Pali Newsletter Oct 2012.pdf - Palisades Charter High School

Principal’s Message
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PALI PALI NEWS NEWS October October October 2012
2012
Celebrating 10 years as an Independent Charter School
This year Palisades Charter High School celebrates 10 years as an independent charter school. Pali High was
the first comprehensive high school in the Los Angeles Unified School District to achieve independent charter
school status.
Independent charter school status allows PCHS to be independent of much state and district policy as long as
we demonstrate that our students’ achievement levels are higher than those in comparable public schools…an
area where our school thrives. PCHS continues to reflect the diversity of the greater Los Angeles community
providing a safe environment where students are able to learn from each other and feel comfortable interacting
with young people from different areas of the city and of different ethnic backgrounds.
An important characteristic of California’s charter school landscape is the distinction between schools that
operate as a non profit public benefit corporation—called “independent” charters —and ones that, similar to
traditional public schools, are governed by the district board—called “affiliated” charters. A school developer
must elect either independent or affiliated status when applying for a charter from LAUSD. Independent
status allows the school stakeholders and governing board to make important decisions regarding instruction,
budget allocations, and policy, all areas that were recently reevaluated by the PCHS Board of Trustees at the
Back to School Retreat held in September.
2012-13 Schoolwide Goals
The PCHS Board of Trustees examined progress toward the schoolwide action plan and strategic plan created
by stakeholder groups and set goals for the 2012-13 school year at the Back to School Retreat. The following
areas of focus will guide our instructional and leadership initiatives the 2012-13 school year:
∗ Create pathways to develop 100% highly effective teaching by 2015.
∗ Refine Professional Learning Community (PLC) practices by ensuring consistent grading policies and
engaging, responsive instruction that meets the needs of all students.
∗ Provide meaningful professional development focusing on Professional Learning Communities and training
for the new Infinite Campus student information system.
∗ Examine program needs as opposed to straight seniority for determining instructional assignments.
∗ Identify and provide timely support for students in need of intervention.
California budget issues – Be sure to vote!
Critical decisions regarding public school funding which significantly impact PCHS will be determined in the
upcoming November election. Please learn about Propositions 30 and 38 and vote. PCHS continues to struggle
to provide the programs and resources that are essential to an innovative academic organization due to
limited funding. As we move closer to November and upcoming elections, I urge you to become informed
about tax initiatives that will be on the ballot and to vote. If neither Proposition 30 nor 38 passes, PCHS will
be greatly impacted by the loss of approximately $1.2 million in state funding. The school has prepared for
the 2012-13 school year by creating a budget that anticipates the worst while hoping for the best. We have
done this by identifying ways to be more efficient in our operations, suspending programs, and ensuring that
all classes offered serve as many students as possible. When state funding amounts are allotted after the November
elections, PCHS stakeholder groups (PCHS Board and Budget & Finance Committee) will convene to
determine the school budget for second semester.
Dr. Pamela Magee, PCHS Executive Director/Principal
Important
Dates to
Remember
October 2-3
CAHSEE 11/12 Grade
October 4
PTSA meeting
October 10
Pali Tour
October 11
College Fair
College Sweatshirt Day
October 12
Pep Rally
Homecoming Fall Show
October 13
Homecoming Dance
ACT Bootcamp
October 14
ACT Boot Camp
October 15
Leadership Blood Drive
October 16
Board Meeting
October 17
Prof Dev Day No 7th
October 17-18
Senior Make up pictures
October 18
Great Shake Drill
October 20
SAT Test
October 23
Booster Club meeting
October 24
Pali Tour
October 25
PAC meeting
October 31
Haunted House

Student Support Services
ATTENDANCE COUNTS!!
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PALI PALI NEWS NEWS October
October
Thank you to all the parents who are sending us $35 contributions
when your child has to miss school. That money is being
used for much needed instructional supplies for the classroom.
For our first month, our Average Daily Attendance was 97%.
This percentage is DOWN from last year (97.4%).
