april 2009 colina middle school cougar news · company and mb2 racing. ... were stations that...
TRANSCRIPT
INSIDE
COLINA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Cougar newsApril 2009
Principal MIKE WATERSPTSA President KATHLEEN WOODWARDNewsletter Editor ELISE KANE
p 2 PTSA list of contacts
p 3 President’s letter, library’s book club
p 4 Principal’s letter
p 5 District Advisory Committee update
p 6 Site Council update
p 7 PTSA Patron Program
p 8 Jog-a-Thon a success!
p 9 Counselors’ Corner
WOW! What a great event. The fashion show was held on March 6 and it was amazing. Thank you to the many volunteers who made this event happen, and thank you to the students who participated. The 8th grade models walked the runway like professionals, the 7th grade announcers were poised and articulate, and the 6th grade servers, greeters and decorators were so good they should have been tipped! We raffled and auctioned off 22 items. Those $1 raffle ticket winners were shocked when they won those amazing prizes. And thank you to the families who bid on and donated items for our silent auction. We want to thank our local businesses that continue to support Colina Middle School and the annual fashion show, and want to remind you to support them: Sugar, Frenzy, Soto, Marlene’s, Vintage Wear, Friar Tux,
Seewhat’snewatColina
www.colinamiddle.net
Fashion Show successfulLocal businesses a great support
Popular, Shave It, Jersey Mike’s, Cleo Hair Salon, DailyCut.com, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Piatti Restaurant, Herbalife Company and MB2 Racing. In addition, we want to thank Lifetouch Photography for bringing our models to life with their excellent photography skills. The pictures are available for viewing and purchasing at www.lifetouchevents.com. Use password Cougar09 to access the pictures. Colina PTSA appreciates the support of all its sponsors, though the PTSA is unable to endorse any company per PTA rules in order to maintain its non-profit status. If you decide to purchase products from the above companies, Colina and its PTSA thank you.
PrincipalMr. Waters
Teacher Representative Cathy Hinson
PresidentVicky Schuster
Executive VPDarleen Butscher
1st VP—ProgramsEllen [email protected]
2nd VP—FundraisersSusan O’Brien
3rd VP—VolunteersAnne La Fianza [email protected]
4th VP—MembershipShelley Apelian
AuditorMelissa Cahalan
HistorianNatalie Speicher
ParliamentarianKaren Sylvester
Secretary—CorrespondingSheri Lingo
Secretary—RecordingLinda Turnbull
TreasurerDenise Ferens
Carnival Coordinators(1) Shelley [email protected](2) Julie [email protected]
Computer Room CoordinatorWendy [email protected]
Cougar Newsletter EditorElise [email protected]
Scrip Coordinator—Fundraiser
Family Directory Coordinator
Fashion Show Fundraiser Coordinators(1) Christine [email protected](2) Cyndi Ceylan—see Historian(3) Sheryl Meyer—see Membership(4) Lisa [email protected]
Fashion Show—Raffle CoordinatorShelley Apelian—see Carnival
Honorary Service Awards (HSA) ChairpersonsAnne LaFianza—see 3rd VP
Hospitality Coordinators (3)(1) Susan O [email protected](2) Shelley Apelian—see Carnival
Fall Fundraiser CoordinatorsC. Blatt, C. Ceylan, K. Doder, D. Hartman, A.Wells and K. Woodward
Jog-A-Thon Coordinators (1) Kristin [email protected](2) Susan [email protected]
Library CoordinatorGina [email protected]
Luau Coordinators—ProgramKim Murphy [email protected]
Magazine Drive CoordinatorKristin Bergsma—see Jog-a-Thon
Newsletter Distribution (2)1) Jennifer Grimes
Office Volunteer CoordinatorJulie Chapman—see Carnival
PTSA Student CoordinatorAnne LaFianza—see 3rd VP
Reflections Coordinator Kim [email protected]
Science Olympiad Coordinators (2)—open
Staff Recognition Coordinator Stefanie [email protected]
5k Run—Coordinator (2)(1) [email protected](2) Suzanne [email protected]
6th Grade Head Room Parent(1) Lynn [email protected]
8th Grade Promotion Coordinators (3)—open
DAC Representative Karen [email protected]
School Site Council PresidentArnie [email protected]
President’s letterAs you will read in the District Advisory Committee and School Site Council articles, our school district is facing a financial deficit of $9 million. As the many groups involved in the budget process discuss where the cuts should occur, the most important concept we must remember is that the purpose of a school district is to educate children. Whatever decisions are made must benefit the students, first and foremost.
