830 North Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95133830 North Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95133830 North Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95133830 North Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95133830 North Capitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95133East Side Union High School District

KudosEast Side Union High School District

KudosA Publication of the Office of Public InformationA Publication of the Office of Public InformationA Publication of the Office of Public InformationA Publication of the Office of Public InformationA Publication of the Office of Public Information October 2003, Issue 40October 2003, Issue 40October 2003, Issue 40October 2003, Issue 40October 2003, Issue 40

ESACADEMIC, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL SUCCESS FOR EACH AND EVERY STUDENTACADEMIC, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL SUCCESS FOR EACH AND EVERY STUDENTACADEMIC, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL SUCCESS FOR EACH AND EVERY STUDENTACADEMIC, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL SUCCESS FOR EACH AND EVERY STUDENTACADEMIC, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL SUCCESS FOR EACH AND EVERY STUDENT

events.esuhsd.org

Superintendent Initiates New Bilingual Radio Program to Reach ParentsSuperintendent Initiates New Bilingual Radio Program to Reach ParentsSuperintendent Initiates New Bilingual Radio Program to Reach ParentsSuperintendent Initiates New Bilingual Radio Program to Reach ParentsSuperintendent Initiates New Bilingual Radio Program to Reach Parents

Santa Teresa Alumni Receives Medal of ValorSanta Teresa Alumni Receives Medal of ValorSanta Teresa Alumni Receives Medal of ValorSanta Teresa Alumni Receives Medal of ValorSanta Teresa Alumni Receives Medal of Valor

Oak Grove GraduateOak Grove GraduateOak Grove GraduateOak Grove GraduateOak Grove GraduateReceives National AcademyReceives National AcademyReceives National AcademyReceives National AcademyReceives National Academy

Foundation AwardFoundation AwardFoundation AwardFoundation AwardFoundation AwardThe National Academy Foundationselected Chantel SoberanoChantel SoberanoChantel SoberanoChantel SoberanoChantel Soberano, 1996graduate of Oak Grove’s Travel &Tourism Academy, as an Alumni Honoreefor 2003.

Ten alumni honorees were selectedamong a pool of 32,000 students whohave graduated from Academies since1984. These individuals exemplify thevalues of professional accomplishment,education initiative, community serviceand leadership.

ChantelChantelChantelChantelChantel had considered a career as abeautician until she took a course in theTravel & Tourism Academy. She becameso excited about the course that sheenrolled in the Academy. Aftergraduation, ChantelChantelChantelChantelChantel started as asupervisor at a Holiday Inn Express andhas moved up to General Manager of theBest Western Lana Gardens Inn &Suites in San Jose. She overseeseverything from hiring and payroll tosales and marketing. ChantelChantelChantelChantelChantel remainsactive in the Travel & Tourism Academy,serving on the Alumni Board andproviding continuous support.

Congratulations to Chantel on thisprestigious award and kudos to JoyceJoyceJoyceJoyceJoyceColburnColburnColburnColburnColburn, Coordinator of Travel & TourismAcademy, and to the following staffmembers for generating an enthusiasmfor learning among students and forpreparing them for successful careers:JoLynn BrinkJoLynn BrinkJoLynn BrinkJoLynn BrinkJoLynn Brink, Cindy CarielCindy CarielCindy CarielCindy CarielCindy Cariel, Rick CatonRick CatonRick CatonRick CatonRick Caton,Barbara HopperBarbara HopperBarbara HopperBarbara HopperBarbara Hopper, Jim HughesJim HughesJim HughesJim HughesJim Hughes, JonJonJonJonJonHutersHutersHutersHutersHuters, Donn JewelDonn JewelDonn JewelDonn JewelDonn Jewel, Allison LyAllison LyAllison LyAllison LyAllison Ly, RonRonRonRonRonNeighborsNeighborsNeighborsNeighborsNeighbors, Dan PassalacquaDan PassalacquaDan PassalacquaDan PassalacquaDan Passalacqua and DavidDavidDavidDavidDavidPengPengPengPengPeng.

Every Monday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.,,,,,you can hear Superintendent Esperanza Superintendent Esperanza Superintendent Esperanza Superintendent Esperanza Superintendent EsperanzaZendejasZendejasZendejasZendejasZendejas broadcast live on the Spanish-speaking radio station La Kaliente1370 AM. Dr. Zendejas’Dr. Zendejas’Dr. Zendejas’Dr. Zendejas’Dr. Zendejas’ new weekly radio

show, “Esperanza Para Nuestros Ninos”(Hope for our Children), is in an effort toengage parents in the educationalprocess. This radio show is one of manystrategies Dr. ZendejasDr. ZendejasDr. ZendejasDr. ZendejasDr. Zendejas is initiating toreach out to the parents of students inthe East Side. The Superintendent isexploring a variety of non-traditionalmeans of communicating with parents.She believes that parent involvement iskey to student success and that weneed to explore and utilize as manyvehicles as possible to reach ourparents.

Each week Dr. ZendejasDr. ZendejasDr. ZendejasDr. ZendejasDr. Zendejas focuses on adifferent topic of interest and invitesparents to call in with questions. Kudosto Dr. ZendejasDr. ZendejasDr. ZendejasDr. ZendejasDr. Zendejas for reaching out to ourparents.

On September 11, 2003, Aaron GillilandAaron GillilandAaron GillilandAaron GillilandAaron Gilliland,a 1988 graduate of Santa Teresa, wasawarded the Governor’s Medal of Valorfor an act of heroism extending beyondthe normal call of duty or service.

AaronAaronAaronAaronAaron is a California Highway PatrolOfficer who on June 19, 2002, while offduty, noticed an overturned, burningtrailer hanging over an embankment. Heapproached the vehicle and saw a 66-year old male trying to get someone outof the vehicle. He helped the gentlemanto safety and returned to pull the man’swife out of the vehicle. Her leg wastrapped in the vehicle. Both individualswere safely rescued before the vehiclebecame engulfed in flames.