We are aiming for a 97.5% attendance rate for the month of September.
Please help us achieve this goal by limiting personal absences
and check outs during school hours.
Our attendance rate directly impacts our school budget so please
partner with us to achieve this goal.
If your student is ill, please keep them home. When they are
ready to return, please send them to the attendance office with a
note signed by you. The note should include the student's first
and last Name, date of birth, and grade level with the specific
reason for the absence (flu, fever, etc.) and your signature.
Thank you!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
PALI STAFF
10/4 Mary Bush
10/4 Terry Henderson
10/4 Chris Laterzo
10/4 Margaret Guiraud
10/8 Steve Klima
10/9 Valerie Ransom
10/10 Joan George
10/10 Peter Johnson
10/11 Randy Aquirre
10/13 Mary Medina
10/16 Raymond Mardsen
10/16 Lily Pierre
10/19 Myrna Cervantes
10/20 Bobby Gersham
10/21 Heather DeWeese
10/22 Kenneth Jefferson
10/23 Richard Woodard
10/23 Nichole Newble
10/26 Raisa Gunn
10/28 Sean Passon
10/28 Lisa Saxon
10/29 Arwen Hernandez
10/29 Joann Young
10/30 Catherine Villigran
Athletics
FALL SPORTS CALENDAR
**Home games in BOLD
BOYS FOOTBALL
10/4 JV vs. Hamilton @ 3:00 pm
10/5 Varsity vs. Hamilton @ 3:00 pm
10/12 JV vs. Fairfax @ 4:00 pm
10/12 Varsity vs. Fairfax @ 7:-00 pm
10/19 JV vs. Westchester @ 4:00
10/19 Varsity vs. Westchester @ 7:00 pm
10/26 JV vs. Venice @ 4:00 pm
10/26 Varsity vs. Venice @ 7:00 pm
GIRLS TENNIS
10/2 vs. Hamilton @ 2:30 pm
10/4 vs. University @ 2:30 pm
10/8 vs. Fairfax @ 2:30 pm
10/10 vs. Mira Costa @ 3:00 pm
10/11 vs. Westchester @ 2:30
10/16 vs. LACES @ 2:30 pm
10/22 vs. Venice @ 2:30 pm
10/25 vs. Hamilton @ 2:30 pm
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
10/2 JV vs. Hamilton @ 2:30 pm
10/2 Varsity vs. Hamilton @ 4:00 pm
10/4 JV vs. University @ 2:30 pm
10/4 Varsity vs. University @ 4:00 pm
10/8 JV vs. Fairfax @ 2:30 pm
10/8 Varsity vs. Fairfax @ 4:00 pm
10/11 JV vs. Westchester @ 2:30 pm
10/11 Varsity vs. Westchester @ 4:00 pm
10/15 JV vs. Marlborough @ 3:30 pm
10/15 Varsity vs. Marlborough @ 5:30 pm
10/16 Varsity vs. LACES @ 2:30 pm
10/22 JV vs. Venice @ 2:30 pm
10/22 Varsity vs. Venice @ 4:00 pm
10/25 Varsity vs. Hamilton @ 4:00 pm
BOYS/GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
10/4 vs. Hamilton @ Kenneth Hahn @ 2:30 pm
10/11 vs. University @ Kenneth Hahn @ 2:30 pm
10/18 vs. Westchester @ Kenneth Hahn @ 2:30 pm
10/20 Mt. Sac Invitational @ 7:00 am
10/26 vs. University @ Kenneth Hahn @ 2:30 pm
BOYS WATER POLO
10/1 vs. LACES @ 2:45 pm
10/3 vs. San Pedro @ 2:45 pm
10/8 vs. Venice @ 2:45 pm
10/15 vs. Banning @ 2:45 pm
10/17 vs. LACES @ 2:45 pm
10/18 vs. Brentwood @ 2:45 pm
10/22 vs. San Pedro @ 2:45 pm
10/24 vs. Venice @ 2:45 pm
SUPPORT PALI DOLPHINS!!