Colina, as one of many schools, has been successful because the administration, staff and parents have worked as a cohesive team for the benefit of the children. It takes every employee and parent to make Colina a “school of choice”, from the custodian who opens a student’s locker just in time for class, to the counselor who stops a bullying problem; from a band teacher that makes a child want to come to school, to a French teacher that exposes a child to a new language; from a principal that knows his students’ names, to a coach that teaches a child good sportsmanship. There is not one employee more important than another to our children. The more adults on campus, the safer our children will be, and the higher the probability that their lives will be positively impacted.
Our duty as the administration, staff and parents is to remember that WE ARE A TEAM.
We need a cooperation among the parties involved in the budget-making process. Some of the budget cuts will be very difficult, especially since payroll makes up approximately 90% of the district budget. An environment of compromise in the face of a tough economy will ultimately benefit everyone involved. Nevertheless, we need to be careful not to permanently lose talented personnel to other districts.
I encourage everyone to be part of the budget-making process before the district presents the budget to the School Board, and it is too late to amend issues of concern. For reference, please read the DAC article summarizing the five topmost budget cut points concerning parents, and the School Site Council article.
~Kathleen Woodward, PTSA President-at-Large
The library has started a monthly book club!
Come join us in the library the last Thursday of every month during lunch time. Students can bring their lunches while they gather and discuss the featured book of the month. January’s featured novel was Twilight, and in February, students enjoyed sharing the adventures of New Moon. Even if a child hasn’t read the book, he/she can still attend and listen to the stimulating conversations.
Our SURE library cart is empty! We are looking for donations of age-appropriate books to help replenish our supply! These books are used to help students who need a book for SURE time. They can be borrowed or taken home to keep. Please bring any donations M-F to the library between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Questions? E-mail our librarian, Judeanne Wiley: [email protected].
Thank you,Gina ContiLibrary Advocate/[email protected]
Library Corner
One more lecture….about relationships
I’ve been reading The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, and coincidentally, I was visiting a classroom where the teacher was asking students to write their goals down. One student wrote, “I want to do better at school so I don’t have to hear any more lectures.” I had just given a lecture that morning and am convinced that I may have driven that student to the straight and narrow of hard study or toward being nauseated. Twenty-one years ago, I stepped onto several buses heading to Magic Mountain for the 8th grade promotion trip and promised all the students that if they were late to arrive at the buses for the return trip they would ride home with me in my car, have a parent conference, and then get up the next morning to set up chairs for promotion. We had a great day there at Magic Mountain—the weather was warm and the log ride was cool and refreshing. But, sure enough, at 6 p.m., one boy and one girl had not arrived at the buses. I sent the buses off and met the two students 15 minutes later. They called their parents and told them that they would have to meet with me when we arrived back at Colina. These were two good students with whom I had spoken many times. We talked for 45 minutes on the ride home. Much of it was an accumulation of my many lectures. I also listened. I liked these two students very much and I enjoyed the ride home as I pumped values into them. I am a lecturer at heart. The conferences were positive as both sets of parents were supportive. So, the young man and young woman arrived the next day at 7:30 a.m. to set up chairs while their buddies slept; promotion did not start until 1:00 p.m. Later that day, both students crossed the promotion stage and we shook hands. Later, they asked for pictures. I have come to know that young people, especially of middle school age, want to be spoken to. They are eager to hear about life and your experiences. But, they do want to hear from someone they believe cares for or loves them. The voices need to change at times. Hopefully, the different voices are giving similar messages. It is not hard to care for or love these students. Most of their minds and hearts are still open for learning and reason, and a reciprocal “howdy”. As a parent or teacher of these young people, it is our responsibility to share and model character traits that we know make for a better person and a better community. All of my childhood years were spent with a mom and pop who taught me about right and wrong, whether it was a bar of soap in the mouth if I used foul language, or a very stern talk with me about my behavior. By words and by modeling, I was taught. I can remember vividly that my mother had a saying for just about everything: “What doesn’t break you makes you stronger”. Her lectures were short, but effective. So, I have figured out that my words mean little if I have not built a foundation for those words to stand on. The day the boy and the girl and I road back from Magic Mountain was built on a relationship. That 45-minute lecture was only as good as the relationship that was built on sitting at a lunch table and discussing life or shooting hoops or telling those who would listen why the music of the ’50s and ’60s was the best. So part of the penalty, part of the lecture on that ride home that day was the choice of music. At that time, 1988, there were stations that played only music from the ’50s. You could learn from the oldies but goodies. My dad and I listened to Bobby Darin’s “Mac the Knife”. I, of course, have updated my music since then, as one must grow. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band is the last great band and a worthy choice to back a lecture and build a relationship. There are values underneath the hype and glitz of our current culture. We adults must find them for ourselves and our own lives and pass them on to our children and students. You and I must work very hard, so that lectures we give become memories—positive memories—of someone who cared.