During the rescue, Officer GillilandOfficer GillilandOfficer GillilandOfficer GillilandOfficer Gillilandsuffered smoke inhalation and sustaineda broken back. He was on life support for

ten days andsuffereddamage to hiscentral nervoussystem. AaronAaronAaronAaronAaronis still involvedin physicaltherapy to gethis fullstrength back.Aaron’sAaron’sAaron’sAaron’sAaron’smother isAlethaAlethaAlethaAlethaAlethaGillilandGillilandGillilandGillilandGilliland, Child Nutrition Manager atSanta Teresa.

Congratulations to AaronAaronAaronAaronAaron on this welldeserved award. AaronAaronAaronAaronAaron was inducted intothe East Side Union High SchoolDistrict’s Thomas P. Ryan Hall of Fameon September 26, 2003.

District Hosts Renowned Educational Reform LeaderDistrict Hosts Renowned Educational Reform LeaderDistrict Hosts Renowned Educational Reform LeaderDistrict Hosts Renowned Educational Reform LeaderDistrict Hosts Renowned Educational Reform Leader Two Schools Receive $600,000Two Schools Receive $600,000Two Schools Receive $600,000Two Schools Receive $600,000Two Schools Receive $600,000Grant toGrant toGrant toGrant toGrant to

Reduce the Incidents of BullyingReduce the Incidents of BullyingReduce the Incidents of BullyingReduce the Incidents of BullyingReduce the Incidents of BullyingAndrew Hill and Yerba Buena received a$600,000 grant from the CaliforniaDepartment of Alcohol & Drug Programsto implement a three-year bullying-prevention program.

The program targets ninth-gradestudents, and the primary goal is toreduce the incidents of bullying by 30%within the 3-year term of the grant. Thegrant will focus on improving studentrelations and providing preventive mentalhealth & treatment services, especiallyto seriously emotionally disturbedstudents and to those who have hadencounters with the criminal justicesystem.

Congratulations to Penny KelleyPenny KelleyPenny KelleyPenny KelleyPenny Kelley (EC) andBill MustanichBill MustanichBill MustanichBill MustanichBill Mustanich (AH) for developing theaward winning grant proposal. This grantwill help us provide safer learningenvironments for our students.

Library Cards Become Hot Item atLibrary Cards Become Hot Item atLibrary Cards Become Hot Item atLibrary Cards Become Hot Item atLibrary Cards Become Hot Item atJames LickJames LickJames LickJames LickJames Lick

Congratulations to the nearly twohundred James Lick students whoagreed to get a San Jose Public Librarycard. As part of an outreach effort byChris EvansChris EvansChris EvansChris EvansChris Evans (James Lick Librarian), eachEnglish class was visited and anapplication for a San Jose Public Librarycard was handed out to almost everystudent enrolled. “This outreach couldnot have been done without the supportand encouragement of our Englishteachers who offered our students extracredit points if they demonstrated aneffort to go to the library and turn intheir applications. Since a public libraryis scheduled to be built across thestreet from James Lick High, thisoutreach comes at just the right time”,stated EvansEvansEvansEvansEvans.

Kudos to Chris EvansChris EvansChris EvansChris EvansChris Evans and James LickJames LickJames LickJames LickJames LickEnglish teachersEnglish teachersEnglish teachersEnglish teachersEnglish teachers for encouragingstudents to use this great resource.

Several hundred East Side staff members attended asession last week to hear Dr. Willard R. Daggett, Ed.D. Dr. Willard R. Daggett, Ed.D. Dr. Willard R. Daggett, Ed.D. Dr. Willard R. Daggett, Ed.D. Dr. Willard R. Daggett, Ed.D.discuss the value of Smaller Learning Communities andhow to use the model to build better schools.

Dr. DaggettDr. DaggettDr. DaggettDr. DaggettDr. Daggett is the President of the International Centerfor Leadership in Education. He has been recognizedinternationally for his efforts to move educationalsystems toward more rigorous and relevant skills andknowledge for all students. He has worked with manyschool districts around the world with school reform. Dr.Dr.Dr.Dr.Dr.DaggettDaggettDaggettDaggettDaggett has authored many books and articles oneducational leadership and has spoken throughout theworld.

Brenda ChildressBrenda ChildressBrenda ChildressBrenda ChildressBrenda Childress, Director of Career Services, invited Dr. DaggettDr. DaggettDr. DaggettDr. DaggettDr. Daggett to speak so hecould provide suggestions to several of our schools as they develop plans for smalllearning communities. The staff listened with interest to his thought-provoking ideasabout instructional models that build on students’ interest, learning styles andaptitudes. BrendaBrendaBrendaBrendaBrenda reported that she has had a number of calls from staff after thesession discussing how they plan to incorporate some of Dr. Daggett’sDr. Daggett’sDr. Daggett’sDr. Daggett’sDr. Daggett’s ideas intotheir proposals.

East Side thanks Dr. DaggettDr. DaggettDr. DaggettDr. DaggettDr. Daggett for sharing his ideas and helping us to better meetthe needs of our students. Kudos go to Brenda ChildressBrenda ChildressBrenda ChildressBrenda ChildressBrenda Childress for organizing thisopportunity.

Andrew Hill Students Shadow Health ProfessionalsAndrew Hill Students Shadow Health ProfessionalsAndrew Hill Students Shadow Health ProfessionalsAndrew Hill Students Shadow Health ProfessionalsAndrew Hill Students Shadow Health ProfessionalsThis past summer,27 students fromAndrew Hill’s HealthProfessions Programparticipated in theSanta Clara ValleyMedical Center’sNursing Camp. Thestudents shadowednurses and otherhealth professionalsas they performedtheir duties in avariety of clinicalenvironments. Theyalso attendededucationalsessions on a variety of related health topics, such as Pediatric Assessment;Bleeding and Bandaging; Bugs and Viruses; and Health Care Careers. Reactions fromthe students participating in the program were very positive. One student wrote,“This week has helped me realize that nurses do more than just help people andpreserve life. They must learn to work together as well as to be tolerant of theirpatient’s behavior and attitudes. In addition, they must know how to communicatewith their patients in a way that helps patients feel safe and secure. More thanthat, they are also impacting lives!”