Counseling Office
10/1 Counselors will attend the CSU
workshop –Counseling office closed
10/2 California High School Exit Exam
(CAHSEE) English component- selected
11/12 graders
10/3 California High School Exit Exam
(CAHSEE) Math component-11/12 graders
10/12 Midterm Grades mailed home
10/ 17— Late Start Day No 7th Period
10/19-10/25 Spring Student Program
Planning- Seniors
10/24-11/1 Spring Student Program
Planning- Juniors
Weekly progress reports are available
Monday mornings in the counseling office.
VARSITY FOOTBALL
CHARTER BOWL CHAMPIONS
COLLEGE VISITS
October 2 Tulane University
October 3 Ithaca College
October 8 Connecticut College
October 8 Indiana University
at Bloomington
October 9 Loyola Univ. Chicago
October 9 Quinnipiac University
October 9 Swathmore College
October 10 Univ. of Washington
October 10 Bucknell University
October 10 University of California
at Berkeley
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PALI PALI NEWS NEWS October October October 2012
2012
College Center News
College Center staff looks forward to working with our largest senior class ever as
they make their college plans. The best way to reach us is by email, at palicollege@aol.com.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SENIORS:
The UC application will be available at www.universityofcalifornia.edu on October 1
and must be submitted between November 1 and 30. They do NOT require transcripts
and do NOT accept recommendations. UC application workshops will be presented in
October, dates to be announced.
The Cal State application will be available at www.csumentor.edu starting October 1,
and applications can be submitted between October 1 and November 30. We recommend
submitting Cal State applications as early as possible. College Center will present
Cal State application workshops in October, dates to be announced.
College Fair is scheduled for Thursday, October 11; juniors and seniors ONLY for the
first hour, from 6:30 to 7:30. A list of attending colleges and organizations is posted
on Pali website.
6 pm: "Un Taller Para los Padres de Como Ayudar a Sus Hijos a Ingresar a Una Universidad,"
presented by Sandra Martin, AP Spanish Language teacher, Room D105.
6 pm: For parents: "The Making of a College Athlete: The Process" presented by
Dawn Regan, founder and president of Inspire & Co. Location G107
6 pm: For parents and 9th/10th grade students: "Opportunities at Historically Black
Colleges and Universities," presented by Greg Delahoussaye, Black College Tours,
Inc., Library
7 pm: For 11th and 12th grade students: "Opportunities at Historically Black Colleges
and Universities," presented by Greg Delahoussaye, Black College Tours, Inc.,
Library
6 pm: For junior parents: "Helping Your Child Start the College Search Process,"
presented by Kathryn Favaro, Certified College Admissions Counselor, location
Room G108.
UPCOMING TEST DATES FOR SENIORS:
SAT: Register at www.collegeboard.com
Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
October 7 September 7 September 21
November 3 October 4 October 19
December 1 November 1 November 16
ACT: Register at www.actstudent.org
Test Date: Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline
October 27 September 21 October 5
December 8 November 2 November 16
SAT/ACT fee waivers are available to students in school lunch program.

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PALI PALI NEWS NEWS October
October
“JUST FOR JUNIORS” COLLEGE PLANNING WORKSHOPS
Making the Most of the PSAT and the College Fair!
WHEN: Monday, October 1 – 7 th Period
WHERE: Library
WHAT: Get pointers to help you do your best on the Oct. 20 PSAT!
The College Fair is on October 11; do you know what to ask a college rep to get the information you need?
Preparing for the Spring SAT Dates – Free Online SAT Prep!
WHEN: Wednesday, October 10 – 7 th Period
WHERE: Library
WHAT: Instructions for doing FREE SAT prep using Method Test Prep, available through your Family Connection
account.
SENIOR COLLEGE PREP WORKSHOPS - FALL 2012
#2 Essay: Writing the Personal Statements for the UC and Common App
WHEN: Monday, October 1 – 6 th period and Wednesday, October 24 – 5 th period
WHERE: Library
WHAT: The college essay is critical to telling your story in your college applications.