Thanks for reading.
Mike Waters
p.s. I do recommend The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch if you want a positive book on parenting.
By MIKE WATERSPrincipal
By KAREN ISHIKAWADAC Representative
A word about the District Advisory Council (DAC)
Although California has passed a state budget, there are still many uncertainties in regard to the amount of educational funding that will exist. As has been reported, California’s tax collection this year was substantially less than anticipated at the time the budget was approved; this may result in further reductions to school funding. The state budget is also contingent upon the outcome of the May 19 special election, which has three provisions that will affect the schools: Proposition 1A—State Lottery, Proposition 1B—Budget Stabilization, Proposition 1C—Education Funding, and Proposition 98—Maintenance Factor.
During this time of uncertainty, the district has been gathering information that will result in a budget for the ’09-’10 school year. The School Board had a study session on March 16, where parents (DAC), teachers (UACT), principals, classified employees (CSEA) and counselors (CVPPA) all made presentations. The following is a portion of the DAC survey report that was presented:
Site PrioritiesReductions made at the school sites will have a direct impact on the students and teachers. We must keep budget cuts away from the classroom. When reviewing the survey results, an overwhelming and unanimous set of priorities at all grade levels emerged. The following is a list of the top five (5) priorities based on the results of the survey and agreed upon by the District Advisory Committee representatives.
Campus SafetyThe district has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for students, which includes proper supervision and support in and out of the classroom.
Class Size Reduction Grade levels K-3 – 21:1 student to teacher ratio would be supported, but if there is a need to raise to 23:1, we ask that it be used to eliminate combination classes (unless such classes are philosophically warranted by the school sites’ programs). Also, the physical size of the classrooms must be considered. Grade levels 4 & 5 – Parents were not willing to negotiate class size, since there are already 32-36 students in these classrooms. Middle and high schools (with the support from the elementary schools) – Parents overwhelming said “no” to increased class sizes, since the actual class sizes range from 36-42.
Co-curriculum All co-curricular activities (electives) such as music, art, Spanish, French, and woodshop should be maintained. These programs create pride in school and give students who are not interested in school a reason to come to school, thus improving our ADA.
District Services Rather than eliminate programs or departments, there should be an emphasis on re-structuring and/or combining them for cost savings and efficiency; for example, combining Elementary with Secondary Education, Purchasing with Fiscal Services, Assessment /Testing with Pupil Services, Classified Personnel with Certificated Personnel. Outsourcing should also be considered to cut costs. Custodians should be based on school enrollment.
State Categorical Funding (School Improvement Funds – SIP) Funding must remain school site-specific. The more flexible the resources available to our children at the school site through SIP funds, the greater the ability to meet the needs at each individual school. Negotiate with the teachers to allow parents to volunteer where needed to maintain our libraries. Currently, the district is creating a budget committee that will be made up of two members from the parents (DAC), teachers (UACT), principals, classified employees (CSEA), counselors (CVPPA) and School Board to act as a sounding board. The district will be responsible for creating, negotiating and implementing the budget. The district will present a proposed budget to the school board on April 21, 2009; proposed changes to the budget will be presented on May 19, and the school board will vote on the final budget on June 16, 2009. The results of the budget reductions will be felt by everyone. As parents and advocates for our children, we need to ensure that the Conejo Valley Unified School District maintains its excellent educational standard. We need to stay informed of the budget reductions and how they will affect our children’s education. The DAC presentation can be found on the CVUSD website at conejo.k12.ca.us under the heading Department>Instruction Services>District Advisory Council–DAC Budget Presentation 3/16/09
The School Site Council continues to monitor the ongoing budget issues at the state, county and local school district levels. Whatever budget the school district finally approves will potentially impact Colina and its programs in a significantly negative way. Class size increases and resulting staff reductions appear to be topics of district budget discussions.
As a result of cuts, we are likely to see an increased demand for parent participation in school activities. Financial support will also be needed, as the district will be unable to channel its usual monies to the school. Colina’s representatives continue to lead the fight for budget reductions to be applied only to non-classroom activities. We trust that our representatives will carry some weight.
