend and participate in our stellar preschool program!

Magnet ProgramThe magnet program was established to enable students to

garner necessary skills for success in their future, through ex-ploration of both interpersonal and technological communica-tion. The emphasis on schoolwide enrichment and academic achievement for all students provides a foundation for lifelong success while developing talents and abilities. The yearlong curriculum plan, based on the California Academic Content Standards, is organized into three schoolwide themes: Who We are on Planet Earth, Ways in Which We Communicate, and The Working of Our World. These themes are inquiry based, interdisciplinary, and interrelated across all academic areas. Student communication projects include digital photography, broadcasting, digital video and movie production, computer presentations, and poster creation with scanners and large size printers. The journey to success begins at Carver Academy, which provides the skills for success in the 21st Century. Ef-fective communication, technology competency, obtaining and managing information and the application of knowledge are the basis for life long success.

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Carver Elementary School19200 Ely Street, Cerritos, CA 90703(562) 865-1257Principal – Debbie Berlyn

22 2011 ABC Unifi ed School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

At Cerritos Elementary School we have a “Main Thing” that guides our every deci-sion and our every act. Our “Main Thing” is to prepare students for a productive life in the twenty-fi rst century. We believe citi-zens of the future must be life-long learn-ers able to work and interact in a diverse society. Our goals for students are to master grade level content standards, use critical thinking and problem solving strategies,

develop communication skills, and demonstrate positive and democratic social interactions. By providing a rigorous aca-demic and caring environment, we strive to help students realize their full academic potential, de-velop positive self-concepts, and gain enthusiasm for learning. We encourage all students to develop responsibility for their own be-havior and a concern for others. Our goals are aligned with the goals of the ABC Unifi ed School District (ABCUSD). We invite our community to help plan and participate in implementing pro-grams to prepare students for a healthy and successful future

Cerritos Elementary School (CES) is home to approximately 672 diverse students in kindergarten through sixth grade and serves the easternmost neighborhoods of the ABC Unifi ed School District (ABCUSD). Our school community holds high expectations for the quality of education we provide our students, for student academic achievement and behavior, and for parents in support of all students and the school. As a con-sequence, our student body is comprised of highly motivated and very capable students who consistently strive to meet and exceed the expectations of their parents and teachers.

In the 2010-2011 school year, CES achieved an Academic Performance Index (API) growth score of 962, one of its high-est API score ever. As a result, we have become one of the most attractive “Schools of Choice” in the region.

At CES we are dedicated to our common belief that all children will learn to master the California Content Standards at every grade level. More than 30% of the students in grades

3-6 are identifi ed and placed in our Gifted and Talented Ed-ucation program (GATE). These students are “clustered” in every classroom and are provided a challenging, differenti-ated curriculum appropriate to their needs. In addition to high quality standards-based instruction, CES provides academic support for at-risk students and language support for Eng-lish Language Learners (ELL). “Ready Study Go!”, an after-school homework assistance and tutorial program, is offered fi ve days a week.

With the generous support of our families, community and the school district, we are able to provide Extended Day Care, Computer Club, valet drop-off, band practice, and stu-

dent supervision before the school day begins. During the school day many volunteers help out in class-rooms, teacher workrooms, and in the offi ce. Parent volunteers teach the Junior Achievement program in grades K-6. The Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) sup-ports school-wide enrichment ac-tivities including paying for bus transportation for all fi eld trips, fi nancial support to teachers for instructional materials, and mak-ing very signifi cant gifts to the school including technological equipment such as “Elmos.” Fur-ther support is provided by our

Cerritos Elementary educational Foundation (CEEF) such as supporting the computer technology instructional program and materials, The choral music program, Meet the Masters art appreciation, and Science on the Go. The CEEF also hosts our annual Pancake Breakfast in October. Last year, the PTA ,CEEF, and Korean parents banded together and had our lunch area fi tted with lights for evening events. Other extra-curric-ular programs such as One-on One Hoops program, Creative Arts Program, Chess Club, Spanish Explorers, and Spotlight Theater are offered throughout the year.

A description of Cerritos Elementary School would not be complete without mention of the unique aura of the school. Visitors to the school begin to feel it as soon as they enter the offi ce and are warmly welcomed by the offi ce staff. Our classrooms are purposeful places, humming with the sounds of students learning and achieving at remarkably high levels.

Cerritos Elementary School13600 E 183rd Street, Cerritos, CA 90703(562) 926-1315Principal – Dennis Wilson

ment Model. Recognizing that all learners are unique, lear-ning experiences must take into account the abilities, interests, and learning styles of individual students. Twice a year during the six-week cluster, students spend one hour a week explo-ring a topic of interest with the assistance of knowledgeable community members. Along with gaining in-depth insight into a particular topic, students begin to take responsibility and interest in their own learning. The regular curriculum is supported, expanded and enhanced by children participating in enrichment activities and bringing their enthusiasm into the

classroom setting. Student and cluster leaders communicate what they have accomplished at a schoolwide celebration to culminate the Enrichment Cluster Program. These educational opportunities, supported by an excellent teaching staff, create a fi rst rate educational opportunity that is both challenging and enjoyable for Carver Academy students.

This year our enrichment clusters will be held in the Win-ter and Spring. The fi rst cluster will commence on January 20th and will end on March 24th.

2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 23

chorus, vocal or instrumental solos, dance, and instrumental groups with a multicultural theme. Many of the students sing in different languages during the performances. Our band, directed by Mr. Michael Hogue, per-forms con-certs at least twice a year. The highlight of the year is the Elemen-tary Band-O-Rama in May.

Cultures are celebrated throughout the year. In October, we encourage our students to wear their clothing representing their heritage for a multicultural parade. Every year we are amazed by the beautiful dresses and detailed outfits the girls and boys wear at the parade. Also many cultural groups performed at our last carnival.

Open House is a “Passport to the World” with students sharing the art, traditions, daily life, history, geography, and unique animals of their Global Address country with their families. Each classroom is transformed to reflect another country and the students “tour” with their parents. Parents and community members are invited to tour from continent to continent as they move around the school.

Student projects represent Kenyan masks, Mexican Artists, Egyptian artifacts and Mount Fuji, Japan.

Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s edu-cation. There are many ways in which parents can be involved such as classroom volunteers, join the PTA, or become mem-bers of our School Site Council, provide donations, or help at one time events. Please contact the school office for more information. We know that by working together, we will have a rewarding 2011-2012 school year.

A Global Studies Technology Magnet School

Elliott Elementary is an award winning California Distinguished School. For the past four years we have been honored by the California Department of Education as a Title I Academic Achieving School. These honors are the product of our community’s

dedication to continuous impro-vement in student achievement. In striving for excellence, our students learn and achieve success.

Our core belief at Elliott is focusing on the whole child. We pride ourselves on maintaining a balance between academic, social, and emotional growth. With

learning being our top priority, Elliott students participate in a rigorous and challenging stan-dards-based curricu-lum supplemented by the global studies units. Students have many opportunities for success with the implementation of our new Preppie K program, leveled

intervention, GATE, multicultural music, passport P.E., tech-nology instruction, Student Council, school newspaper staff, Monday Morning Message, digital photography, Primary Inter-vention Program, track team, and band.

All Elliott students perform at least twice a year in our school-wide musical productions lead by Elliott’s music specialist Mrs. Kane. Students participate in the

Elliott Elementary School18415 Cortner, Artesia, CA 90701(562) 865-5216Principal – Danielle Mitchell

Student projects represent Kenyan masks, Mexican Artists, and Mount Fuji, Japan.

24 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school Year. We are proud to announce that our students met ALL state proficiency targets for the 2011 STAR Program. We are proud of our 48-point growth! Yes We Can Patriots!

About Us Furgeson Elementary is a Title I

school located in the City of Hawaiian Gardens, California. Our enroll-ment is about 390 students in Kin-dergarten through 6th grade. Our staff operates under the profes-sional learning community tenets and we believe collaboration is key to success. Our teaching staff meets weekly to discuss stu-dent data and best practices. We encourage parent and community participation. Together we can do more!

We hold all our students to high academic and behavioral expectations. Our students receive standards based instruction in all core content areas and character education through the PeaceBuilders curriculum. Our entire staff works diligently at maintaining a welcoming, safe, and stimulating environment for all our Patriots.

We are committed to student success and proudly believe that at Furgeson Elementary, Children and Learning Come First!

Our PeaceBuilders Pledge I am a PeaceBuilderI pledgeTo praise peopleTo give up put downsTo seek wise peopleTo notice and speak up about hurts I have causedTo right wrongsTo help othersI will build peace at home, at school and in my community

each day. Our Instructional Programs Structured English Immersion Program: Students

receive all instruction in English. Early Exit Bilingual – Spanish – Kindergarten through

Third: Designed to help children whose home language is Spanish acquire the English skills required to later succeed in an English-only mainstream classroom. Instruction is provided in both Spanish and English. Spanish instruction is phased out in 3rd grade and students are transitioned into English only. Parental request (waiver) is required. Admittance to the program begins in Kindergarten unless transferring from another Bilin-gual program. It is our belief that biliteracy skills will enhance

the economic and social opportunities of our students.

Other Highlights Morning Fitness – Healthy & Alert!

We begin every school day with an orga-nized 20-minute morning fitness program that targets cardio-vascular fitness, flex-ibility and strength.

Computer Lab & Library Classes – Available to all K – 6th Grade students once a week.

Monthly Family Reading Fridays & Parent Workshops - Families are invited to read in their child’s classrooms to cul-

tivate a love for reading. Immedi-ately after, parents are welcome to attend a workshop tailored to their interests.