Write a standout essay for both the UC and Common Application.
#3 CSU: All You Need To Know About Applying to California State Universities
WHEN: Wednesday, October 24– 7 th period and
WHERE: Library
WHAT: Completing the CSU application. How does CSU make admission decisions?
Learn about EOP, for first-generation college students. Recommended: start your
application at www.csumentor.edu before the workshop.
#4 UC: All You Need To Know About Applying to the University of California
WHEN: Wednesday, October 10 – 5 th period and Tuesday, October 23 - 6 th period
WHERE: Library
WHAT: Tips on preparing the best possible UC application. The importance of extracurricular activities
and essays. Recommended: go to www.universityofcalifornia.edu/ apply and start your
application so you can ask questions at the workshop.
#5 Completing the Common Application
WHEN: Tuesday, October 23 – 7 th period
WHERE: Library
WHAT: Step by step instructions. Completing the supplements. Start your application at
www.commonapp.org before the workshop so you can ask questions!
#6 Online SAT Prep – Get Ready for the November/December SAT
WHEN: Wednesday, October 10 – 7 th Period
WHERE: Library
WHAT: Instructions on how to do FREE SAT prep using Method Test Prep, available through
your Family Connection account.
Mon., Oct. 1 6 th : Essay
Wed., Oct 10 5 th : UC 7 th : Online SAT Prep
Tues., Oct. 23 6 th : UC 7 th : Common App
Wed., Oct. 24 5 th : Essay 7 th : CSU

Community Service
For the month of October the community service center (Room
C106) will be launching its Google calendar of events. The
website is designed for students and parents to see what events
we have available online.
www.YMCAsocialresponsibilitycenter.org
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Voice for the Animals Foundation
When Sunday, Oct 7, 2012
Where Pacific Palisades Farmers Market
Description Voice For The Animals is a volunteer-based
organization. Volunteers are the heart of many of VFTA’s
programs. Without our volunteers, we couldn’t do what we do.
Assisting at our Sunday Adoption events in the Pacific Palisades.
*Helping set up and taking down the adoption site
*Educate public on animals available for adoption *Walk dogs
*Take photos or videos of Adoption Events. Please note that
in order to volunteer with us at our Sunday Adoption events,
you must contact the Volunteer Coordinator Zara, at volunteer@vftafoundation.org
to schedule a date to volunteer. Those
volunteers who show up without contacting the Volunteer Coordinator
first will unfortunately be turned away.
Key to the Sea (Various Dates)
When Monday, Oct 1, 2012
Where Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Roundhouse Aquarium
in Manhattan Beach, or Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San
Pedro
Description Key to the Sea is a program of Heal the Bay,
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, SEA Lab in Redondo Beach,
Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach, and Cabrillo 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 Street Santa Monica CA 90401.
Learning Ally (Various Dates)
When Monday, Oct 1, 2012
Where 5022 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Description Record yourself reading textbooks for those with
visual, physical or learning disabilities. Studio Hours: Monday
-Thursday 9:30 am - 9:30 pm Friday – Saturday 9:30 am –
3:30 pm. For more information call the learning center at 323-
210-1454 or e-mail sweekes@learningally.org.
Meals on Wheels (Various Dates)
When Mon, October 1, 11 am – 1 pm
Where Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica
Description Meals-on-Wheels Volunteers are needed to deliver
lunches 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Santa Monica and Pacific
Palisades. Participate once or on a regular basis. Contact number:
310-394-7558.
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PALI PALI NEWS NEWS October October October 2012
2012
PTSA News
PCHS PTSA is off and running this year with a successful membership
drive! Thank you to all the teachers and families who have joined this
year. Your dues have already been put to good use buying essentials for
each classroom: facial tissues, hand sanitizer, emergency water and
crackers and disinfectant wipes. In addition, PCHS, PTSA and Palisades
Patrol have partnered to add an extra layer of security to our school community
during non-school hours.