Last year Andrew Hill initiated a Nursing Academy with the help of Johnson &Johnson and Alza Corporation to encourage students to enter this high-demandprofession and to address the nationwide shortage of trained nurses.

Kudos to Health Professions Coordinator Marilyn Bliss Marilyn Bliss Marilyn Bliss Marilyn Bliss Marilyn Bliss and SCVMCSCVMCSCVMCSCVMCSCVMC for providingincredible opportunities like this one for our students.

The East Side Union High School District Welcomes New TeachersThe East Side Union High School District Welcomes New TeachersThe East Side Union High School District Welcomes New TeachersThe East Side Union High School District Welcomes New TeachersThe East Side Union High School District Welcomes New Teachers Independence Student Wins TwoIndependence Student Wins TwoIndependence Student Wins TwoIndependence Student Wins TwoIndependence Student Wins TwoSummer ScholarshipsSummer ScholarshipsSummer ScholarshipsSummer ScholarshipsSummer Scholarships

Brittany CookBrittany CookBrittany CookBrittany CookBrittany Cook, 11th-grader atIndependence, applied and was selectedto attend the EAA (ExperimentalAircraft Association Advanced AviationLeadership Air Academy Camp) inOahkosh, Wisconsin this past summer.Students from around the countrycompete to attend this prestigiousacademy and only a few are chosen. TheEAA-Chapter 62 in San Jose sponsoredBrittanyBrittanyBrittanyBrittanyBrittany. While at camp she attendedthe largest air show and because of heroutstanding performance was selectedto escort Bob HooverBob HooverBob HooverBob HooverBob Hoover (a former WorldWar II test pilot). BrittanyBrittanyBrittanyBrittanyBrittany also met andworked with aviation professionals NeilNeilNeilNeilNeilArmstrongArmstrongArmstrongArmstrongArmstrong and Chuck YeagerChuck YeagerChuck YeagerChuck YeagerChuck Yeager. This wasthe 2nd year in a row that Independence’sSpace Technology Program had aparticipant attend the academy. Lastyear’s winner was senior Jaime Davis-Jaime Davis-Jaime Davis-Jaime Davis-Jaime Davis-ShawhydeShawhydeShawhydeShawhydeShawhyde.

In August BrittanyBrittanyBrittanyBrittanyBrittany attended the SantaClara University Summer Engineeringprogram for future engineers. She stayedat the University and attended classes.She was required to design and buildrobots that could perform specificstasks and functions. BrittanyBrittanyBrittanyBrittanyBrittany is lookingforward to leading an all-girl team inrobotics competition representing theSpace Technology Program andIndependence.

Kudos to the Space Technology ProgramSpace Technology ProgramSpace Technology ProgramSpace Technology ProgramSpace Technology Programstaffstaffstaffstaffstaff and especially Coordinator NancyCoordinator NancyCoordinator NancyCoordinator NancyCoordinator NancyLorenzenLorenzenLorenzenLorenzenLorenzen, teacherteacherteacherteacherteacher Mike Reynolds Mike Reynolds Mike Reynolds Mike Reynolds Mike Reynolds and VillaVillaVillaVillaVillaPrincipal Terri MaxiePrincipal Terri MaxiePrincipal Terri MaxiePrincipal Terri MaxiePrincipal Terri Maxie, who continue toinspire students to take on challengesand become the leaders of tomorrow.

Over fifty teachers participated in thedistrict-sponsored new teacherorientation program. New teachers wereoffered three intensive days of training inClassroom Organization andManagement (COMP): CreatingConditions for Learning. This practical,research-based program addresses thefollowing areas: organizing the classroom,getting off to a good start, planning andteaching, managing student work,maintaining good student behavior,designing instruction, and surviving thefirst few years. Chris EvansChris EvansChris EvansChris EvansChris Evans, JL librarianand SAC, and CarolCarolCarolCarolCarol HoglundHoglundHoglundHoglundHoglund, a recentlyretired ST English teacher, provided thetraining.

On the fourth day, all teachers new-to-the-district were invited to participate inseveral workshops. The sessions included:a multi-media presentation on schoolsafety and Code Red facilitated by CarlaCarlaCarlaCarlaCarlaHoltzclawHoltzclawHoltzclawHoltzclawHoltzclaw and an SJPD officer; anintroduction to the library databasesand services presented by Chris EvansChris EvansChris EvansChris EvansChris Evans,JL librarian and SAC, and Kevin HeymanKevin HeymanKevin HeymanKevin HeymanKevin Heyman,IHS librarian; an overview of the districtwebsite and web services was shared byBarbara AndersonBarbara AndersonBarbara AndersonBarbara AndersonBarbara Anderson, ESUHSD Webmaster;and an opportunity to meet in contentarea groups to discuss subject matterstandards and issues was hosted by theSubject Area Coordinators.

Throughout the week, every new teacherhad the chance to participate in atraining on Webmail, CLASSxp, EC49079field, and the telephone system providedby Bev WalkerBev WalkerBev WalkerBev WalkerBev Walker and the IS staff.

At lunch, provided by the East SideTeachers Association, Don McKellDon McKellDon McKellDon McKellDon McKell, ESTApresident, welcomed the new teachers tothe district and introduced them to themany services that are available fromthe Association.

In the afternoon sessions, Mary BethMary BethMary BethMary BethMary BethChamblessChamblessChamblessChamblessChambless and Christina RiveraChristina RiveraChristina RiveraChristina RiveraChristina Rivera assistedthe new teachers in navigating the mazeof paperwork related to health benefits,

insurance, salary, credential status, andother employment issues.

Good luck to our new teachers andthanks to the excellent presenters andfacilitators and to the support staffwho contributed to the success of thisprogram.