EXTRA After-School Program - Offered Monday through Friday, free of charge, after school until 6:00 p.m. Capacity: 100 students. During this time, students com-plete homework and enjoy other enrichment activities such as Arts and Crafts, P.E., Science, Music,

Dance, Art Appreciation, etc. PIP Program - Intervention and prevention services to

enhance the social and emotional development of students in Kindergarten through Third grade who may be experiencing mild to moderate school adjustment difficulties.

Student Recognitions – Monthly Perfect Attendance and Pa-triot Pride Awards; Trimester Awards include Principal’s Honor Roll, Most Improved, Perfect Attendance, and PeaceBuilder.

Band, Drama Club, and Track - Available to 4th – 6th Grade students.

Furgeson Elementary School22215 Elaine Avenue, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716(562) 421-8285Principal – Mayra Lozano

Our VisionIn accordance with No Child Left Behind:

Our students will be proficient and advanced in reading with appropriate fluency, accuracy and comprehension.Our students will effectively communicate in written and oral language and will develop and use academic

language in all content areas.Our students will apply math skills through memorization of facts and problem solving.

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2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 25

including being named a California Distinguished School and a California Business for Education Excellence Honor Roll School. Through a rigorous standards-based curriculum, grade-level collaboration, data analysis and strategic interven-tions, we know that our students will continue to achieve and be successful academically.

Our School SpiritOur very active Student Council sponsors “fun” days for

students and provides community outreach by donating to di-saster relief and supporting our troops fighting overseas. They also host our “Taste of Gonsalves” at the end of year which

celebrates the many diverse cultures we have at our school through food, song, and dance. The Gonsalves “Grizzly” students and staff take every opportunity to show their pride in their school. Each Monday the students and staff partici-pate in Spirit Day. This fifteen to twenty minute ceremony enables the entire student population to say the Pledge of Allegiance, sing a patriotic song, discuss our Core Value of the month, and honor students for accomplishments. Each year, we also participate in Red Ribbon Week to show our commitment to staying

healthy and drug free. Parent and Community PartnershipsThe success of our school is due in large part to the immea-

surable contributions made by our parent organization, Booster Club. Our Booster Club, consisting of parents, community

members, and staff, helps provide a well-rounded educational experience for our students by sponsoring field trips, assemblies, and special activi-ties throughout the school year. They also provide funding for music instruc-tion, the PE program, a state-of-the-art computer lab, and student incentives. Parents volunteer hours and hours of volunteer time inside and outside of the classrooms. Parents directly participate in the direction of our school through other organizations as well, including School Site Council, English Language

Advisory Committee and our various Parent Groups. We also have our annual Community Read Aloud where we connect with the people that help and support our school as they visit classrooms and read to our students.

Afterschool ProgramsWe also have afterschool opportunities available for our

families. The Extended Day Program provides working par-ents a place where their child can go to continue the “Learning Day.” Homework support, academic skill-building, enrichment activities and physical activity are just some of the outstanding support they provide. We also have chess, art and language classes that are available.

Hello and welcome to the 2011-2012 school year here at Joe A. Gonsalves Elementary School- A California Distin-guished School. The staff here at Gonsalves is dedicated to providing the best educa-tional experience possible for our students. This is done through a team effort where all stakeholders- staff, parents and families, students and community members- work collaboratively to create an environment conducive to learning and student achieve-

ment. We are successful because we provide a rigorous academic program for our students in a safe, nurturing and sup-portive atmosphere. Every student is im-portant and we believe every student can succeed. It is this combination of high quality teaching in the classroom, the commitment of our families to promote and support learning, and desire of our students to do their very best that makes Gonsalves a special place to be.

School MissionJoe A. Gonsalves Elementary

School’s mission is to educate students to become productive, informed, and involved participants in the 21st Century. To ensure success, each student will experience a balanced curriculum with a focus on academic excellence in a supportive learning environment. We believe that the success of the program springs from active involvement of students, parents, community and staff.

Character DevelopmentThe positive, “can do” atmosphere

that is created at Gonsalves begins with our commitment toward all students getting along together and encouraging and respecting one another. Building character is a focus and we emphasize this through our monthly Core Values focus and students are recognized for displaying these values during Recogni-tion Awards Assemblies. Every student is a S.T.A.R at Gonsalves when they Stop, Think, and Act Responsibly, and they are praised and rewarded for this positive behavior.

A Bit of HistoryOur school was named after former mayor and assembly-

man, Joe A. Gonsalves. It officially opened its door in 1972 and, since then, its staff and students have received numerous awards and recognition through the state and nation. We honor our heritage each June at “Gonsalves Day” where we tell the story of Mr.Gonsalves through song and dance.

Academic AchievementDuring the 2010-11 school year, Gonsalves Elementary

School achieved an Academic Performance Indicator (API) growth score of 971! Our school has received many awards

Gonsalves Elementary School13650 Park Street, Cerritos, CA 90703 (562) 926-1347Principal – Robert Benko

26 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

Welcome to the 2011 – 2012 school year at Hawaiian Elementary School. We are looking forward to another successful year. Through the hard work and dedication of our staff and parents, our students continue to demonstrate excellent growth in all areas of the curriculum.

Hawaiian Elementary is a high perform-ing Title 1 school with a current Academic Performance Index of 723. We provide a

rigorous, standards based curriculum in language arts, math, science, and social studies. We have the Meet the Masters Art Program, and our Los Caballeros Band. We have an excellent PE Program and track team. These programs along with our focus on character education assure that our students are well-rounded citizens who are prepared for the secondary level.

Band-o-rama 2011We are very proud of our students and recognize their achieve-

ments in the classroom and at school-wide assemblies. We have a monthly Flag Ceremony to recognize our Character Winners for the Month and Perfect Attendance. We also have five Awards Assemblies throughout the year to recognize each classroom’s

Citizen of the Month, a Most I m p r o v e d Student, and A c a d e m i c Achievement in a selected area of the curr iculum. We empha-size goal set-ting with our

students and begin each year with a special assembly to ac-knowledge the students who met their State Testing goal from the previous year.

Hawaiian Elementary uses the RTI model to provide inter-vention programs for any of our students that need additional learning time. We provide programs during school, after school, on Saturdays, and during the summer. These include:

• Individual tutoring• Small group tutoring• Gateways & Corrective Reading classes• After school reading & math classes• Saturday SMART Academy classes • Summer SchoolWe are fortunate to be part of the AFT’s Innovation Grant

which has allowed us to extend our parent education opportuni-ties and provide Family Education Nights that focus on teacher and parent selected areas of the curriculum. In the past two years we have held Family Nights in the areas of Math, Fine Arts, and Science.

Family Fine Arts Night – Mrs. Mariano’s ClassOur EXTRA program provides after school care, free of

charge, to 100 of our students every day until 6:00 p.m. Stu-dents receive help with homework and participate in a variety of activities including art, music, computer lab, cooking, and dance.

Family Science Night – Mrs. Roberts’s ClassroomWe are very fortunate at Hawaiian to have a highly trained,

experienced staff dedicated to the academic success of every student. We receive tremendous support from our District’s Central Office and the City of Hawaiian Gardens who work in partnership to provide a safe, nurturing environment for our students. It is this level of teamwork and commitment that al-lows us to excel as a school community.

Hawaiian Elementary School12350 E. 226th Street, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716(562) 594-9525Principal – Laurie Cordova

Benito Juarez Elementary is a differ-ent sort of school! It is characterized by warmth and high expectations. Juarez Ele-mentary balances a push for academic ex-cellence with a push for optimum ethical character development. It is truly a place that nurtures the child and helps „grow them“ into good citizens.

Academically we believe the three building blocks of school success are

READING, MATH and WRITING. We believe that job one is mastering fluent reading. We determine fluent reading by timing the students’ oral reading. If they read at 2 words per second with no more than 5 errors out of 100 words they are fluent readers. When students read at 2 words per second they make pictures in their brain. If they make pictures in their brain when they read they have comprehension. Reading is the cornerstone of all learning and success in the world.

The second building block of education is the ability to compute. At Juarez we emphasize the importance of learn-

Juarez Elementary School 11939 Aclare Street, Cerritos, CA 90703(562) - 865-6278Principal - LuAnn Adler

2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 27

ing the math facts. Students are tested on their facts by be-ing timed. We know that once a student has their math facts memorized they will be able to comprehend the word prob-lems much better.

Writing is the third building block at Juarez. Writing is truly the most difficult subject to teach. This year the teachers focus on writing by writing daily. The stu-dents produce a publish-ready piece at least every 6 weeks. Each month the teachers collaborate together to improve their instruc-tion of writing. Research states, “when students writing improves their scores in reading and math go up!”

Our ethical character devel-opment is provided through our Peace Builders program. Every staff member promotes and sup-ports this program. All staff communicate a consistent “peace building” message. Juarez is truly a place that nurtures the child and helps “grow them” into good people.

A Patriotic HeartThe students and staff are grateful to be Americans and

take every opportunity to show their thankfulness. Every morning the entire population of Juarez stops to say the Pledge of Allegiance together. Each Friday the students and teachers gather on the blacktop to assemble together to say

the Pledge, sing a patriotic song, learn about the month’s ethical character trait and to announce the Random Acts of Kindness that were done that week. Each year the students participate in a flag retirement ceremony. At this ceremony

upper grade students show re-spect to a tattered flag by retiring it through burning. It is a solemn, reverent and patriotic ceremony.

Academic ExcellenceJuarez boasts of a 60 point

gain on the API scores over the last 2 years. Teachers teach ef-fectively and efficiently as these gains prove. Our new motto is “850 is Nifty.” Each year students are awarded for their efforts with medals and their names on the board in the Hall of Excellence. We believe in big celebrations of big accomplishments. Each month Juarez has an Awards Assembly in

the large Hall of Excellence. Awards are given to students who have excelled in a particular curricular area or who have demonstrated one of the ethical character traits.

