February 2013 Parent Newsletter - Palisades Charter High School

PALI NEWS February 2013Counseling OfficeBased on the results of the"CAHSEE Lite" assessment, approximately150 tenth grade studentswill be scheduled in supportclasses.Counselors are preparing the fouryear academic portfolios for allninth grade students. Counselorswill meet and develop the academicplans with students beginning February4 th to 8 th .Select 12 th graders will take theCAHSEE on February 5 th and 6 th .Senior Graduation Status letters willbe mailed on February 1 st .Progress Report Cards due February5 th .Please remind students that February15 th is an instructional day.Tips on Trips and CampSummer Opportunities FairSunday, February 2, 201311 am to 2:00 pmMarymount High School10643 Sunset Blvd.Los Angeles, CAA fabulous selection of camps andteen programs will be at the fair;this is a great opportunity for parentsand students to learn whatsummer options are available andfor them to speak with them.www.TipsonTripsandCamp.comCollege Center NewsBlack College ExpoLos Angeles Convention CenterConnecting students to college, careers and beyond!Saturday, February 2, 2013 9 am to 5 pmLA convention Center 1201 Sl. Figueroa Street, Los Angeleswww.thecollegeexpo.org 877-427-4100$10 at door and $8 onlineAll proceeds will benefit National College Resource Foundation a nonprofit 5013c organizationMeet with college recruitersGet accepted to college on the spotSome application fees waivesLive band auditions for scholarshipsStudent Athlete information and scholarship informationSEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS How to find money for college Hot careers Why attend an HBCUSpring SAT Dates:March 9, register by Feb. 8May 4, register by April 5June 1, register by May 2Register at www.collegeboard.comSpring ACT Dates:April 13, register by March 8June 8, register by May 3Register at www.actstudent.orgFee waivers available for juniors enrolled in the school lunch programJuniors should come to the College Center to schedule a one-on-one collegeplanning appointment.October PSAT scores are available to be picked up in the College Center.Information about an on-campus Princeton Review SAT Prep course was mailedhome to all juniors over winter break; if you did not receive it, extras are availablein the College Center.College Center staff will be visiting all 10th and 11th grade classes this semesterto talk about college research, UC/CSU admission standards, SAT prep, the transcript/recommendationprocess and other college-related topics.3

PALI NEWS FebruaryCommunity ServiceVoice for the Animals FoundationWhen Sunday, February 3, 2013Where Pacific Palisades Farmers MarketDescription Voice For The Animals is a volunteer-basedorganization. Volunteers are the heart of many ofVFTA’s programs. Without our volunteers, we couldn’tdo what we do. Assisting at our Sunday Adoption eventsin the Pacific Palisades. *Helping set up and taking downthe adoption site *Educate public on animals availablefor adoption *Walk dogs *Take photos or videos ofAdoption Events Please note that in order to volunteerwith us at our Sunday Adoption events, you must contactthe Volunteer Coordinator, Zara, at volunteer@vftafoundation.orgto schedule a date to volunteer.Those volunteers who show up without contacting theVolunteer Coordinator first will unfortunately be turnedaway.Key to the SeaWhen Monday, February 4, 2012Where Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, RoundhouseAquarium in Manhattan Beach, or Cabrillo MarineAquarium in San PedroDescription Key to the Sea is a program of Heal the Bay,Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, SEA Lab in RedondoBeach, Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach, andCabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro. Emily Pratt,Key to the Sea Coordinator Phone: (310) 451-1500, ext.147 Heal the Bay Fax: (310) 496-1902 1444 9th StreetSanta MonicaLearning AllyWhen Monday, February 4, 2012Where 5022 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles,Description Record yourself reading textbooks for thosewith visual, physical or learning disabilities. StudioHours: Monday-Thursday 9:30 am - 9:30 pm Friday –Saturday 9:30 am – 3:30 pm For more information callthe learning center at 323-210-1454 or e-mailsweekes@learningally.orgMeals on WheelsWhen Mon. February 4, 11 am – 1 pmWhere Pacific Palisades and Santa MonicaDescription Meals-on-Wheels Volunteers are needed todeliver lunches 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Santa Monica andPacific Palisades. Contact number: 310-394-7558.Community Service continuedY&G MeetingWhen Thu, February 7, 14, 21, 2013 6:00 pm – 7:30 pmWhere Palisades High SchoolDescription California YMCA Youth & Government’sModel Legislature & Court (ML/C) has been the state’s premieryouth leadership and civic development program since1948. The ML/C creates a six-month learn-by-doing experiencethat teaches the values of democracy by bringing togethera cross-section of the state’s high school students.This program provides them with the opportunity to experiencegovernment first-hand and to learn how to solve communityproblems through the democratic process as well asdebate and discuss issues with their peers from throughoutCalifornia. For more information please contact Ashley Russellat 310-454-5591 ext: 1518 or atAshleyRussell@ymcala.org.February 14-18, 201365th Model Legislature & Court Sacramento, CANative PlantWhen: Sat, February 23, 9 am – 4 pmWhere At the Native Plant Garden in Temescal Canyon Park,Pacific Palisades, between PCH & Sunset Blvd.Description Come out and help create a new garden, put in severaldozen new plants, remove spent blossoms, dead foliage andpull out new weeds and vines sprouting up!! Bring gloves, sunscreen,and maybe a hat. (They will also have a supply of toolsand gloves.) You may want to bring some snacks too.HEAL THE BAYWhen Sat, February 16, 10 am – 12 pmWhere 15800 Pacific Coast Highway, At the end of TemescalCanyon Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272Description Come out for a day of fun in the sun while earningcommunity service credit. Join Heal the Bay’s team for their“Steam team restoration”MDA Muscle WalkWhen Sat, February 9, 7:30 am – 5:00 pmWhere Griffith Park: 3415 S. Sepulveda Blvd. #550 LADescription Muscular Dystrophy Association is a national voluntaryhealth agency committed to providing research and supportservices for those affected by over 40 neuromuscular diseases.We need over volunteers to help set up and tear down theevent, work the registration tables, motivate the walkers andother tasks related to making this event the most successful oneyet!!4