Special thanks to Cathy GiammonaCathy GiammonaCathy GiammonaCathy GiammonaCathy Giammona,Director of Professional Development,and Jeannie AtencioJeannie AtencioJeannie AtencioJeannie AtencioJeannie Atencio, DepartmentSecretary, for organizing this orientationand all the materials.

Listed below are the names of the newteachers by site:

Cary ChristiansenCary ChristiansenCary ChristiansenCary ChristiansenCary Christiansen (FH), Steven GuevaraSteven GuevaraSteven GuevaraSteven GuevaraSteven Guevara(FH), Virginia HendricksonVirginia HendricksonVirginia HendricksonVirginia HendricksonVirginia Hendrickson (FH), LisaLisaLisaLisaLisaRillingaleRillingaleRillingaleRillingaleRillingale (FH), Kersen MullanKersen MullanKersen MullanKersen MullanKersen Mullan (AH),Allison OrtylAllison OrtylAllison OrtylAllison OrtylAllison Ortyl (AH), Angelita CayamandaAngelita CayamandaAngelita CayamandaAngelita CayamandaAngelita Cayamanda(MP), Kathleen Chiaramonte-TracyKathleen Chiaramonte-TracyKathleen Chiaramonte-TracyKathleen Chiaramonte-TracyKathleen Chiaramonte-Tracy (MP),Roberto CruzRoberto CruzRoberto CruzRoberto CruzRoberto Cruz (MP), Scott BubnisScott BubnisScott BubnisScott BubnisScott Bubnis (WCO),Paul MansinghPaul MansinghPaul MansinghPaul MansinghPaul Mansingh (WCO), George BerhitoeGeorge BerhitoeGeorge BerhitoeGeorge BerhitoeGeorge Berhitoe(PH), Roma CasianoRoma CasianoRoma CasianoRoma CasianoRoma Casiano (PH), JenniferJenniferJenniferJenniferJenniferHallertHallertHallertHallertHallert (PH), Pat Hedstrom Pat Hedstrom Pat Hedstrom Pat Hedstrom Pat Hedstrom (PH), PaulPaulPaulPaulPaulRomeroRomeroRomeroRomeroRomero (PH), James TallmanJames TallmanJames TallmanJames TallmanJames Tallman (PH), MattMattMattMattMattTraskTraskTraskTraskTrask (PH), Kenneth WilkKenneth WilkKenneth WilkKenneth WilkKenneth Wilk (PH), JaneJaneJaneJaneJaneClarkClarkClarkClarkClark (OG), Bich Huyen Thi NguyenBich Huyen Thi NguyenBich Huyen Thi NguyenBich Huyen Thi NguyenBich Huyen Thi Nguyen (OG),Justin Oxtot Justin Oxtot Justin Oxtot Justin Oxtot Justin Oxtot (OG), Paul RosaPaul RosaPaul RosaPaul RosaPaul Rosa (OG),George Siegmann IVGeorge Siegmann IVGeorge Siegmann IVGeorge Siegmann IVGeorge Siegmann IV (OG), Dina SorianoDina SorianoDina SorianoDina SorianoDina Soriano(OG), Maureen McCoyMaureen McCoyMaureen McCoyMaureen McCoyMaureen McCoy (EC), Mimi AmutanMimi AmutanMimi AmutanMimi AmutanMimi Amutan(SC), Chitralekha DasguptaChitralekha DasguptaChitralekha DasguptaChitralekha DasguptaChitralekha Dasgupta (SC), RexRexRexRexRexDillonDillonDillonDillonDillon (SC), Renee DiazRenee DiazRenee DiazRenee DiazRenee Diaz (IH), ElizabethElizabethElizabethElizabethElizabethDinhDinhDinhDinhDinh (IH), Edward FlitcraftEdward FlitcraftEdward FlitcraftEdward FlitcraftEdward Flitcraft (IH), DoloresDoloresDoloresDoloresDoloresGonzalesGonzalesGonzalesGonzalesGonzales (IH), Jason HollemanJason HollemanJason HollemanJason HollemanJason Holleman (IH), JulieJulieJulieJulieJulieKeyantashKeyantashKeyantashKeyantashKeyantash (IH), Natasha LayNatasha LayNatasha LayNatasha LayNatasha Lay (IH), LuisLuisLuisLuisLuisNavarroNavarroNavarroNavarroNavarro (IH), Leilani PinedaLeilani PinedaLeilani PinedaLeilani PinedaLeilani Pineda (IH),Kanoelani RobertsKanoelani RobertsKanoelani RobertsKanoelani RobertsKanoelani Roberts (IH), SylvesterSylvesterSylvesterSylvesterSylvesterRodriguezRodriguezRodriguezRodriguezRodriguez (IH), Eric StriplinEric StriplinEric StriplinEric StriplinEric Striplin (IH), LeizelLeizelLeizelLeizelLeizelChingChingChingChingChing (PG), Julie BoundsJulie BoundsJulie BoundsJulie BoundsJulie Bounds (ST), TravisTravisTravisTravisTravisCasperCasperCasperCasperCasper (ST), Ma GayapaMa GayapaMa GayapaMa GayapaMa Gayapa (ST), BryantBryantBryantBryantBryantHoexHoexHoexHoexHoex (ST), Tara HolcombTara HolcombTara HolcombTara HolcombTara Holcomb (ST), SeanSeanSeanSeanSeanPetersonPetersonPetersonPetersonPeterson (ST), Aaron RedshawAaron RedshawAaron RedshawAaron RedshawAaron Redshaw (ST),Kitte ChenKitte ChenKitte ChenKitte ChenKitte Chen (EV), Hernan DiazHernan DiazHernan DiazHernan DiazHernan Diaz (EV), JanetJanetJanetJanetJanetGliozzoGliozzoGliozzoGliozzoGliozzo (EV), Mark GrossMark GrossMark GrossMark GrossMark Gross (EV), BonnieBonnieBonnieBonnieBonnieJimenezJimenezJimenezJimenezJimenez (EV), Kathleen LealKathleen LealKathleen LealKathleen LealKathleen Leal (EV),Heather MellowsHeather MellowsHeather MellowsHeather MellowsHeather Mellows (EV), Adriana RangelAdriana RangelAdriana RangelAdriana RangelAdriana Rangel(EV), Jo-An TizonJo-An TizonJo-An TizonJo-An TizonJo-An Tizon (EV), Thoai TruongThoai TruongThoai TruongThoai TruongThoai Truong(EV), Heather TubalHeather TubalHeather TubalHeather TubalHeather Tubal (EV), Michael WalkerMichael WalkerMichael WalkerMichael WalkerMichael Walker(EV), and Virginia Yenter Virginia Yenter Virginia Yenter Virginia Yenter Virginia Yenter (EV).