These activities at Benito Juarez Elementary School ex-pand the intellect, promote social conscience, and guide the students in positive behaviors that will have benefit much beyond their years in school. Juarez Elementary is a special place!

Kennedy Elementary School17500 Belshire, Artesia CA 90701(562) 860-3378Principal – Melissa Valentine

Vision Statement Our vision at John F. Kennedy Ele-

mentary is to develop students’ critical thinking skills through a partnership of parents, students, school staff, and com-munity members. Our school promotes an accepting, safe, and engaging learning en-vironment for

every student. We will achieve this vision by:

•Providing a rigorous stan-dards-based curriculum instruc-tion

•Differentiating instruction to meet student needs

•Cultivating students’ creativity and expression through the arts and technology

•Integrating Kennedy’s Kids of Character traits throughout daily routines

Welcome to Kennedy School! The highly qualified staff at Kennedy truly believes each child is unique and deserving of a rich educational environment. Learning for all students

at Kennedy is enhanced through the supportive and encoura-ging nature of our school staff, a dedicated PTA, and a caring parent community. At Kennedy, we believe that our students are offered a well-balanced education program. Not only do we focus on the high academic achievement of our students, but we also strive to enrich their lives through the visual and

performing arts, technology, character education, and healthy choices, including both nutrition and physical activity. Several programs/resources are available at Kennedy; Computer Lab, Stu-dent Council, English Language Learning, A.I.M. Clubs, Academic Support Beyond the School Day, Gifted and Talented Education, Music and Dance Program, and

Extended Daycare. Parents are enthusiastically invited to be an active participant in their child’s education through the PTA, and School Site Council. Attendance at school events by pa-rents and families is always welcomed and highly encouraged.

Healthy School AwardsDuring the 2010-2011 school year, Kennedy Elementary

School received 2 awards for {continued on page 28}

28 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

Welcome back to a new school year!

Leal is a California Distinguished and National Blue Ribbon school with students who perform in the top 5% of all students in the United States. The school has received these awards because of our outstanding students, teachers and parents

and our excellent instructional programs. Leal Elementary School was the recipient of

the California School Board’s Golden Bell Award for Family Science Night and has been honored by the California Business for Education Excellence Foundation and Just for the Kids California for our students’ outstanding academic performance. We extend a special thank you to all of the students, teachers, and parents who make Leal Elementary School an outstanding place for children to learn.

Students at Leal Elementary School receive an instructional program that not only emphasizes academic achievement, but also embraces visual and perform-ing arts and technology. We believe that

education should not stop with success in reading, writing, and math, but should stimulate and engage students in all areas. Students receive a well-rounded educational experience

at Leal.Parents are encouraged to participate in the ed-

ucational programs at Leal. Parents are welcome to volunteer in classrooms, join the PTA, or become members of our School Site Council. Community members are encouraged to contact the principal or school staff about any of these opportunities. Our door is open and we would enjoy talking to you about the educational goals at Leal School, as well as your goals for your children.

A Visual and Performing Arts MagnetAt Leal Elementary School we have a

strong academic program that has a spe-cial emphasis on the arts. As a visual and performing arts magnet school for the past nine years, we have implemented a school-wide program which encompasses the following four disciplines: dance, music, theatre and visual arts. Within this program, students supplement their academic pursuits through the arts and technology. This is accomplished with comprehensive instruction, skill develop-ment, and appreciation of the arts. The

Leal Elementary School 12920 Droxford Street, Cerritos, CA 90703(562) 865-0209Principal – Laura Makely

the programs we implemented to promote physical activity and healthy eating. Our first award came from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation -- the National Award Silver Level. To earn this award, we created healthy eating and physical activity programs that met or exceeded the Alliance’s strin-gent standards. Some changes we made included afterschool fitness clubs (sports, games and cheerleading), a before school Walking Club, and promoted healthy snacks for all during the day.

The second award came from the American Cancer Society and the California State PTA – the School Wellness Recognition Program 2011 Gold Award. Kennedy Elemen-tary School was one of only 19 schools recognized for their outstanding efforts at promoting wellness activities for the state of CA.

We are honored to have received these awards.Student AchievementWe are proud to announce our 2011 API score based on

state testing. In 2010-2011, Kennedy students increased our schools score by 32 points. Our API is now 848! The dedication of our staff and the desire to learn by our students made this fantastic growth possible. We will continue to offer support services to students as well as add additional after-school opportunities for our GATE students.

This increase in score reflects our belief that … Kennedy is a great place to be!

The Arts are Alive and Well at Kennedy!

We are very pleased to offer a quality fine arts program to our students. This program includes instruction in dance, cho-ral music, instrumental music and visual arts. Our dance and choral music program is offered to all students each Friday. Students learn songs ranging from Broadway show tunes to disco. These tunes are expertly taught and choreographed by our dance and music specialist. A culminating performance is held each spring to showcase the students’ hard work and great efforts. The Meet the Masters visual art history program teaches students about the life and art of many of the world’s greatest artists. Students attend an oral presentation, which includes a slide show about an artist prior to recreating their own interpretation of the artists’ style. Monthly staff develop-ment opportunities allow for classroom teachers to learn in depth information about the artist.

Grade 4-6 students are offered an optional instrumental music program. Beginning and advanced band classes are taught twice weekly in the auditorium. Concerts are held throughout the school year, culminating with Band-O-Rama where advanced band students from each of the elementary schools perform a concert in the Gahr High School gymnasi-um.

A.I.M. – Active – Involved – MotivatedKennedy offers before and after school clubs focusing on

Healthy Bodies – Healthy Minds. Some of our clubs include: Before School Walking Club and After school Homework Club, Cheer Club, Sports Club and Drama Club.

2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 29

Leal staff, professional artists, and community partnerships facilitate the program.Extra-Curricular Activities

There are many opportunities for Leal students to be in-volved in extra curricular activities. At Leal, we have imple-mented an after school program that features classes such as dance, cheer, visual arts, and science. Many of our students participate in these programs to extend their learning op-portunities. In addition, the Leal Foundation sponsors music, talent, and dance productions that involve a large number of our students.Technology Connection

Leal Elementary School has gone digital in every class-room. Each classroom has an LCD projector and a computer to use for instruction. Teachers and students utilize these

resources for classroom presentations, Internet based instruc-tional activities, educational video streaming, and the new math curriculum. Even more technological resources are available in our computer lab, which features many valuable instructional applications. Please stop by the school to see the latest technology we are using in our classrooms and in our computer lab.Our school has a web site: http://lealschool.weebly.com

The web site is loaded with information about our school. Click on the Calendar Link to find out about up-coming school events. Explore the online version of the World Book Encyclopedia by clicking the Learning Tools Link. Find a book in the school library using the online catalog. Listen to Radio Leal, our school’s Internet based radio station. The web site is a good way to stay connected with our school.

Let me welcome you to Melbourne Elementary School, the home of the Mus-tangs, where students are taught grade level standards everyday through high-quality instruction!

API/AYP Scores Continues to Increase:

Melbourne had set an API goal of 750 and then 800, I proud to report that we are now at 781! We also

met all 17 out of 17 criteria towards our AYP. All of our subgroups made the expected growth as deter-mined by the State Department of Education. The im-provement in our API and AYP scores can be directly attributed to the hard work of our teaching staff and all of our other staff members. We will continue to provide our students with a world class education.

This past school year, 10-11, we honored over 175 stu-dents, grades 2-5, who scored proficient and/or advanced on the California Standards Test at an evening assembly recognizing these students for their excellent perfor-mance on this exam.

Silver Award Winner:Melbourne has reached the level

of Silver after meeting all of the crite-ria set by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Melbourne was recog-nized at the Alliance conference held in Little Rock, Arkansas in June, 2011. Former President Bill Clinton was on hand to help recognize all the schools who are making strides in making their students, parents and staff healthier and more active. Way to Mustangs!

Professional Development for Teachers:All Melbourne teachers participated in the District spon-

sored workshops regarding Language Arts and Benchmark as-sessments. All of our third – sixth grade teachers participated

in PE Sparks training, which included many fun PE activities and line dancing.

Parent Participation:Again this year Melbourne can easily boast that we have

the best parent participation at both our PTA and School Site Council meetings. During the past school year, 10-11, we averaged 30-40 parents in attendance at each of these meetings. We also offered our parents a free walking club, 3 days a week, nutrition classes, finan-cial advice classes and parent education workshops. Our parents also participated in the “Walk Against Drugs” sponsored by the City of Hawaiian Gardens, as well as sponsoring a booth for the City carnival. Some of our parents spend at much time at school as their students do!

Extra-Curricular Student Activities:Through our partnership with the City of Hawai-

ian Gardens our students can participate in a variety of sports programs that are offered on our campus after school. We can

also thank the City of Hawaiian Gar-dens for their donation of $5,000.00 that we used for our grade-level field-trips. The City also sponsored a sum-mer Bridges program, which allowed approximately 85 of our students to continue with the studies during the summer.

At Melbourne we also offer the after-school EXTRA program. The EXTRA program is a free program focusing on tutoring and/or home-work assistance in Language Arts and Mathematics, enrichment activities and physical education. During differ-

ent evening performances the students were able to perform dances and showcase other routines that they learned from the Specialists that work with the students through the EXTRA program.