The PTSA Reflections Art Contest is underway, so please take a moment
to help us motivate your student to enter this year. The theme is “The
Magic of a Moment...” ---an intriguing theme for discussion! What
moments in one’s life do we feel are magical? An awesome sunset,
helping someone in need, a sprouting seed? Conveying this magic can
be done in any or all of the following categories: Literature, Visual Arts,
Dance Choreography, Music Composition, Photography or Film. For
more information, go to www.paliptareflections.org.
Is your student taking the ACT this year? PTSA has partnered with
Catalyst to bring their ACT Bootcamp to Pali. The ACT and SAT are
quite different in their approach to testing, and some students score better
on the ACT versus the SAT. Taking the ACT in addition to the SAT
is becoming more commonplace. Give your student an edge on the ACT
by signing them up for the ACT Bootcamp today. The date is October
13 th and 14 th at Pali. Sign up at www.CatalystPrep.com.
Please join us for our monthly PTSA General Meeting on Thursday,
October 4 th at 8:00 a.m. in the Faculty Lounge. Our guest speaker will
be Cafeteria Manager Ms. Cecilia Ramirez. She will be discussing the
food menu choices available to your students. Our parent education
seminar series continues at 8:30 a.m., when Richard Cohen, Of One
Mind, presents: “Under Construction: The Teenage Brain”. We’ll see
you there!
Katy Anastasi, PCHS PTSA President
klanastasi@yahoo.com
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE continued
Governor Brown’s January proposal is a complex budget package that
seeks new revenues to prevent further cuts in educational programs and
to balance the state’s budget. There are two school funding initiatives
planned for the November 2012 ballot:
Proposition 30 - Gov. Brown's "Schools and Local Public Safety Protection
Act" would temporarily raise the sales tax by a half-cent and the
income tax on upper-income Californians. The measure is expected to
raise $6.9 billion annually and is focused on closing the budget deficit
and funding education. If approved by voters, it would increase Proposition
98 funding by $2.5 billion.
Proposition 38 - Sponsored by Molly Munger, this measure increases
personal income tax rates between .4 percent to 2.2 percent for 12 years.
Initially, 60 percent of revenues go to K-12 schools, 30 percent to repaying
state debt and 10 percent to early childhood programs. Thereafter, 85
percent goes to K-12 schools, and 15 percent to early childhood programs.

PCHS Board Re-Cap
School Wide Goals based on September 10, 2012 Retreat:
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PALI PALI NEWS NEWS October
October
The administration is currently preparing specific school wide goals for the Boards approval based on our special meeting on September
10, 2012. The goals broadly defined are as follows: 1. Create pathways to develop 100% highly effective teaching by 2015. 2. PLC’s
(grading and instruction). 3. Alternatives to seniority. 4. Meaningful professional development. 5. Intervention and prevention.
Community Service through the YMCA: Carol Pfannkuche and Ashley Russell discussed the goal of the community service program
which is to give students the opportunity to explore their passion through community service. Expansion of program throughout YMCA
community and technology is being used. Including staff, clubs, and American legion opportunities are expanding due to community
response.
Sodexo: Representatives from Sodexo provided a current update regarding food service at Pali. There is a .06 increase per student beginning
October 2. Alternatives for students with allergies and growing our own products are ideas they are willing to explore.
College Center: Over 100 college visits are scheduled this fall. Senior class has significantly increased over the years. Conferences attended
by staff are paid for by the Booster Club.
Infinite Campus by Lily Pierre: PCHS headed toward 21st century. The program itself is intuitive particularly for a lay person to understand.
Live on January 7, 2013. Primary function of program is to be interdependent. Maintain relationship of integrity.
Ad Hoc Risk Assessment Committee: An Ad Hoc Committee exempt from Brown Act comprised of two non-interested trusteesand one
interested trustee will make up the Ad Hoc Risk Assessment Committee. The role of the committee is advisory in nature. The Committee
will address matters that pose a “litigation” issue and may meet once or never during course of school year.