Kudos was initiated to promote the manyachievements of the East Side familymembers, schools, staff, students, parentsand alumni. If you are aware of specialrecognitions given to members of ourfamily, please send the information to:Lorraine Guerin (guerinl@esuhsd.org),Public Information Office, 830 NorthCapitol Avenue, San Jose, CA 95133.

Overfelt’s CamelotOverfelt’s CamelotOverfelt’s CamelotOverfelt’s CamelotOverfelt’s Camelot

After a year of planning with theassistance of a federal “small learningcommunities planning grant”, W. C.Overfelt has initiated a small learningcommunity for freshmen using the themeof “Camelot”. The 350 ninth graders aredivided into three houses, Knights,Flames, and Lions. Teachers are assignedto each house to teach a specific groupof students. These teachers assiststudents and monitor them throughtheir educational, behavioral, andphysical progress. Courses taken withinthe “house” include math, English,science, PE and freshman orientation.Most of the Camelot classes are locatedin the B and C wing to promote a senseof community with the freshmen.Understanding the importance of beingprepared for learning, becoming a reliablestudent and person, increasing readinglevels, acquiring study skills, increasingmotivation, developing mathematicappreciation, and enhancing school prideare the objectives of Camelot. The goal issuccess for all students!

Kudos to the following staff who wereand continue to be instrumental in theplanning and implementing of Camelot:Honey GubuanHoney GubuanHoney GubuanHoney GubuanHoney Gubuan, Ellen HansenEllen HansenEllen HansenEllen HansenEllen Hansen, Doug DayDoug DayDoug DayDoug DayDoug Day,Richard JineRichard JineRichard JineRichard JineRichard Jine, Jim FrazeeJim FrazeeJim FrazeeJim FrazeeJim Frazee, Vito ChialaVito ChialaVito ChialaVito ChialaVito Chiala,Celina CampasCelina CampasCelina CampasCelina CampasCelina Campas, Adele SagunAdele SagunAdele SagunAdele SagunAdele Sagun, DebraDebraDebraDebraDebraBranaganBranaganBranaganBranaganBranagan, Ludy AguadaLudy AguadaLudy AguadaLudy AguadaLudy Aguada, KathrynKathrynKathrynKathrynKathrynKooikerKooikerKooikerKooikerKooiker, Rosalie MendezRosalie MendezRosalie MendezRosalie MendezRosalie Mendez, Cynthia SmithCynthia SmithCynthia SmithCynthia SmithCynthia Smith,Martha HanischMartha HanischMartha HanischMartha HanischMartha Hanisch, Chrisanne BeebeChrisanne BeebeChrisanne BeebeChrisanne BeebeChrisanne Beebe,Marianne CogornoMarianne CogornoMarianne CogornoMarianne CogornoMarianne Cogorno, Eva BosqueEva BosqueEva BosqueEva BosqueEva Bosque, BrianBrianBrianBrianBrianBarrientezBarrientezBarrientezBarrientezBarrientez, Gene DorsaGene DorsaGene DorsaGene DorsaGene Dorsa, Michelle VancilMichelle VancilMichelle VancilMichelle VancilMichelle Vancil,DafneDafneDafneDafneDafne MillerMillerMillerMillerMiller, BruniBruniBruniBruniBruni MartinezMartinezMartinezMartinezMartinez, Bob BarnesBob BarnesBob BarnesBob BarnesBob Barnes,Lynne MurrayLynne MurrayLynne MurrayLynne MurrayLynne Murray, and Brenda ChildressBrenda ChildressBrenda ChildressBrenda ChildressBrenda Childress,District Director of Career Services andMagnet Programs.

Piedmont Hills Student Takes First at Synopsys ChampionshipPiedmont Hills Student Takes First at Synopsys ChampionshipPiedmont Hills Student Takes First at Synopsys ChampionshipPiedmont Hills Student Takes First at Synopsys ChampionshipPiedmont Hills Student Takes First at Synopsys Championship

Congratulations to An An An An An on this majoraccomplishment and kudos to histeacher, Carolyn AbbottCarolyn AbbottCarolyn AbbottCarolyn AbbottCarolyn Abbott, for supportinghim in this endeavor.

East Side Parent Conference Deemed a SuccessEast Side Parent Conference Deemed a SuccessEast Side Parent Conference Deemed a SuccessEast Side Parent Conference Deemed a SuccessEast Side Parent Conference Deemed a Success

The East Side Union High School DistrictParent Advisory Planning Committee heldtheir 3rd annual Parent EmpowermentConference and Resource Fair at JamesLick High School. Close to one thousandpeople attended the event.

The goal of the conference was toempower parents with the tools andresources to better support theirchildren. Superintendent EsperanzaSuperintendent EsperanzaSuperintendent EsperanzaSuperintendent EsperanzaSuperintendent EsperanzaZendejasZendejasZendejasZendejasZendejas greeted the participants andurged them to stay involved with theirchildren’s education. ABC 7 Newsreporter Rigo ChaconRigo ChaconRigo ChaconRigo ChaconRigo Chacon was the keynotespeaker and he encouraged parents topush their students to achieve becausethe opportunities for success arenumerous.