Our students are also able to

Melbourne Elementary School21314 Claretta, Lakewood, CA 90715(562) 924-1658Principal – Kathy Neder-Olivos

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30 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

Niemes is proud to be a National Magnet School with an emphasis on Environmen-tal Science and Technology. A child with a strong interest in animal life, the outdoors and science will thrive in the Environmen-tal Science and Technology Programs at Niemes Elementary. Our innovative pro-gram encourages the students’ love for the

natural world and empowers them to become an active participant in the stewardship of their planet. We strive to combine high expectations, stellar educational programs and a partner-ship with parents and the community to provide the best educational expe-rience for each child.

Make a DifferenceNiemes Elementary is proud to

be on the cutting edge of environ-mental education and in alignment with the State of California’s empha-sis on environmental principles. Our students develop awareness of the interconnection of all species and ecosystems on our planet through integration of environ-mental science and technology across all subject areas. Kinder-garten through sixth grade students explore these concepts in the general education classroom, in our Environmental Science Laboratory and Outdoor Garden Habitat, and in the community in which they reside.

InvestigateField trips, research explorations, and community projects

are some of the ways classes explore our natural world. Par-ticipation in community gardens and recycling projects teach our young people about the importance of responsibility and ownership of their ideals.

Research Utilizing state-of-the-art technology equipment and

instruction in our computer laboratory and in classroom tech-nology centers, students collect data, connect to the world, and develop high quality informational presentations to share with others. Students make worldwide connections with scientists and other students as they share and exchange knowledge about their world, while enhancing their technology skills.

High Academic Expectations and Consistent Behavior Standards

Thanks to the strong commitment of staff, students, and families to the academic success of every child we continue to meet and surpass our aca-demic growth goals of the California State Standards.

Dual Immersion ProgramEnglish speaking and Spanish

speaking students in this program are immersed in both languages throug-hout their school experience. The program produces students that are fluent in reading, writing, and spea-king both English and Spanish when

they exit the program at the end of sixth grade. Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)An individualized education program is developed for each

child who has qualified for the GATE program, to enhance and enrich their learning throughout their academic experience.

Focus on Academic Performance After School ProgramOpen to K through 6th grade students, Monday through

Friday. This program, run by the YMCA, includes homework assistance and physical education activities. There is no charge to families.

Niemes BandBeginning and advanced band instruction is open to fourth,

fifth, and sixth grade students throughout the school year.After-School Althetics

Niemes Elementary School16715 S Jersey Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701(562) 865-9586Principal – Mariaelena (Meg) Jimenez

participate in Student Council, Red Ribbon Week activities, field day activities and a school-wide talent show, just to name a few.

Melbourne’s School-Wide Commitment to Building Peace:

Through the efforts of our Peace Builders teacher, our classroom teachers and many other staff members our students

are committed to making Melbourne and their community a more peaceful place to learn and live. Students are able to recite the Peace Builders pledge which has students praising people, giving up put-downs, seeking wise people, recog-nizing hurts we have caused, righting the wrongs we have committed and helping others at home, at school and in our community each day. Go Mustangs!

2011 ABC Unifi ed School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 31

California Distinguished School

The 2011-2012 school year promises to be an exciting and enriching school year for all. One of the most important components of an excellent school is the partnership between the educators and the parents. The staff at Nixon values the partnerships that we develop with

our parents and community. It is through this united effort that we provide our students with a quality educational experience. The outstanding teachers at Patricia Nixon continue to raise the academic bar for all students and our students rise to the challenge. We are proud to boast that our school earned an API score of 877 for the 2009-2010

school year! In addition to a rich and rigorous comprehen-sive academic program, we at Nixon Elementary School are proud to offer many enrichment opportunities through the efforts and dedication of the entire school communi-ty.

2004 & 2008 California Distinguished School

• Dedicated and enthusiastic staff of professionals

• Musical & theatrical activi-ties at every grade level

• 24:1 ratio in grades K-3• Internet access in all classrooms and computer lab• Monthly Student Awards Ceremony• Character Counts „Value of the Month“• Celebrate Success „Super Six Standards“• Meet the Masters visual arts program• Active and supportive PTA • Upper Grade Band • Student Council • Primary and Upper Grade Chorus • Dance Troupe • Track Team • Academic Chess • Before and After School/Extended Day Care

Patricia Nixon Elementary School19600 Jacob Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703(526) 860-6549Principal – Melinda Ortiz

Our After School Running/Walking Program is available to students, fi rst grade through sixth, and parents, twice a week af-ter school, on our large school fi eld. In addition, Niemes offers Cheerleading and Volleyball to 6th graders, and a Soccer Club for our 3rd and 4th graders.

Community CelebrationsOur entire community looks forward to our Family Events.

Events change yearly, but may include a Fall Festival, Inter-national Family Night, Family Movie Nights, Spring Concert, Talent Show, and our Annual Environmental Festival and Sci-ence Fair.

Program Features

• Environmental science and technology curriculum inte-grated into all subject areas

• Environmental science laboratory • Outdoors garden habitat • State of the art technology equipment programs and high

speed internet • In-classroom technology centers • Computer laboratory • After school environmental and technology program • Green school ecology/Recycling program • Community recycling • Technology instructor

Best Wishes for a Successful School Year!

32 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! This year will be an exciting time for our stu-dents, staff, and parents. Our staff is commit-ted to offering a well-rounded and excellent education in a safe and supportive environ-ment where our students will excel and achie-ve great things.

OUR MISSIONPursuing excellence in everything we do...

for every child, every day!

OUR VISION“The Palms staff, parents and community will foster a stu-

dent-centered education where students will be motivated to pursue and achieve academic excellence in a standards-based curriculum. Students will be successful citizens who are confi-dent, compassionate, and self-aware, respecting themselves and

others. Students will be problem-solvers who take pride and res-ponsibility for life-long learning.”

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTTO 800 AND BEYOND!!! Palms made 28 points growth

this past year, bringing our API to 819! We celebrated the achie-vements of many students at our annual STAR Awards Rally this past March. Students were recognized for their achievements on the California STAR test and received buttons for being profici-ent and/or advanced, gaining 25 points, and improving two or more levels. Through grade-level collaboration, data analysis, strategic interventions and common assessments, the Palms staff will continue to strive to take the school to new heights.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENTNot only do we want to focus on student achievement, we

want Palms’ students to be excellent in character. Palms is a Pea-cebuilder school, and students have many opportunities to learn how to build peace at home, at school, and in their community. All our students also recite the Palms Pledge at our weekly Spirit Assemblies where we celebrate our Puma pride.

“Today has been given to me fresh and new. I can learn from it or throw it away. I will choose to do my best in thoughts, words, and actions. Today I will be a STAR! I will stop, think, and act responsibly.”

PARENT & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPSWe also recognize the vital role that our partnerships with

parents and the community play in helping Palms be a successful school. Palms has an extremely supportive PTA that sponsors various field trips, assemblies, family and movie nights, and spe-cial activities like our annual Red Ribbon Week, Jog-A-Thon and Palms Picnic. The city of Lakewood and other businesses from the community continue to support Palms Elementary, enriching our educational programs for our students. This year, we had over 40 community readers volunteer for our Community Read Aloud! Many parents and family members participated in our Family Read Aloud as well.

Palms Elementary School12445 E 207th Street, Lakewood, CA 90715(562) 924-5549Principal – Evelyn Huh

“Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way.”

George Evans

Welcome to Cecil B. Stowers Elemen-tary School! Stowers is a wonderful mag-net school with a focus on International Studies. The International Baccalaureate program is closely interwoven in with the California standards. This provides a chal-

lenging and rewarding experience for all of our students.

International Baccalaureate (IB), Primary Years Program (PYP)The IB program develops inquiring, knowledgeable and car-

ing young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world. This perspective is based on deepening the understand-ing of different world cultures. The students’ journey includes a rigorous and challenging curriculum that incorporates learning conversational Spanish, and standards driven science. Our stu-dents participate in the Paideia Seminar of synthesizing infor-mation, comparing, contrasting, logically defending and even challenging their own thoughts and ideas and those of others.

Stowers Elementary School13350 Beach Street, Cerritos, CA 90703(562) 926-2326Principal – Dr. Tom Tracy

A Magnet School of International Studies

2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 33

This transdisciplinary curriculum is tailored to prepare our stu-dents for our global society. The eight academic subject areas focused in our PYP are: language, social studies, mathematics, sci-ence and technology, arts, as well as personal, social and physical educa-tion.

TechnologyStowers students utilize our

computer lab and other technology equipment to enhance their technol-ogy literacy. Our computer laborato-ry specialist uses Smart Technology to enhance our student’s computer and other technology skills to ex-pand their multi-media capabilities. Being technology literate helps our students develop the computer skills and competency making them tech-nologically competitive in the 21st Century.

The ArtsArt instruction and integration is always among the highest

form of expression of ones culture. At Stowers we use the arts

to teach our students about our world’s culture and historical periods. Our art integration instruction teaches our students to

appreciate the arts, by allowing our students to participate in activities gaining a deeper understanding of the different cultures. We believe the arts bring every subject to life, and it also enhances reality. We continue with art appreciation through our PTA programs. Each year we par-ticipate in the National PTA “Reflec-tions” program.

International FestivalWe are extremely proud of our

culminating activity we call our In-ternational Festival. Students, par-ents and teachers work together with community members to bring differ-ent cultures around the world alive

at Stowers. The International Festival celebrates diversity. This amazing family event involves the recreation of international games, performances, and a variety of international foods.

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year at Willow Elementary School. The Willow School Community begins this year with a celebration of student achievement. Willow students’ achievement, as measured by the California Standards Test, is at an all time high with an Academic Performance Index (API) of 802. This is a 54-point gain over the prior year’s score! This year Willow teachers

and students are prepared to go above and beyond in our quest for academic excel-lence.