ACTION
The Board approved of:
the YMCA/PCHS Center for Social Responsibility contract;
∗ the school safety plan;
∗ some members of the Budget and Finance Committee;
∗ the Risk Management Committee; and
∗ a Resolution to Support Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act (Proposition 30) and Our Children Our Future: Local
Schools and Early Education Investment Act (Proposition 38)
Meeting with private school heads
School heads from St. Matthews Parish School and Corpus Christi visited PCHS this week to discuss 8 th grade transition. Pali will participate
in a lunchtime information session for students at St. Matthews and an evening session for parents from Corpus Christi, St. Matthews,
and Calvary Christian schools on October 23.
.
Back to School Night/Education Foundation launch
PCHS hosted our annual Back to School night on September 13. The evening opened with a performance from the marching band and an
informational and entertaining video about budget issues, “Nightmare on Bowdoin Street.” Ellen Sloan from the new PCHS Education
Foundation introduced the “Text to Give” program. Students were on hand to assist donors and moved through the audience with jugs to
collect cash donations. Donors contributed over $25,000! Classroom sessions were well attended. Counselors were available to answer
questions and students shared information about clubs.
Text to Give Campaign
Donors can still participate in this giving campaign; on your cell phone text "Palihigh" to phone number 56512 and then follow the link to
donate to PCHS Educational Foundation. These funds will be used to directly support the classroom and your child's education. The
PCHS Educational Foundation would also like to bring more interactive whiteboards to classrooms. Twenty teachers have given proposals
for how they would like to integrate interactive whiteboards into their classrooms. With last night's donations we will order four to be
installed. Interactive whiteboards cost $3,000 each, plus installation. We hope to fund all twenty by the end of the year with your help.

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PALI PALI NEWS NEWS October October October 2012
2012
PCHS Board Re-Cap continued
.
Community Concerns meeting to address light and noise
Approximately 100 members of the PCHS community attended a meeting in J121 to hear concerns related to light and noise from Pali facilities.
Those who wished to speak filled out speaker cards and were given three minutes for comments. Representatives from many of the
entities that use school facilities were present to hear concerns and share information. A task force will be created to review concerns and
determine next steps to report out by October 15.
Response to Unauthorized Community Letter
An unauthorized letter was distributed to homes near the school. The following information was sent to the school community through the
Week at a Glance, posted on the school website, and sent to The Palisadian Post.
Palisades Charter High School recently learned of a letter disseminated in the school community by an entity calling itself the "Palisades
Charter High School Protective League." PCHS is investigating the source of the letter that we understand was distributed to neighborhoods
surrounding the school facility. Please be aware that this activity is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Palisades Charter High
School. Palisades Charter High School appreciates any information pertaining to this incident and the group claiming to be associated with
our school. Palisades Charter High School will pursue all available legal action against those responsible.
Academic Integrity Task Force
A stakeholder committee convened to discuss issues related to academic integrity and set objectives for the group. The focus of the task
force will be to raise awareness of existing policies and procedures, identify successful strategies for addressing cheating, and to create a
campus culture that values and respects honesty. The group will facilitate the dissemination of best practices for all impacted including students,
parents, teachers, and administrators. The group meets again on September 20.
Pali PLC’s
Pali will use the late start professional development time on September 19 to focus on PLC goals. This year NBC teachers are working
closely with the PLC coordinator and administration to support PLCs in reaching their goals. The goals for the coming year are:
PCHS will continue improvement and refinement of Richard DuFour’s PLC model through development and implementation of pacing
guides, development and implementation of common assessments, and integration of differentiated instruction to increase student learning.
Measurement:
PLCs in English Language Arts, Foreign Language, Math, Science, and Social Studies will meet the following goals:
∗ All instructors will be within a two-week window of a PLC pacing plan as verified by the administration four times this year. Each
PLC pacing plan can be skill and/or content driven;
∗ Create a minimum of 3 common assessments (formative or summative) to be administered by each instructor in a PLC verified by administration
via Mastery Manager reports. Common assessment must contain identified standards and performance levels to determine student
proficiency;
∗ Analyze student work/data for 3 common assessments as verified by administration via PLC submission of student work/data analysis
worksheets;
∗ Participate at least one time in the R&R (re-teaching and reassessing)program as verified by administration via R&R data; and
∗ Submit a consistent grading policy outlining how grades will be determined in a PLC based on student common assessments and homework.