Our School Plan discussed in previous articles serves as a blueprint for academic achievement across all grades for this school year. With the constant changes in standards and funding, we hope that the plan has been flexible enough to allow for improvements within all segments of the pupil population.
Colina’s academic departments continue to report on goals met, as outlined in the 2008-2009 Plan. The excellent teaching staff, with the support of the
By ARNIE ROSSSchool Site Council [email protected]
Site Council update administration, continues to provide the finest middle school experience and earns Colina the title of “school of choice” in the district.
Homework concerns raised earlier in the year appear to have been resolved. Parents who still have concerns should consider contacting the teacher(s) involved and/or e-mailing any concerns to the School Site Council.
With a spending freeze in effect, the Council cannot disburse the discretionary funds which it was provided at the beginning of the school year. The Council is very aware that reductions in funding raises challenges against insuring that we make decisions benefiting the entire student body, but we are committed to facing these challenges head-on.
The Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month in the school library from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The next scheduled meeting is April 21, 2009.
All parents are encouraged to attend and participate in our meetings. If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to contact a member of the School Site Council to address any concern that is perceived to be a school-wide issue. The Council is one of the very few opportunities where the teaching staff, the administration, parents and ASB students meet and discuss school-wide issues and reach a consensus which helps to make Colina more responsive to the needs of the student and parent community that it serves.
Volunteer!
ColinaLuau
May8
The PTSA Patron Program is an ongoing way for families and friends of Colina to support Colina through financial donations. Due to the national economic crisis and looming district budget cuts, we have decided to change this form to accommodate Colina’s needs.
1) Technology Maintenance: Projector bulbs $200, Projectors $800, Mounting of Projector $600, miscellaneous technology needs.Technology donation _____
2) Updating of Science Labs: Updating of 7th and 8th grade science classrooms to lab/classroom format. This will increase the number of labs that our students work in, and as a byproduct, afford them more versatile learning Science lab donation _____
3) School General Fund: Funds to be used where needed. General donation _____
Your donation at ANY level will make a difference at Colina.
Just fill out the coupon below and send it to Colina Middle School PTSA, 1500 Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 or deliver it to the office along with your check payable to Colina PTSA. Don’t forget to ask your company to match funds, if possible! Colina PTSA is a non-profit IRC 501(c)(3) association. Your donation is tax deductible. Colina PTSA’s tax id is #95-6207139.
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________
City, State, and Zip: _____________________________________________________
Email Address: ____________________ Amount of Donation: __________________
Do you wish to be acknowledged (thanked) in the newsletter? Yes_____ No_____
If so, under what name would you like to be acknowledged? ______________________________________________________________________
If you have any questions, please e-mail Kathleen Woodward at [email protected]. Thank you!
PTSA Patron Program
THANK YOU
Liu Family & Detwiler Familyfor the recent contributions to Colina!
Volunteers needed for upcoming Colina events
The Luau is May 8 and is a collaborative effort between our teachers, ASB, and PTSA. This event culminates a week of fun COTY (class of the year) events at school. This is the first dance that the 6th graders will be able to attend. Please contact PTSA Chairperson Susan Thornburn at [email protected] if you would like to sign up to volunteer.
The 5K Run is on May 20. The course traces through our neighborhood streets, which are blocked off for the event. Qualifying student runners participate, while the P.E. department brings in high school runners to help set a pace, and teachers ride bikes alongside the course to encourage the runners and keep them safe. This event is another great collaborative effort between our teachers and parents. Please contact Chairpersons Lynn Merrill and/or Suzanne Hollister at [email protected] or [email protected] if you would like to volunteer. The kids are really fun to watch!
The Science Olympiad is May 29 and is a full day of science experiments and contests among the students. Our science teachers develop all the science experiments/contests and the parent volunteers run each experiment station. It is a day enjoyed by all at Colina. We misplaced the name of the person who volunteered for this Chairperson position. Please contact Darlene Butscher at [email protected] if you are interested in taking on the responsibility. Also, please contact Darlene if you would like to volunteer for this event. We need lots of volunteers to cover the entire day of science classes.
The 8th Grade Promotion is on June 12 at 10:15 a.m. This is a great culmination event. Please contact Chairperson Melissa Cahalan at [email protected] if you would like to volunteer at this event, provided you do not have a graduating 8th grader.
THEY JOGGED…THEY DONATED…THEY CELEBRATED!
Jog-a-Thon 2009 was a rousing success. Heavy rains in the days leading up to the event necessitated a course change, but the weather was beautiful on
February 18 and 19. Stirring music and cheering parents inspired the kids to jog many laps in the 30 minutes allotted for the run. As always, numerous
Colina parents volunteered to help the event run smoothly.