STUDENT AWARDSEach grade level has established bench-

marks for student achievement awards based on key academic standards. For ex-ample, kindergarten has identified fifty high frequency sight words for all kinder-garten students to read with automatically. Third grade students memorize the multiplication facts so that they can solve any given fact without hesitation. All benchmarks are divided into three subsets enabling students to demonstrate mastery of the whole. Students earn bracelets for the first and second portion upon mastery. Each student who masters the complete bench-mark receives a Willow T-shirt provided by our PTA. The back of each shirt has a design to represent the specific benchmark. It is very exciting to attend our awards assemblies and witness the large number of students who have earned recognition.

RENEWWillow is one of three ABC schools participating in the RE-

NEW Project along with many schools in Los Angeles County. RENEW is a physical education/fitness program.

Lead teachers participate in countywide training and then return to schools to train their colleagues. Principals take part in training also.

Willow students begin each day with Morning Fitness. All students are outside on the playground moving. Sixth grade students lead students in movement activi-ties like aerobics, jump rope, hula-hoop, ball skills and fitness exercises. Teachers are there to motivate and maybe even jump in to move.

Students now enter class wide-awake and ready to learn. We know that healthy bodies and healthy minds go hand in hand.

PRINCIPAL for the DayCongresswoman, Linda Sanchez, visited Willow last year

and spoke with parents, staff and students. Willow students es-pecially enjoy meeting people who impact their lives. Congress-woman Sanchez took a close look at our Champions for Change mural with some of our sixth grade students.

This year the Willow School Community continues to reach for the starts as we work together to ensure a healthy, peaceful, academically successful year for all students.

PARENT INVOLVEMENTWillow parents are encouraged to be involved at home and

at school. We have a parent room where parents are welcome to

Willow Elementary School11733 E 205th Street, Lakewood, CA 90715(562) 865-6209Principal – Linda Dohm

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34 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

drop by and lend a helping hand or just chat with other parents.We began a new tradition last year and are looking forward to continuing it this year. In keeping wit our healthy bodies/healthy minds focus, we host two active events bringing parents and children together. First, boys are encouraged to bring their moth-

er to school for a night of “Moving with Mom.” Next, girls are invited to bring their father to school for “Dancing with Dads”. One of our parent volunteer coordinators teaches children and their parent a variety of dances. Everyone ha a wonderful time and all go home encouraged to continue to be active together.

At Wittmann, it’s “Link, Dream, and Delve” in 2011-12

At the start of every school year, I pres-ent a new motto to staff and students to serve as a compass to guide us on our teaching/learning journey for the next ten months. This year, we’re

going to “Link, Dream, and Delve in 2011-12”. More than just simple end-rhyme, the motto promotes behaviors that are key to both Wittmann teachers and students.

Let’s Link:Of course, “We are Wittmann”

is a phrase that has always echoed throughout our hallways and contin-ues to be a hallmark of our commu-nity. By linking together—staff, students, parents—we can ac-complish so much more that we would separately! Parents and community members will always be key ‘links’ in the Wittmann chain and we encourage your continued participation in helping to educate our children.

Let’s Dream:

The educational domain is one that is draped in hope and possibility. I believe that; our teachers believe that. We know that every one of our students has great potential. So, as a collective learning community, we dream of creating the most

exceptional learning environment that will ascend all students to their great-est personal and academic potential.

Let’s Delve: Of course, we can’t stop at the

dreaming! Once we’ve all dreamed of the great possibilities, it’s time to delve into the work (enjoyable and creative work, by the way) of teaching and learning. The word ‘delve’ means to, “search deeply and intently”. That, essentially, defines the teaching/learn-ing process! Let’s all look forward to the wonderful, new knowledge and discoveries that our students and teachers uncover in this upcoming

school year.I’m so fortunate to be in a career that offers a new beginning

each fall. Along with everyone in the Wittmann school commu-nity, I look forward to the promise of a brand new school year that will offer many opportunities for us to “Link, Dream, and Delve”!

Wittmann Elementary School16801 Yvette, Cerritos, CA 90703(562) 926-1321Principal – Patrick Walker

A California Distinguished School

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Our mission at Carmenita Middle School is to ensure successful progress for all.

Carmenita Middle School (CMS) continues to serve an important role in our community by offering a comprehensive curriculum for middle school students. CMS faculty and staff are prepared to teach, support, and encourage our students intellectually, emotionally, socially, and

physically.CMS students also understand that their successful progress

is the most important goal we have here at CMS. Our students

are trained to read their own assessment data, chart their indi-vidual progress, and to set goals based on data. Our faculty and staff are prepared and ready to assist students in setting goals and making sure that they have the means to attain their goals by offering interventions and accelerated learning opportunities.

CMS Students are also involved in:AM 1620 KUGR: Student-Operated Radio Station AM 1620 KUGR is a student-operated radio station on Car-

menita Middle School’s campus, airing live and taped broadcast coverage of campus and community activities. The student generated programming schedule has a variety of talk-show style interviews such as Teacher Features, CMS sports, Meet CMS authors, along with a showcase of campus interviews and

Carmenita Middle School13435 E 166th Street, Cerritos, CA 90703(562) 926-4405Principal – Kester Song

2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 35

International Studies Academy Fedde International Studies Academy

is committed to a rich and challenging tradition of excellence, where every de-cision is made with the students’ best in-terest in mind. We recognize the value of each student as an integral member of the

school community. With a partner-ship of parents, staff and students, we are dedicated to making every student successful.

We are proud to announce our can-didacy status for the IBO program. As an International Baccalereate Candi-date school, our staff has undergone extensive training to provide students with a multicultural curriculum that addresses our state standards in a variety of ways. Students will be provided with multiple opportunities to acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show indepen-dence in learning. Our students will be given opportunities to develop a sensitivity to the needs of their community by doing various community service projects. Students are also exposed

to the arts, technology, and foreign language. Our seven period day schedule allows all students to experience these elective courses in addition to other enrichment courses such as band, journalism, art new media, broadcasting, and environmental sciences. Some new additions to Fedde, thanks in part to our

magnet program, include a brand new computer lab for schoolwide use and a fitness lab for indoor circuit training for physical education. Every class-room is also wired with a projector and additional computers for student use.

The staff at Fedde believes that the middle school years are an important transition time for students. We take every step possible to help guide stu-dents toward success in high school and college. Teachers provide person-alized instruction through their inter-vention courses that are offered during the day and afterschool. We not only offer the best educational environment

but address students social and emotional needs as well. Every Fedde student is expected to be Ready, Responsible, Respectful and Safe on our school campus. Our Ambassador program of-fers students the opportunity to provide peer mentoring in these areas. Our ambassadors also organize and plan our “Gotcha” week, where we celebrate stu-

Fedde Middle School21409 S Elaine Avenue, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716(562) 924-2309Principal – Carol Castro

student performances. For your listening pleasure, on your ra-dio dial, AM 1620 will keep you up-to-date with Cougar news. KUGR is the roar of the campus!

Distinguished Scholars (DS)

Carmenita’s mission is “en-sure successful progress for all” and a program that demonstrates our mission is our Distinguished Scholars (DS), which has three overarching goals. Our first goal is to increase desire and passion for learning. Often after school, one could observe DS students laughing and working on projects together. Their excitement and zeal for the program manifests not only through their willing-ness to go “above and beyond” in a specific content area, but also in their desire to grow as a community of learners and achievers.

Our second goal for the DS program is to prepare students for rigorous high school college-preparatory curriculum. A very clear indication that we are meeting this goal is that most of the DS students are accepted into high school honors classes and upper-level math classes after they are promoted.

Our third and last goal of the DS program is leadership development. Understanding the significance of community

service is essential to the DS program. DS students are required to “give back” to the Carmenita community by leading other students. “Giving back” is done in a variety of forms, which

include tutoring, mentoring, and leading class discussions.

All students have the op-portunity to apply and be part of our innovative and successful DS program. Applications for students are made available each semester.

Cougar Health and Fitness Center

Carmenita believes that a healthy body produces a healthy mind. With this, we raised money, along with our PTA, to open our state of the art “Health and Fitness Center.” In the “Fit-ness Center” students learn to

use fitness machines and technology to improve their physical fitness and produce a healthy body.

I am looking forward to working with our CMS parents, students, and community members during this school year. I am confident that it will be another year of ensuring “successful progress for all” here in Cougarland!

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36 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

A Commitment to Excellence!Welcome to Haskell Middle School, home of the Mustangs.

Haskell Middle School is a high achiev-ing middle school that is dedicated to aca-demic excellence. The staff provides a safe, supportive, and caring environment that celebrates cultural diversity and nurtures individual differences through respect and communication.

We value parents and community members as partners in education. Our goal is to develop academically and socially success-ful students in preparation for high school and post-secondary education. We prepare our students to become life long learners and responsible citi-zens in our diverse society. We are proud to offer a variety of programs to meet the needs and aspirations of all our students. A brief description of the programs offered at Haskell is listed below.

Welcome Every Body Program (WEB)- The WEB program is a student orientation and support pro-gram for incoming seventh graders and new eighth graders designed to help students successfully transition from elementary school to middle school. Select 8th grade students serve as leaders and mentors to 7th grade stu-dents throughout the school year.

Honors/GATE Program Honors classes are available for qualified 7th and 8th grade students in English/Language Arts, History/Social Sciences, and Science. In addition, Geometry and Spanish I, which are high school level classes, are available

to students who qualify. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)

AVID is a college bound elective class/program designed to provide students with important college readiness skills, moti-vate them to seek a college education, and increase the partici-pants’ level of career awareness. Students work directly with college tutors, attend lectures by guest speakers, and participate in college field trips. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required. Ap-plications and interviews are part of the acceptance process. We are proud to say that our AVID program is fully certified and we are looking forward to our fourth year.