Workshops were offered in a variety ofareas such as: Understanding SchoolRequirements, Preparing for College andCareers, Understanding SpecialEducation Programs and Requirements,

and Communicating with Teenagers.Many of the workshops wereavailable in English, Spanish andVietnamese. San Jose StateUniversity’s MESA (MathematicsEngineering Science Achievement)and Cal Soap Programs, NationalHispanic University, and the EastSide Union High School District wereinstrumental in providing presentersfor the workshops. Many city,county, community and districtsupport services personnel were

available at the Resource Fair torespond to parent questions.

Parent volunteers are the primaryorganizers of this conference with staffsupport. East Side salutes this year’sChairperson - Ruben DominguezRuben DominguezRuben DominguezRuben DominguezRuben Dominguez, Co-Chairperson - Charlotte NewmanCharlotte NewmanCharlotte NewmanCharlotte NewmanCharlotte Newman and thefollowing committee members: ElizabethElizabethElizabethElizabethElizabethAlvarezAlvarezAlvarezAlvarezAlvarez, JamesJamesJamesJamesJames and ZenaidaZenaidaZenaidaZenaidaZenaida AvecillaAvecillaAvecillaAvecillaAvecilla,Shirley Cristina BarajasShirley Cristina BarajasShirley Cristina BarajasShirley Cristina BarajasShirley Cristina Barajas, Diane BejaranoDiane BejaranoDiane BejaranoDiane BejaranoDiane Bejarano,Velia DominguezVelia DominguezVelia DominguezVelia DominguezVelia Dominguez, Cookie EvermanCookie EvermanCookie EvermanCookie EvermanCookie Everman,Vanessa FloresVanessa FloresVanessa FloresVanessa FloresVanessa Flores, Margarita FloresMargarita FloresMargarita FloresMargarita FloresMargarita Flores, LeslieLeslieLeslieLeslieLeslieGlovinGlovinGlovinGlovinGlovin, Fabio GonzalezFabio GonzalezFabio GonzalezFabio GonzalezFabio Gonzalez, Jubilee GreenJubilee GreenJubilee GreenJubilee GreenJubilee Green,Maria Cristina LopezMaria Cristina LopezMaria Cristina LopezMaria Cristina LopezMaria Cristina Lopez, Vic MaestasVic MaestasVic MaestasVic MaestasVic Maestas, DanDanDanDanDanOrdazOrdazOrdazOrdazOrdaz, Elizabeth OrtizElizabeth OrtizElizabeth OrtizElizabeth OrtizElizabeth Ortiz, Joe NguyenJoe NguyenJoe NguyenJoe NguyenJoe Nguyen,Maria TrejoMaria TrejoMaria TrejoMaria TrejoMaria Trejo, Ray ValverdeRay ValverdeRay ValverdeRay ValverdeRay Valverde and RoseRoseRoseRoseRoseWhitcombWhitcombWhitcombWhitcombWhitcomb. Also to be commended werethe members of the District’s ParentDistrict’s ParentDistrict’s ParentDistrict’s ParentDistrict’s ParentSafety Committee Safety Committee Safety Committee Safety Committee Safety Committee and studentstudentstudentstudentstudentvolunteers volunteers volunteers volunteers volunteers from Andrew HillAndrew HillAndrew HillAndrew HillAndrew Hill, Silver CreekSilver CreekSilver CreekSilver CreekSilver Creek,James LickJames LickJames LickJames LickJames Lick, Yerba BuenaYerba BuenaYerba BuenaYerba BuenaYerba Buena, FoothillFoothillFoothillFoothillFoothill,Overfelt Overfelt Overfelt Overfelt Overfelt and Evergreen Evergreen Evergreen Evergreen Evergreen who were availableto help with all kinds of tasks.

An HoAn HoAn HoAn HoAn Ho, Junior at Piedmont Hills, wonfirst place at the Santa Clara CountyScience, Math and Engineering Fair(Synopsys Championship) for hisexperiments with “the Wave/ParticleDuality of Beta Particles.” An is the firstPiedmont Hills student to win thisaward. He was awarded a fully paid tripto the International Science andEngineering Fair by San Jose CityCouncilman Forrest WilliamsForrest WilliamsForrest WilliamsForrest WilliamsForrest Williams. CouncilmanCouncilmanCouncilmanCouncilmanCouncilmanWilliamsWilliamsWilliamsWilliamsWilliams is a strong supporter of EastSide’s effort to involve more students inscience and math. At the fair, An wasable to interact with 1,400 studentsfrom all over the world, attendworkshops and be a part of an excitinggroup of future leaders.

Great Summer Opportunities for Independence StudentsGreat Summer Opportunities for Independence StudentsGreat Summer Opportunities for Independence StudentsGreat Summer Opportunities for Independence StudentsGreat Summer Opportunities for Independence Students

Seven of the 35 students chosen fromthroughout the Bay Area to participatein RoboCamp West 2003 were fromIndependence. This program was acollaborative effort of San Jose StateUniversity MESA Engineering program,Carnegie Mellon University and NASAAmes. Students were invited to apply forthis program by filling out an applicationand going through interviews. If chosen,the students qualified for the $5,000scholarships. This entitled the studentto take part in a nine-week course,focused on introducing them toelectronics, mechanics, and computerscience of robotics. They experiencedhands on and teamwork activities whilebuilding their own robot. The studentsreceived a laptop computer, a palm pilot,a robot of their own and transportationto and from NASA Ames ResearchCenter for the 9 weeks. They alsoreceived college credit for the course.The program consisted of 2 weeks of aJAVA course, during which the studentslearned programmable computerlanguage of JAVA in order to programtheir Robots. Some of the projectsincluded programming the robots to: playsoccer, follow a line of tape on the floor,play tag, and wander autonomously inthe room without hitting walls. At NASAthey programmed the robots to dosimilar tasks that the MARS Roverwould do. Vanessa CarrascoVanessa CarrascoVanessa CarrascoVanessa CarrascoVanessa Carrasco, a senior,said, “Besides the robotics aspect ofthe program, I was given the opportunityto meet some of the Bay Area’s top andgreatest people in this field. It was an

excellent summer, filled with learning andfun – on a completely different level thanany class in school.”