PLC grading policies will be submitted to the administration by June 2012 for implementation next fall.
PLCs in Physical Education, Technical Education, and VAPA will meet the following goals:
∗ Create a minimum of 2 common assessments (formative or summative) to be administered by each instructor in a PLC verified by administration
via Mastery Manager reports. Common assessment must contain identified ELA/Math standards and performance levels to
determine student proficiency; and
∗ Analyze student work/data for 2 common assessments as verified by administration via PLC submission of student work/data analysis
worksheets.

PCHS Board Re-Cap continued
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PALI PALI NEWS NEWS October
October
Coordinating Council Meeting
The Coordinating Council composed of principals and stakeholders from each of the Palisades charter schools met on September 10 at Paul
Revere Middle School to address the following areas:
• Creating a list of mutual concerns
• Creating interest groups to research/address these concerns
• Charter School Office updates
• Overview of West ESC Structure
• Introduction of West ESC Representative
• Palisades Charter Foundation Updates
• Board Member Steve Zimmer/Designee Comments
Facility Project Updates
• Gilbert Hall possible completion in mid-October
• Lead abatement for Mercer and Gilbert Hall completed September 13
• Emergency Evacuation gates to be installed within 3 weeks
• Learning lab construction starting September 17
• Still waiting on LAUSD for approval on Mercer Floor slab repair
• EMS calendaring system and website on schedule for November launch
Attendance Information
PCHS currently has 2889 students enrolled. Our ADA is 97%! Parents are participating in the volunteer ADA reimbursement program,
which compensates the school for lost attendance revenue when students are absent. Randomly scheduled tardy sweeps have resulted in
improved punctuality; initial sweeps addressed over 100 students while the most recent results addressed approximately 60 students.
Athletics Updates
Fall sports are off to a good start. Football plays Grenada Hills at Grenada in the Charter Bowl on Friday, September 21. Girl’s volleyball
won their first two games. They play Grenada Hills on September 13. Luis Inga is starting as the new girls soccer coach. We are looking
for boys volleyball and girls softball coaches, and will have selections in place before the start of the spring season.
BOOSTER CLUB
.
1. We invite all Pali supporters to join us at our October Booster Club Meeting Tuesday, October 23 rd @ 6:30 pm in School cafeteria
2. New policy on Grant Request Applications. In order to receive administrative input in advance of our meetings, all Grant Request Applications
are due one week prior to each monthly meeting. Please remember to turn in your Grant Request Application for the Tuesday,
October 23 rd meeting by Tuesday, October 16 th . Email form to Dick Held at rod264@aol.com, or leave in the the Booster Club mail box in
the office. Thanks for your assistance with our new policies!
3. Sweet Crush Ice Bar at 11753 San Vicente Blvd, in Brentwood, has agreed to partner with the Booster Club in a Back-to-School Social
event. On Sunday, October 21 st and Monday, October 22nd when Pali supporters present our voucher between 4-8 pm, Sweet Crush Ice
Bar will generously donate 20% of the proceeds to the Booster Club! Help the Booster Club continue to fund important programs such as
technology, sports, arts and facilities at Palisades Charter High School.
Support Pali's Booster Club by treating your taste buds to a revolutionary dessert, sculpted into a work of art! Flyers/Vouchers will be
available on the Booster Club page at palihigh.org or via email in the Week-at-a-Glance e-blasts.
4. Do you know how to throw a great party? We are looking for volunteers to assist with solicitation, invitations, event planning, decorations
and more. The first volunteer meeting is on Monday, October 2 nd at 8:00 am at the home of Cheryl Clark, 2205 Westridge Road, Los
Angeles, CA 90049. Come brainstorm with us!