Technology for the 21st Century Haskell offers many opportunities for students to utilize technology in-cluding our TV Broadcasting class, computer education, and advanced computer classes. The Library Mul-timedia Center provides computers with internet access, available to all students. All students are required to utilize technology to complete certain assignments and projects in order to satisfy the new Tech Graduation Re-quirement. Parents are able to access their student’s progress and grades daily on the ABI Parent Portal.

Performing Arts Programs- Haskell’s Performing Arts program includes Band, Chorus, and Drama. Students are encouraged to develop and display their talents in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. Per-formances are scheduled throughout the year. Students can also sign up to be a member of our outstanding drum line.

L.A. County History Day Program - Haskell students look forward to participating in the annual History Day pro-gram. Students work together in teams throughout the school

dents who are doing the right thing on a daily basis. During “Gotcha” week students receive special prizes and recognition for completing homework, being prepared for class, being re-sponsible in the lunch area, being polite and friendly with each other and staff members.

Fedde offers a variety of extracurricular activities in both academics and enrichment. Our academic clubs participate in events such as History Day, Science Olympics, College and Career Club, and CJSF conferences. Our after school program (ICES) offers additional support to students in homework club. Students will have opportunities to explore areas of interest through culinary arts, environmental sciences, broadcasting club, graphic design, mechanics and sports. Our afterschool sports program includes flag football, volleyball, soccer, bas-ketball, and softball. We are also the only middle school in the district that offers daily afterschool tutoring and Saturday school for those students who need additional support and help in aca-demics. In addition, we have a number of support programs that addresses the various needs of our school Our Global Scholars

program is a one of a kind early college program in which stu-dents not only take rigorous academic coursework but are also exposed to college experiences, fieldtrips and guest speakers. This year, our global scholars students will be the first class to use Ipads during school instruction. Our Rising Stars program is a mentoring program designed to help students who are on the border of achieving “Proficient” or “Advanced” status on the state tests, reach over the line with key test taking strategies and an adult mentor support.

For all our parents, we welcome you to come by our school at any time and encourage your involvement at this critical phase in your child’s life. By becoming a member of Parent Teacher Association (PTA), School Site Council (SSC) Mag-net Advisory Board, or English Language Advisory Commit-tee (ELAC), you will have many opportunities to participate in school activities and at the same time, provide valuable support to your child. This is going to be a wonderful year at Fedde and we look forward to seeing you at our various events. Feel free to contact me at anytime if you have any questions.

Haskell Middle School 11525 Del Amo Blvd, Cerritos, Ca 90703 (562) 860-6529 Principal – Camille Lewis

2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 37

year to develop projects based on a particular theme. Top par-ticipants in the school wide competition are invited to compete at the Los Angeles County level in the spring.

Middle School Science Olympics, Science Catalina Field Trip, Sally Ride Festival at UCLA The annual District Middle School Science Olympics offers a variety of competitive events for students to participate in including the roller coaster, egg drop, and water rockets events. Students utilize a number of mathematical and scientific concepts in order to compete and win an event. Through private grant funds, select Haskell stu-dents will participate in the annual Catalina Exploratory Sci-ence Field Trip. Students experience Science through interac-tive and hands-on activities on Catalina Island. Seventh and eighth grade girls have the opportunity to attend the Sally Ride Festival at UCLA. This special all day event is designed to encourage and support girls interested in science, mathematics, and astronomy. Students have an opportunity to meet their fa-vorite astronauts and learn about space exploration.

Preparing Students for Successful Futures – Tools for Success & College Night - Haskell hosts an informational meeting for parents called “Tools for Success” which pro-vides parents and students with specific information, tools, and

practices that will help them be successful throughout middle school and into high school. Haskell’s annual College Informa-tion Night provides students and parents with the latest infor-mation, news, planning advice, and developments involved in sending students to college. Please check our school website for dates and join us for these special events. After School Academy Programs and Homework Club The highly success-ful Algebra Academy is offered to all students who would like to prepare for advanced math classes and for those who need extra assistance with their Algebra homework. The Homework Club meets three days a week in the library providing students with a place to complete their work with teacher and college aide assistance with assignments.

Extra-Curricular Activities- Haskell will continue to offer an after school sports program for boys and girls which includes flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, cross coun-try, and track and field. Cheer squad is also a popular activ-ity on campus that students participate in to show their school spirit. School organizations and clubs include CJSF (Califor-nia Junior Scholarship Federation), ASB (Associated Student Body), Campus Life, Library Club, Computer Club, Science Investigation, and the AVID Club.

Welcome To Ross Academy of Creative Media and Arts (RACMA)!In November 2004, Ross Middle

School became a federally funded mag-net school for Creative and Media Arts. All Ross students have the opportunity to display, perform and demonstrate what they have learned in Fine Arts, Theater Arts, Media

Production, Literary and Musi-cal Arts. In Fine Arts, students study printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, drawing, and art his-tory. Students learn drama and acting, stage production, set and costume design in the Theater Arts program. Ross remains one of the few Middle Schools in Southern California that of-fers Improvisation and Speech & Debate as electives.

All core classes use state of the art technology and equip-ment to teach the English, History, Science, Health, Math, and Physical Education standards. Students demonstrate what they have learned by creating multimedia projects across the curriculum. In Video Production, students learn to film, edit, write and produce Public Service Announcements and promotional skits for

the K-ROSS morning broadcasts. Our computer technology classes provide students the opportunity to create various projects using Excel, Word, Garage Band, Pages, Power Point, and Keynote. Students in journalism learn digital photography, desktop publishing, and create a web design yearbook.

Musical Arts and Music in Education Program In addition to beginning, intermediate and advanced

band classes, students can participate in Jazz band and Choir, Orchestra, Drum Line, and Color Guard. Our Marching Band, Drum Line, and Color Guard participate in local exhi-bitions and competitions. Music in Education, designed by the Yamaha Corporation, provides a comprehensive music learn-ing program. All seventh grade students develop musical skills through listening, discussing, describing, and creating music on keyboards in a Music Lab.

Intervention ProgramsAt Ross, we believe that all students can learn through

the enriched challenging curriculum offered in the core and elective classes.

When students need additional support to be success-ful, we offer a wide variety of

Ross Middle School17707 S Elaine Street, Artesia, CA 90701 (562) 924-8331Principal – Ricardo Brown

California Distinguished School Title I Achievement AwardMagnet School of Distinction Award

{continued on page 38}

38 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

intervention classes after school in Math, English, Science, and History. Ross will continue the Gateways Intervention Reading program, a program designed to improve students’ ability to read and comprehend, and will enter the third year of incorporating Accelerated Reader into our English classes. Accelerated Reader is a popular reading program used at many schools in both ABC Unified and other school districts.

Honors CurriculumRoss Academy will once again offer Honors classes in

all academic classes - English, History, Science, and Math. These classes will challenge honor students to expand in the areas of reading, writing, analysis, debate, critical thinking, and technology.

PTA and School Site Council Parents are an essential component of the success of

our students. The Ross PTA is very supportive of all school programs, and works closely with the Associated Student Body (ASB) Student Leadership Class to sponsor school events such as dances and field trips. Student Site Council meets regularly throughout the school year and consists of

parents, students, teachers, classified staff, and the Principal. The School Site Council is responsible for the development and approval of the Ross School Plan and Budget. Parents are encouraged to become involved in the overall Ross Academy school endeavor, and joining our dynamic PTA and/or School Site Council is highly recommended.

Student Achievement At Ross Middle School, we believe that our enriched

learning opportunities combined with a strong standards-based curriculum and a dedicated and professional teach-ing staff will continue to increase student achievement and success. We cultivate a collaborative, educational culture through the development of high performing teaching teams. Our primary focus remains on student achievement and results as opposed to intentions. Ross has gained 110 API points in the past 5 years, including a 32-point gain in 2011! Ross Academy now maintains the 2nd highest API total of all Middle Schools in the ABC Unified School District.

Welcome to Tetzlaff Accelerated Learning Academy!

Tetzlaff Accelerated Learning Acad-emy is a school community where the highest expectations are maintained. Our mission is to offer students Pre Advanced Placement courses to expose them to the

relevance, rigor, and relationships necessary to meet the demand required of Advanced Placement (AP) cours-es in high school. The staff at Teztlaff is dedi-cated to meeting the academic, emotional and social needs of all students because we believe every student can learn and achieve academic excellence. We recognize every student as in-dividuals with unlimited potential.

On October 1, 2010 Tetzlaff Accelerated Learning Academy was awarded funds for the Magnet Schools As-sistance Program by the U.S. Department of Education. In addition to being a magnet school Tetzlaff Academy has

been acknowledged as a National Blue Ribbon School and received several California Distinguished school awards. The California Board Association recently awarded Tet-zlaff a Golden Bell Award for the Media Broadcasting Program at our school.

Tetzlaff Accelerated Learning Academy is Los Angeles County’s first and only Magnet Middle School that pro-

vides a pre-Advanced Placement (AP) cur-riculum for all students. Tetzlaff continues to pave the way in stan-dards based instruction, high expectations, and creating a culture of ex-celling students. Pre AP rigor allows core teach-ers to give standards based instruction in greater depth and detail with high expectations

for student accountability and responsibility. The primary goal is to prepare our students for ad-

vanced placement course choices when they enter high school, which we believe will ensure their likeliness to enter college. Through a school culture that embraces diversity, technology, collaborative and organizational

Tetzlaff Middle School12351 Del Amo Blvd, Cerritos, CA 90703(562) 865-9539Principal – Crechena Wise

2011 ABC Unifi ed School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 39

skills, our students will be well prepared for the 21st cen-tury.