Senior Monica KapilMonica KapilMonica KapilMonica KapilMonica Kapil said, “I was able tolook through a window of the future ofthe technology industry and see thingsthat most student my age do not get toexperience. I was able to meet industryleaders, technology professionals andcollege students from around the world,all of who were at my aid. In other words,this camp was a ‘networking gold mine’that allowed me to get furtheropportunities in internships,scholarships, etc. Not only was thisexperience a great resource for myfuture, but I was also able to bond withmany of the people there and we all sortof became a family. This has been mymost rewarding summer program and anexperience that I will never forget!”

This experience for these studentscertainly filled one of the many goals theSpace Technology Magnet has for itstudents – to motivate them to pursuecareers in technical fields, from specifictrades to university majors inengineering, computer science andaerospace with an emphasis onmathematics, science and criticalthinking skills.

Congratulations to the followingIndependence students who were chosenfor this great opportunity: ImaraImaraImaraImaraImaraBermudezBermudezBermudezBermudezBermudez, Vanessa CarrascoVanessa CarrascoVanessa CarrascoVanessa CarrascoVanessa Carrasco, CarolCarolCarolCarolCarolFunesFunesFunesFunesFunes, Rojelio GonzalezRojelio GonzalezRojelio GonzalezRojelio GonzalezRojelio Gonzalez, Oscar JoyaOscar JoyaOscar JoyaOscar JoyaOscar Joya,Monica KapilMonica KapilMonica KapilMonica KapilMonica Kapil, and Rocio MacedoRocio MacedoRocio MacedoRocio MacedoRocio Macedo.

New Career Academy at Oak GroveNew Career Academy at Oak GroveNew Career Academy at Oak GroveNew Career Academy at Oak GroveNew Career Academy at Oak GroveIn an effort to better prepare students for employment opportunities, theSpecial Education Department has initiated a Career Academy at OakGrove.

Students in the academy will have opportunities to develop theirinterpersonal skills, learn how to work on a team, prepare resumes and jobapplications, practice interviewing, explore career opportunities and developlife skills such as budgeting and time management.

A special kick-off breakfast was held last week to celebrate the start of theprogram. Students were treated to a breakfast of pancakes, sausage andfruit as they listened to an overview of the program.

Kudos to the staff who are developing this opportunity for our students ––Jan MatrangaJan MatrangaJan MatrangaJan MatrangaJan Matranga, the Career Academy Specialist in charge of the program andteachers: Tim EwersTim EwersTim EwersTim EwersTim Ewers, Carmen MartinezCarmen MartinezCarmen MartinezCarmen MartinezCarmen Martinez, Laura MarroquinLaura MarroquinLaura MarroquinLaura MarroquinLaura Marroquin, Richard McLainRichard McLainRichard McLainRichard McLainRichard McLainand Jolie SwannJolie SwannJolie SwannJolie SwannJolie Swann.

Special thanks to Brenda ChildressBrenda ChildressBrenda ChildressBrenda ChildressBrenda Childress, Director of Career Service; Annette RodarteAnnette RodarteAnnette RodarteAnnette RodarteAnnette Rodarte, Career Vocational Specialist; and Felton OwensFelton OwensFelton OwensFelton OwensFelton Owens,Director of Special Services; for their support in the development of this program.

Santa Teresa Teacher Honored asSanta Teresa Teacher Honored asSanta Teresa Teacher Honored asSanta Teresa Teacher Honored asSanta Teresa Teacher Honored asTeacher of the YearTeacher of the YearTeacher of the YearTeacher of the YearTeacher of the Year

The Santa Clara County Office ofEducation held a ceremony earlier thismonth to honor 30 teachers with topcountywide awards.

Each district in the county had oneteacher honored. East Side’s Teacher ofthe Year was Nancy SchwalenNancy SchwalenNancy SchwalenNancy SchwalenNancy Schwalen, SantaTeresa English and English Developmentteacher.

NancyNancyNancyNancyNancy has been with the district for over33 years. Her principal nominated her forthis award because of her commitmentto success for all students.

The county had a full page article in theSan Jose Mercury on Sunday, September21, 2003, dedicated to the teachers of2003. Along with Nancy’sNancy’sNancy’sNancy’sNancy’s picture and astatement from her nominator was herquote, “I want my colleagues and mystudents to recognize me as a willingresource and collaborative team member,and know that I respect them as bothindividuals and learners.”

Congratulations to NancyNancyNancyNancyNancy on thisoutstanding award.

Schools Explore Ways to Get More StudentsSchools Explore Ways to Get More StudentsSchools Explore Ways to Get More StudentsSchools Explore Ways to Get More StudentsSchools Explore Ways to Get More StudentsInterested in Engineering, Math and ScienceInterested in Engineering, Math and ScienceInterested in Engineering, Math and ScienceInterested in Engineering, Math and ScienceInterested in Engineering, Math and Science

Science and Math teachers from James Lick and Yerba Buena are working withseveral local colleges and NASA Ames to entice more students to consider careersin engineering, math and science. DeAnza and Foothill Colleges, San José StateUniversity, and the University of California, Santa Cruz are part of the HigherEducation Collaborative that has committed to working with James Lick, YerbaBuena and NASA Ames to attract more qualified youth from the Bay Area intocareers in engineering, mathematics, and the science. The main component of thiscollaboration is curriculum enrichment through field trips, science camps, summerinternships and trips to local science and technology complexes.