PALI NEWS February 2013COLLEGE CENTERIf you're already planning what to do next summer and you arean artist, writer or performer, consider applying for the 27thsession of the California State Summer School for the Arts(CSSSA), one of the country's premier summer arts programs onthe campus of CalArts in Valencia. The program takes place July13 - August 9, 2013. 520 high students accepted each year havethe chance to study and work with professional artists, writersand performers. Past participants include Zac Efron, JamesFranco and Katherine McPhee.The tuition for California students is $1,550, however, no studentwho qualifies will be denied admission because of an inabilityto pay. CSSSA is also able to help some students with collegeaid through the Herb Alpert Scholarships for Emerging YoungArtists. Applications to CSSSA are or before February 28, 2013.To learn more or obtain application forms and instructions, goto: www.csssa.ca.gov or call the Sacramento headquarters at(916) 229-5160.Los Angeles Pediatric Society summer internship program.Applications due January 31 (Cedars only) and February 22.Basic program parameters: Medical Mentor Program: Students work under thesupervision of a health care educator, shadowing variousmedical professionals (nurse, nutritionist, pharmacist, labtechnician, physician and/or medical specialist etc.)No Fee: No fee to participate, if financial need exists, participantmay request stipend to cover expenses such astransportation. Age and Grade Requirement: Students must be currentlyin the 11 th or 12 th grade and at least 16 by the start ofthe program. Note: Cedars requires applicants to be 18 bythe start of their program. Program Dates: The 2013 program has 2, 3 and 4week programs available from July 1 - August 2, 2013Application available at www.lapedsoc.org, under SummerProgram tab.PTSAPTSA February General Meeting Focuseson Campus Safety and SecurityPlease join us for the Pali PTSA GeneralMeeting on February 7 th at 8:00 a.m. in theLibrary. Our special guest will be Ms.Monica Iannessa, Director of Student Servicesand Attendance. Ms. Iannessa wearsmany hats on campus, but the one nearestand dearest to her heart is organizing andconducting the numerous safety drills designedto prepare our Pali community forany emergency. She will be discussingPali’s updated safety plan and how all of uscan help keep our children safe.Following the meeting, at 8:30 a.m. in thelibrary, Richard Cohen, Of One Mind founder,will be presenting a FREE parent educationworkshop on “Strengthening Your RelationshipWith Your Teen”.EAT - GIVE - CELEBRATE AUCTION .....WE NEED YOU !Keeping our fingers crossed -- We wouldlove more entertainment and sports relateditems for our auction.Do you have TV Show connections ? JimmyKimmel ..... Ellen.... The Voice....... X Factor....... etc........Do you have Season Tickets to SportingEvents, Theater, Concert Series ?Do you play golf ? Can you donate a round ?Have Questions ? ask away via email atpaliboosters@gmail.comCome to our next Booster Club Meeting, Tuesday,February 26, 2013 @ 6:30 in the StaffCafeteria.5