Through partnerships with College Board, a mission-driven not-for-profi t organization that helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transi-tion to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®, UC Los Angeles (UCLA), UC Irvine, (UCI) and the University of South-ern California (USC) our teachers are provided with high quality opportunities for professional development. Tet-zlaff’s staff is highly motivated to vertically team with our district’s high schools in order to properly align our curriculum with their AP programs.

We are truly excited to be the only Middle School in the district to pioneer such an amazing program. It is our goal to continue to set high academic standards in order for our students to achieve in high school and beyond.

Since the inception of the Academic Performance In-dex (API), which measures the annual academic growth of California schools, based on test scores and other mea-sures, Tetzlaff has achieved its school-wide California State assessment goals. The state goal is for all California schools to reach 800 and Tetzlaff has surpassed this mark. We have continued to sustain high levels on the CST and in many subject areas scores are all-time records.

In September 2011, Tetzlaff opened its doors with new facility upgrades that include a state of the art Science

Flex Lab, Fitness Lab, Apple Computer Lab and Fitness Center. Each classroom also received an upgrade in inter-active technology to increase student engagement. Each classroom is beautiful and enjoys full Internet connectivity and professional teaching computer stations. The campus has wireless technology in every building and last year we added 80 wireless Mac laptop computers for students to do on-line writing in English class and at home. Teach-ers are now working towards adopting Edline, a powerful website that improves communications between teachers, students and parents. This technology grants 24/7 access to students and parents regarding the latest happenings in each of Tetzlaff’s classes.

Academic achievement is the main focus at Tetzlaff Middle School! Central to Tetzlaff’s program are aca-demic content and elective classes. At Tetzlaff, the core curriculum is comprised of Pre-Advanced courses in math, English, science, history and physical education. The elective program at Tetzlaff is a balanced program in which the arts play a signifi cant and well-integrated role. Spanish, Television Broadcasting and Production, Com-puter Science, Woodshop, industrial arts, art history, year-book journalism, reading and our award winning music education program.

Tetzlaff offers many after school activities that include exciting student clubs and an after school sports program where competition against other district middle schools occurs throughout the year.

HIGH SCHOOLS

Artesia High School12108 E. Del Amo Blvd, Lakewood, CA 90715(562) 926-5566, ext 21600Principal – Sergio Garcia

Where Success is the Only OptionArtesia High School is a college and ca-

reer preparatory magnet school that is identi-fi ed by the LA County Offi ce of Education as a school wide demonstration site. Artesia High School has made a dramatic 120-point gain in the API (Academic Performance In-dex) score in the past four years. Our current API score stands at 710; and as we have sur-passed the 600 mark and the 700 mark, our

sights are now set on the 800 mark. Educational consultants regularly provide professional development for teachers and administrators. Teaching professionals are dedicated to provid-ing a comprehensive curriculum aimed at preparing students for the challenges of post-graduate life. Research based best practices are integrated into teaching in all courses. A full time counselor works in our College and Career Center to assist stu-dents in the college application process.

With additional grade-level counselors, the counseling team endlessly strives to educate, develop community, and promote partnerships with students, alumni, faculty, employers and members of the college community. Extracurricular programs, such as fi eld trips, and guest speakers encourage students to work hard to make their dreams a reality.

Artesia High School offers a well-balanced academic and ex-tracurricular learning environment. Our Renaissance and AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) programs are leadership-building programs that focus on academic achieve-ment and inspire all students to reach higher levels of success. Demanding and engaging curricula offer our students a learning environment that is challenging and well rounded. Award win-ning sports programs promote leadership and academics as well as skill development. Artesia High School’s Magnet Program features the Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) and Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Academy. In addition, the Southeast Regional Occupational Program has

40 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

Welcome to Cerritos High School,Home of the Dons!Cerritos High School is 40 years old! We

are proud of our 40 year history of academic excellence and highly motivated students that are committed to rigorous academic achieve-ment. The Dons excel in their studies, estab-lish lifelong friendships, demonstrate school pride and promote community spirit.

Cerritos High School continues to achieve national and state recognition for academic achievement. Cur-rently, the Washington Post has named CHS as one of best high schools in the United States, ranking our school 270th out of 1,900 high performing high schools. Once again, Cerritos High School has been named by the California Business for Education Excellence on the 2010 Honor Roll that recognizes outstanding public schools for raising student academic achievement and

reducing achievement gaps. Our Academic Performance Index (API) score of 869 demonstrates our commitment to continu-ous academic growth for all our students.

Our Advanced Placement (AP) classes challenge our stu-dents in a rigorous curricular environment with our AP test re-sults showing an increase in AP test takers and an overall pass rate above 70%. These distinctions are the result of consistently

high student academic achievement and reflect the hard work of our dedicated faculty and staff.

We offer our students rigorous college preparatory, UC ap-proved (A-G) classes that include our exemplary Model United Nations (MUN) program and a comprehensive selection of Ad-vanced Placement (AP) courses. Our students are offered a va-

riety of elective classes – six international language offerings, art, ceramics, Glee, drama, band, orchestra, foods, multi-media and technology-focused course offerings. Our CHS graduates apply and accept admission to highly regarded private and pub-lic universities/colleges.

The Dons are enthusiastically involved in a variety of co-curricular activities. Our award winning performing groups continue the Don’s tradition of maintaining high standards in all co-curricular activities. Our clubs and organizations culti-vate imaginations, promote leadership, and provide invaluable opportunities for our students to give back to our community.

As reflected in our mission statement, CHS faculty and staff, in partnership with parents and our community provide a bal-anced and comprehensive educational program that promotes academic, social, and personal growth for each of our students. As the principal of the Dons, I look forward to the transition of our students from success at Cerritos High School to success in their post secondary journey.

Cerritos High School12500 E 183rd Street, Cerritos, CA 90703(562) 926-5566, ext. 21800Principal – Janice Peterson

partnered with Artesia High School and is instrumental in pro-viding career pathways for students interested in pharmacy and mental health fields. Academic curriculum and project-based learning provide students with tools to create and prepare for their future.

Artesia High School’s unique „No Fail“ Math Department has an intense focus on meeting defined math benchmarks. The math department provides support for all students by offering tutoring sessions before, during and after school. The key to the program is flexibility and alternative, multiple learning oppor-tunities. As a result, more and more students are qualified for

higher-level math courses each successive year.Our award winning band program boasts dedicated and tal-

ented marching and concert musicians. The marching band will compete in six parades each year. The band not only performs at football games, field shows, pep rallies, parades and com-munity events, but will also compete in three band festivals throughout the year. The instrumental music program not only builds the musicianship skills of its students but also engages them in the appreciation, theory, and composition of music.

We look forward to yet another successful year for our stu-dents.

2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 41

Gahr High School11111 Artesia Blvd, Cerritos, CA 90703(562) 926-5566, ext. 22000Principal – Gina Zietlow

As a WASC Accredited, California Dis-tinguished School, Gahr High School is a diverse community with over 30 cultural groups and languages shared by students on the campus. In this context, staff seeks to provide a variety of opportunities for stu-dents to learn and develop as global citizens prepared for the 21st Century and beyond. The Gahr community understands the value of a quality education and provides opportu-

nities for students to grow and develop as individuals and teams. This growth is accomplished in each classroom, class meeting, club meeting, rehearsal or team practice, as students are equipped to meet their educational and career goals. As a diverse, com-prehensive high school, Gahr provides students with diverse op-tions in the areas of Academics, Activities, and Athletics.

Academic DiversityGahr High School offers student programs that range from

courses for English Learners to Advanced Placement courses. Most courses offered at Gahr are college preparatory in nature and meet the requirements for entrance to the University of Cali-fornia and California State University systems. In addition, the Gahr staff believes that students should have available to them assistance or intervention in academic subject areas. This as-sistance is found in various courses and opportunities provided for students. Gahr High School offers English Language Arts and Math courses for students who are in need of assistance with passing the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) or other graduation requirements; tutoring in English, Math, Sci-ence, Social Science, and Foreign Language; and Advanced Placement review sessions and experiences.

The academic diversity of the campus is also seen in the many programs that are available for students, which require time both in and out of the classroom. The following are some of the academic programs available for students that provide real life learning experiences which students can use when they leave Gahr High School:

Arts Technology Academy (ATA)The Arts Technology Academy (ATA) is a California Part-

nership Academy that provides students with a visual arts and technology focus during their high school experience. Academy students are enrolled in English, Social Science, Science, and Art Technology courses together during the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. In addition, 9th grade students are able to participate in the Introduction to ATA/Art I course as part of a bridge from middle school to high school. The educational experiences of the students are enhanced by a variety of guest speakers, field trips, and special activities that allow students to experience the art world and the use of technology in that world.

Model United Nations (MUN)Model United Nations (MUN) is both a course and club on

contemporary world issues in a variety of areas including eco-nomics, politics and social/cultural conditions. Gahr MUN uti-lizes simulation activities that allow students to explore more deeply the problems that exist on the international playing field. Students attend conferences and simulations where they study and represent various nations of the world and the challenges be-ing faced today by those nations. Gahr MUN has earned many awards and received recognition for their research and debate work. The program has also worked through KIVA to provide micro-finance support for various people in underdeveloped na-tions.