5. Have treasures to donate? We can't wait to begin accepting your donations for the auction! Contact Ivy Greene for more information on
volunteering or donating: paliboosters@gmail.com. Booster Club Auction Event is Saturday, March 3, 2013 at Tiato Restaurant in Santa
Monica.

GET READY TO SHAKE OUT!
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PALI PALI NEWS NEWS October October October 2012
2012
At 10:18 a.m. on October 18, 2012, millions of Californians will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in The Great
California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill ever! Everyone is encouraged to participate in the drill
wherever you are at 10:18 a.m. on 10/18! Palisades Charter High School will be participating with both a
"Drop, Cover, and Hold On" drill and an evacuation drill. There will be Search and Rescue scenarios embedded
in the drill for our teachers and CERT trained students.
Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you work, live, or travel in California. The ShakeOut is our chance
to practice how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to prevent a major
earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you, your family, and your community.
Why is a “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill important? As with anything, to act quickly you must practice
often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you
down, or something falls on you. More than 8.6 million Californians participated in the 2011 ShakeOut statewide.
The Great California ShakeOut will be held on the third Thursday of October each year.
Everyone can participate! Individuals, families, businesses, schools, colleges, government agencies and organizations
are all invited to register. PCHS has already registered for the event.
HOW PCHS IS PARTICIPATING
• The school is registered at ShakeOut.org/california/register so that the school is counted in the ShakeOut
Drill, email updates, and more.
• Conducting a “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill and an evacuation at 10:18 a.m. on October 18.
• Discuss what the school learned about its safety plan and make improvements.
Here are simple things individuals and families can do to participate in the ShakeOut. Instructions and resources
can be found at ShakeOut.org/california/individuals.
Get Prepared for Earthquakes:
• Do a “hazard hunt” for items that might fall during earth quakes and secure them.
• Create a personal or family disaster plan.
• Organize or refresh your emergency supply kits.
∗ Identify and correct any issues in your home’s structure.
• Other actions are at www.earthquakecountry.org.
Share the ShakeOut:
• Have a neighborhood party to discuss preparedness, and register for the ShakeOut.
• Invite friends and family members to register.
• Encourage your community, employer, or other groups you are involved with to participate.
• Share your experience at Shakeout.org/california/share.

10
PALI PALI NEWS NEWS October
October
YOU CAN HELP PALI HIGH BY DOING YOUR DAILY SHOPPING
Just by doing your daily chores you can help Pali High earn money for the students by
1. Sign up with
at www.escrip.com and look for Palisades High School Booster Club
#5334389. Follow the instructions to register your grocery cards and existing credit/debit cards.
2. Sign up with at www.ralphs.com and look for Palisades High School # 83449.
3. Sign up with at www.onecause.com and follow instructions to join and your are on
your way.
TUTORING/STUDY CENTER
Melinda Meinen, Tutoring/Study Center Coordinator 310-230-6644 Room J109 email mmeinen@palihigh.org
∗ All students are welcome. Hours are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
∗ Bright, spacious room with large tables to study and do homework
∗ Computers with internet access, printers and scanners
∗ School supplies are available
∗ Textbooks are available for tutoring or studying
∗ Students may bring their snacks and lunch
FREE 1 on 1 Tutoring and group tutoring Monday thru Friday
∗ Before school from 7:10 am—7:40 am. (by appointment only)
∗ Nutrition—15 minutes
∗ Lunch 30 minutes
∗ Period 7 (after school) 2:13—3:08 pm
∗ Teacher recommended Peer Tutors, Adult Volunteers and Caring Teachers
∗ Tutoring appointments recommended in the study center to ensure 1 on 1 tutoring. Walk in are always welcome too.
∗ FREE teacher group tutoring, no appointment necessary. See Tutorial schedule for days and times
teachers are available.
TUTORING IS FOR EVERYONE
∗ Homework questions
∗ Catch up and review
∗ Study skills
∗ Improve Grades