PALI NEWS FebruaryBoard Recap January 15, 2013PRESENTATIONS:ELL Update and School Improvement PlanMyrna Cervantes provided a review of “A Call to Action – Making a Good School Better/ How El Strategies CanMake a Difference.” Ms. Cervantes informed the Board of the exhaustive professional development that had beenundertaken to ensure PCHS is addressing PII status. Bobbi Cirza Houtchens, a Teaching Ambassador Fellow, wasan integral part of the professional development.Personal Learning Communities (PLC’s) ReportMr. Rauschuber presented data regarding PCHS’ PLCs that been gathered last year. An explanation ensued describingthe purpose, history and funding of PLC at Pali. Data triangulation was explained. An analysis of “smartgoals” was capture on a graph indicating that there is vast room for improvement in achieving these goals. For example,9% of PLCs had grading alignment. A lengthy discussion ensued where several members of the Boardasked for further accountability, an analysis of qualitative data (for example, exchanging teaching strategies etc.).Mr. Raushuber was complimented for bringing disconcerting data before the Board so that PCHS can improve inthis area. It was also stated that SLCs should be included in the analysis as well. It was agreed that monthly oralternatively every other month, the Board will receive updates on PLC goals.Audit Report – The June 30, 2012 Audit Report was provided as Board materials. Mr. Wilkenson had a familyemergency and could not be present to review the report, however, Greg Wood, Pali’s CBO, reviewed the reporthighlighting page 30 of the report verifying PCHS complied in all material respects with all compliance requirements.The Auditor will appear at an upcoming meeting.Event Management Systems – Rocky Montz submitted an EMS Report outlining the exhaustive work and impressiveabilities PCHS will have in permitting the facility through our new websiteInfinite Campus – Lilly Pierre submitted an Infinite Campus Update outlining teacher trainings, continuous trainingsand a timeline to train students and parents in February 2013.Website Update – Carla Levenson submitted a report to the Board reviewing the configuration, training and dataentry of the site. The Board was informed the site would go live next month.ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTSExecutive DirectorDr. Magee submitted a written report (available online). Dr. Magee discussed the swift and well-thought out newsafety procedures in response to the tragic incident in Connecticut. Dr. Magee discussed infinite campus, programimprovement plans, the date for the Long Term Strategic Planning Committees, USC Hybrid High Visit and Pali’sexcellent attendance data based on the new calendar.6

PALI NEWS February 2013PCHS Board Re-CapCBO Greg Wood reported some hopeful news from the Governor’s Budget Update. If the Governor’s Budget Updateis enacted Pali may receive additional funds. There is a potential for a 4.23% funding increase for 2013/14.The Board was provided with the following financial data: Facility/Permit Report, 6.30.12 & 10.31.12 BalanceSheet, Modernization Fund Sheet, and 2012-13 Budget Update 1.7.13.HR Director Nikki Washington submitted a written report outlining new employment.Director of Operations David Riccardi provided an exhaustive and impressive report with a twenty contentionsoutlining all projects and operations at Pali.Student Report Haley Biscow explained all the current activities undertaken by ASB at Pali including the upcomingWinter Formal.The Policy Committee was looking forward to a specific direction regarding proposed changes in the structure ofcommittees.DISCUSSIONA Safety and Security update/discussion was led by Monica Iannessa and Dr. Magee outlining the new policies,trainings, drills and further develops with regard to ensuring safety at PCHS.Mary Bush led a well-researched discussion regarding Independent Study and the necessity to enact school policiesin order to conduct such independent studies at PCHS.CCSA Conference San Diego March 11-14, 2012 Michelle Brantley asked that anyone who is planning to attendshould contact her ASAP. Plans were being made for the presenters to plan their educative piece at the conference.Ad Hoc Charter Committee – Allison Holdorff Polhill reported that Chris Lee will be conducting the educativepiece of this process on January 22 and 23 rd .Evaluation Committee will meet to plan the mid-year review on January 25, 2013.PLC data was discussed. Board Member Wunder inquired about the purpose of the PLCs and how they tie intooperational and strategic goals of the school.ELL data and planes were discussed.ACTIONIndependent Studies Policies were unanimously adopted by the BoardNEW BUSINESSAll Board Members were required to fill out California Form 700 revealing any and all economic interests.CLOSEDUTLA/PESPU Negotiations Update7