Regional Occupational Program (ROP)The Regional Occupational Program (ROP) provides oppor-

tunities for career and technical training in a variety of fields dur-ing high school. Classes are provided in career areas where there is a promising job market. Through the Regional Occupational Program, students acquire the job skills necessary to enter and compete in today’s workforce, and in many cases, earn advanced placement or credits at area community colleges. There are a number of ROP courses available at Gahr High School including Microsoft Office Suite; Virtual Enterprise, a simulated business that is set up and run by students to prepare them for working in a real business environment; Adobe PhotoShop; Auto Mechnan-ics; Forensic Science; Hospital Occupations; Pharmacy Clerk; and Pharmacy Technician.

Performing ArtsGahr High School offers many opportunities for student in-

terested in theater and music. Through the theater program, stu-dents have opportunities to participate in dramatic productions throughout the school year, develop ideas for costuming, and learn set design and construction. In addition, the Gahr High School theater program has participated in numerous commu-nity events. The theater program also works in conjunction with the music program each year to put on a musical in the spring. In addition to the collaboration with the theater program, students have opportunities to participate in various musical experiences including: orchestra, jazz band, marching band, concert band, symphonic winds, concert choir, and music appreciation.

Parent/Guardian OpportunitiesFinally, the programs at Gahr High School are supported by

a number of parent run organizations associated with the school. There are many opportunities for parents to get involved with Gahr High School through Athletic Boosters, English Lan-guage Acquisition Committee (ELAC), Music Boosters, Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), and School Site Council (SSC). These various groups meet regularly and information is available on the school web site and through program teachers and coaches.To learn more about Gahr High School, please stay connected through the school web site at www.gahrhs.org. The web site is updated regularly and provides critical information on upcoming events and happenings for the Gahr community.

42 2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide

Tracy High School continues to be the center of the ABC Unified School District’s offerings for alternative pro-grams for secondary school students. Tracy High School became a Model Con-tinuation School in 2002 and was given a six year accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in June 2005. Tracy offers core academic

programs and a personal attention to students who are behind in credits. The Early College Program with Cerritos College provides students college-level vocational/technical courses for dual credit. THS teachers all focus on the courses required for graduation. Small class size and a friendly, peaceful, campus en-vironment encourage student achievement and cooperation. An emphasis is placed on academic counseling as well as a philoso-phy that everyone deserves a second chance.

Tracy High School has a few of the extra-curricular activities of a traditional high school (with the exception of athletics and performing arts). Students enjoy outings such as Grad Night, Se-nior Prom, and yearbook signing as well as student of the month awards, Back to School Night and Open House.

Teen Parent/Cal-SafeThe Teen Parent Program (TPP) is open to students who are

expecting a child and/or are already parenting. Classes teach pa-renting skills, prenatal health and childbirth. An infant center is offered to participating students and is staffed by professional as well as community and student volunteers.

Afternoon High SchoolThis option is offered to Tracy students from 1:30 p.m. to

4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students with serious atten-dance or school related problems may transfer to this program. This educational alternative is located at the Cabrillo Lane cam-

pus on Del Amo Blvd. Behavior modification such as conflict resolution, study skills, responsible decision making skills and job readiness are emphasized.

Tracy Afternoon Program - TAPThis program is open to 10th grade students who are under 16

years of age. Upon a counselor’s recommendation, students take classes daily from the hours of 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students must be at least 30 credits behind in order to be considered. All students must be referred by their home school and attend an ori-entation before being admitted.

The ABC Secondary School/Independent StudyIndependent Study is a voluntary educational alternative. It

is a means of individualizing an educational learning plan for 7th through 12th grade students whose needs may best be met through study outside the regular classroom setting.

Short-term Independent Study is an educational alternative for students who will have planned absences of five days or more. The independent study agreement must be entered into before the student starts his/her absence. Elementary students should see their Principals; and middle and high school students should see their counselor for more information or call Ms. Pauline Calcote at 562-926-5566 ext. 22207.

Work ExperienceAn evening Work Experience program is held one day a

week, in the evening, and is open to all students over the age of 16 who work 30 hours a week or more. The program is held in two sessions. The first session is from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the second session is from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. All academic courses necessary for high school graduation are offered in these night sessions. Students also earn elective credits for completing job-related assignments.

Tracy High School12222 Cuesta Drive , Cerritos, CA 90703(562) 926-5566, ext. 22200Principal – Jeff Green

Whitney High School enjoys a rich history of academic excellence and is con-sistently recognized as one of the top per-forming schools in the state of California as well as the nation. In fact, Whitney has been recognized as a California Distinguished School in 2004, 2007 and most recently in 2011. We have also been honored as a Na-tional Blue Ribbon School five times, which

is more than any other high school. Whitney has also consistently been featured in Newsweek and US News and World Report’s

annual lists of top performing schools. Whitney High School’s mission is to prepare students to be

accepted to and be successful at their best-match colleges or uni-versities. To support this mission, we have helped students at-tain over nine million dollars in scholarships during the 2010-11 school year to ensure students are not deterred financially from their best-match school. Furthermore, students have the oppor-tunity to discover their strengths and participate in meaningful extra-curricular activities. Whitney High School offers approxi-mately 35 clubs /service organizations, along with opportunities for students to participate in band, drama, music, and sports pro-

Whitney High School16800 Shoemaker Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703(562) 926-5566, ext. 22300Principal – Dr. Rhonda Buss

2011 ABC Unified School District Back-to-School Resource Guide 43

grams throughout the year.We are proud to announce that through funding provided by

a state grant and the gracious monetary gifts from several donors, Whitney will open a new media center in February (see picture below). This facility will house an incredible 500 seat auditorium and three distinguished classrooms that will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology. We believe this facility will play an important role in supporting Whitney students as they discover and develop their passions in the field of multimedia.

Whitney’s parent community plays an integral role in Whit-ney’s success. There are a variety of parent groups, including the Whitney Foundation for Educational Excellence, PTSA, Chinese Parents’ Association, Korean Parents’ Association, Filipino Par-ents’ Support Group, Latino Parents’ Association, and the Indian Parents’ Association. We want to take this opportunity to thank

all of these wonderful parent groups for their continuous dedica-tion and support and encourage the new parents of our Whitney community to get involved with a parent group to help continue our work together as successful partners for student success.

Mario Andretti stated, “It’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal—a commitment to ex-cellence—that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” Whitney students, staff, and the parent community have an unre-lenting commitment to excellence and the results are astounding. In fact, our 2010 Academic Performance Index (API) score is 993 and 95 percent of our students passed Advanced Placement tests. Congratulations to our Whitney community!

For more information about Whitney High School, please visit our website at www.whitneyhs.org.

ABC Adult School - Celebrating 50 Years of Quality Services in Adult EducationWelcome back to a new school year!ABC Adult School is a place where stu-

dent achievement is at the forefront of ev-ery decision. The Mission of the ABC Adult School is to improve the quality of life by providing our diverse community with meaningful learning opportunities to fulfill personal, educational, and workplace goals

through lifelong learning. ABC Adult School takes great pride in our long history of

providing low-cost, easy-to-access, high quality education and training. As a WASC Accredited school, ABC Adult School is a diverse community with over 26 cultural groups and languages shared by students on campus. Last year, ABC Adult School served 13,529 duplicated and 11,988 unduplicated students with 1,213,626 instructional hours, and generated 2,316.76 units of ADA.

ABC Adult School is committed to engaging in active part-nerships with the industry to strengthen our programs and to meet the current business and workforce needs. We entered into Memorandum of Agreement with City of Artesia, Cerritos, and Hawaiian Gardens, and provided internships with the follow-ing groups: Pioneer Medical Group, Dr. Soo Woong Kang, Dr. Helene Saad, Pro Health Partners, Lakewood Primary Care, Southern California Kaiser Permanente, West Coast Dialy-sis Center, CVS/pharmacy, Walgreens, and CareMore Health Plan. It is our goal to emerge stronger, more flexible, and better equipped courses to generate the knowledge and innovations the students need now more than ever.

As a diverse, comprehensive adult school, ABC Adult School provides our communities with diverse options in ten state approved course areas. We are committed to high in-structional quality, student-driven program development that is meeting the express needs of our community. Just last year, ABC Adult School added several exciting new courses: such as new Pharmacy Technician Program, new Movie Anima-

tion Program, new Mac Lab, new AutoCAD, Inventor class, new computer-aided drafting program, new Compass Odyssey courses for High School Diploma Program, new Authorized Testing Center for Microsoft, Adobe tests and QuickBooks. The newest ones coming in Fall 2011 are SB 1626, Public School Safety/Security training, Security Officer training, and many new Fee Based Classes.

The Career Technical Education Center at ABC Adult School exists to train students, not just for jobs, but careers. The center provides a job developer with 14 career paths that lead to Industry Certification in several areas including Medi-cal Assisting, Medical Insurance Specialist, Computer Repair/IT Technician, Office Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Web Design, Graphic Design, Accounting Clerk, Pharmacy Techni-cian, Law Enforcement, and Video Production. Industry Cer-tification gives our students a leg up when searching for that perfect job.

So if you’re looking to train for a career, update your exist-ing skills, improve your English, get your high school diploma, become a better parent, or even explore new life-long learning opportunities, give ABC Adult School a look. All the informa-tion you need to start is on our web site: www.abcadultschool.edu.

We are very excited about 2011-12 school year and look forward to seeing you!

ABC Adult School12254 Cuesta, Cerritos, CA 90703(562) 926-5566, ext. 25011Principal – Dr. Pao-Ling Guo

LOS CERRITOS YMCA15530 Woodruff Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706P 562 925 1292 F 562 925 2191 www.lbymca.org

ENSURING A BRIGHTER FUTURE BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL ACADEMIC ENRICHMENTLOS CERRITOS YMCA

At the Y, we believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. By providing licensed before and after school care, the Los Cerritos YMCA helps children learn, grow, and develop social skills in a safe nurturing environment.