Given the current economy, Jog-a-Thon committee members feared that donations would be down, but the awesome Colina community came through again. More than $45,000 in donations came in over three weeks time, nearly equaling last year’s totals. The donations ranged from 52 cents in pennies to checks that qualified for reserved seating at graduation; all were equally appreciated.
The real fun began as each child who turned in an envelope received Cougar Cash. Nearly one hundred kids joined Mr. Frank and other staff members for an afternoon at Golf-n-Stuff. Many more students will enjoy a root beer float party and lunch from the In-n-Out Burger truck. Some lucky students will get to choose an oversized locker for next year, and a few 8th grade parents will enjoy reserved seating at graduation. These prizes have become Colina traditions in themselves. They are the PTSA’s way of thanking you for your continued support of our wonderful school.
The money raised from Jog-a-Thon supports all of the programs sponsored by the PTSA. This includes everything from basics such as funding copy machines and replacing projector light bulbs to enrichment such as scholarships for Outdoor School and buying new computers for the computer labs. The Colina experience would not be what it is without funding from the PTSA, and the PTSA wouldn’t have funds without donations from you.
Colina registration for 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders was completed in March. Please feel free to contact the counseling office if you have questions regarding your child’s schedule for next year. Counselors visited and spoke to all the 5th grade students at Colina’s feeder elementary schools, also visiting all the 6th grade SURE classes and the 7th grade Social Science classes for returning students’ registration information. Your student should have brought home a registration form for your input and signature. Registration forms were due to the counseling office by the end of March. Westlake High School’s counselors spoke to all Colina 8th graders in their Social Science classrooms and WHS assistant principal, Steve Lepire, spoke at Parent Night in the Colina auditorium. 8th grade students and parents also had the opportunity to attend Future Warrior Night on March 11th. Both events were well attended. Thank you to everyone involved in this registration process as we work together to support our students’ success. It is the partnership of administrators, staff, and parents that will help make our students’ scholastic endeavors successful.
WHS principal, Ron Lipari, and assistant principal Lepire will be the speakers at the PTSA meeting on April 22 at 9:15 a.m. at the Colina Boys and Girls Club. Bring all your questions! This meeting is always well attended. There will also be a budget update for parents from our DAC representative.
The California STAR test is tentatively scheduled for the week of May 19. Be sure your student is well fed, rested and fully prepared to do their best the state tests.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Boe , Moira Fagan-Simpson, & Dave Holmboe
COUNSELORS’ CORNER
Student Book Club!The last Thursday of every month at lunch time in the
Colina Library!
Even if a child hasn’t read the book, he/she can still attend and listen to the stimulating
conversations.
Get involved and join the fun!
Colina PTSA appreciates the support of all its sponsors, though the PTSA is unable to endorse any company per PTA rules in order to maintain its non-profit status. If you decide to purchase products from the above companies, Colina and Colina PTSA thank you.
Partners in Community
In N Out Burger
Dates To Remember
SugarShave It
Frenzy
PopularHOME DEPOT
Baja Fresh
Pat Helton
April7 Rabbit Run, DAC Meeting 9-11:30 a.m.10-19 SPRING BREAK20-24 Outdoor Ed. School21 School Site Council Meeting 3:20-5:30 p.m. in the library22 PTSA meeting 9:15 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club. 22 Cougar Newsletter articles due27-May 1 Outdoor Ed. School30 Civil War Reenactment
May8 Luau & Dance 6-9 p.m.11-14 STAR Testing12 Volunteer Appreciation Coffee at 8 a.m. in the library, DAC meeting 9-11:30 a.m.13-14 Minimum Days15-22 CO2 car racing17 Cougar Newsletter article deadline for Back to School student packet20 5K Run and Minimum Day21 PTSA Installation of Officers and HSA Awards at 9:15 a.m. at the Boys & Girls Club25 Memorial Day Holiday29 Science Olympiad school event
June2 7th Grade Awards Night 7:30-9 p.m.3 6th Grade Awards Night 7:30-9 p.m.3 Old World Faire4 8th Grade Awards Night 7:30-9 p.m.5-10 See “Block Schedule” @ colinamiddle.net > News and Events > Colina Calendar > June 2009 5 Yearbook distribution; Promotion Dance 7:45-10 p.m.11 Minimum Day12 Promotion at 10:15 a.m.; dismissal for 6th and 7th graders at 12:30 p.m
*Dates may change. Stay tuned at colinamiddle.net!