The teachers involved in the effort are Adelaido SolisAdelaido SolisAdelaido SolisAdelaido SolisAdelaido Solis (YB math), Tracy WolcottTracy WolcottTracy WolcottTracy WolcottTracy Wolcott (YBphysics), Shree KarandikarShree KarandikarShree KarandikarShree KarandikarShree Karandikar (JL physics) and Barbara SchallauBarbara SchallauBarbara SchallauBarbara SchallauBarbara Schallau (JL math). Instructorsfrom DeAnza and Foothill Colleges have teamed with these teachers to providecurriculum enrichment for a selected group of students in Algebra II and Physics. Thecurriculum enrichment has been supplemented with some of the hands-on appliedscientific educational modules already developed by NASA Ames. Students are giventhe opportunity to visit the NASA Ames site during the school year and engage inthe use of these scientific modules. The mathematical and scientific content fromthese modules is linked to students’ current courses and provides pertinentapplications not normally encountered in the classroom. Additional motivation hasbeen provided by trips to the San Francisco Exploratorium, and the Hiller SpaceMuseum. Other trips during the academic year include the NASA Ames Wind Tunnel,the SETI Institute, the Minolta Planetarium, and the San Jose Tech Museum.

During the summer following the enrichment, the students first attend a summerScience Camp and then participate in internships at NASA Ames or in local industry.At the Science Camp, the students work on applied scientific projects such as thebuilding of electronic equipment, the construction of a website, and robotics. Theinternships allow the students to be engaged in scientific projects with researchersin science, engineering, and technology. The following year, the students areintroduced to a newly designed introductory course in engineering and some of itsapplications. The course will give students an understanding of the different sub-fields within engineering and the challenges and academic requirements for each.Before applying to college, these students will also visit the colleges included in theCollaborative for Higher Education. It is envisioned that the mathematics andphysics courses, supplemented by the instructional enhancements and the trips tothe scientific and technological complexes, the summer science camp and researchinternships, the introductory course in engineering, and the visits to the localcolleges will provide the motivation to inspire these students to pursue engineeringand scientific studies in college and to subsequently choose careers in thesedisciplines.

The program is creating interest among the students. At James Lick, about half ofthe students had not planned to sign up for a third year of math, and definitely notphysics, but this program inspired them. In fact, several students went to summerschool in order to be eligible for Algebra 2.

East Side thanks NASA Ames and the Higher Education Collaborative, especially theDirector of Education Ed LandesmanEd LandesmanEd LandesmanEd LandesmanEd Landesman, for involving our students in this project.Kudos to our teacher leaders in the program: Adelaido SolisAdelaido SolisAdelaido SolisAdelaido SolisAdelaido Solis, Tracy WolcottTracy WolcottTracy WolcottTracy WolcottTracy Wolcott, ShreeShreeShreeShreeShreeKarandikarKarandikarKarandikarKarandikarKarandikar and Barbara SchallauBarbara SchallauBarbara SchallauBarbara SchallauBarbara Schallau.

Mt. Pleasant Starts Year with New StadiumMt. Pleasant Starts Year with New StadiumMt. Pleasant Starts Year with New StadiumMt. Pleasant Starts Year with New StadiumMt. Pleasant Starts Year with New StadiumThanks to the support of the City of San Jose and the community, Mt. Pleasant’sathletes will be competing this year in a state-of-the-art stadium.

An eight-lane all-weather track, renovated field, full service concession kitchen andrestroom facilities make this stadium one of the best in the district.

Special thanks go to City Council members Nora CamposNora CamposNora CamposNora CamposNora Campos and David CorteseDavid CorteseDavid CorteseDavid CorteseDavid Cortese forsecuring funds for this project and to Director of Facilities Alan GarofaloAlan GarofaloAlan GarofaloAlan GarofaloAlan Garofalo and hiscrew for making sure the project got completed.

A Publication of theEast Side UnionEast Side UnionEast Side UnionEast Side UnionEast Side Union

High School DistrictHigh School DistrictHigh School DistrictHigh School DistrictHigh School DistrictPublic Information OfficePublic Information OfficePublic Information OfficePublic Information OfficePublic Information Office

Board of TrusteesJ. Manuel Herrera, President

Juanita Ramirez, Vice PresidentPatricia Martinez-Roach, Clerk

Craig Mann, MemberGeorge Shirakawa, Member

SuperintendentEsperanza Zendejas, Ed.D.

AP Success atAP Success atAP Success atAP Success atAP Success atSilver CreekSilver CreekSilver CreekSilver CreekSilver Creek

One hundred percent of Leena Guttal’sLeena Guttal’sLeena Guttal’sLeena Guttal’sLeena Guttal’sAP Calculus BC students passed theirAP test with a score of 3 or better and63% of them obtained the top score of5. In her AP Calculus AB class, 45 of50 students took the test and 91.5%passed and 47% scored a top score.

The AP program allows students totake rigorous college level courses whilein high school. If the student scores a 3or better on the test, the student canreceive college credit.

Congratulations to LeenaLeenaLeenaLeenaLeena and herstudents on their outstandingperformance on the AP exams.

Boys and Girls ClubsBoys and Girls ClubsBoys and Girls ClubsBoys and Girls ClubsBoys and Girls Clubsof Silicon Valley Honorof Silicon Valley Honorof Silicon Valley Honorof Silicon Valley Honorof Silicon Valley HonorOak Grove StudentOak Grove StudentOak Grove StudentOak Grove StudentOak Grove Student

Daniela CortezDaniela CortezDaniela CortezDaniela CortezDaniela Cortez, sophomore at Oak Grove,was given a Youth of the Year Award atthe 2003 Leading Citizen’s DinnerProgram. The event was sponsored bythe Boys and Girls Clubs of SiliconValley.

Daniela Daniela Daniela Daniela Daniela received the award because ofher active participation in the clubs’activities and programs over the pastfive years. She volunteers time to helpothers; she assists with tournamentsand intramural competitions and oftenserves as an interpreter for Spanish-Speaking families. According to the ClubDirector, Fred McCaslandFred McCaslandFred McCaslandFred McCaslandFred McCasland, “DanielaDanielaDanielaDanielaDanielaepitomizes what it is to be a ‘Youth ofthe Year’.”

Congratulations to DanielaDanielaDanielaDanielaDaniela on thissignificant award.