Gems Hidden in Plain Sight

Transcription

1 LAUSD's Gems:Layout 1 11/6/10 1:40 PM Page 2 Los Angeles Unified School District Gems Hidden in Plain Sight A New Look at LAUSD!

2 Superintendent s Message to Parents, Guardians & Community Members Parents seeking the best education fit for their son or daughter need not look any further than the myriad of public schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Some have established themselves as premier performing arts centers, while still others emphasize math, science, and language immersion that prepare students for the 21st century and beyond. In short, there s an LAUSD school for every child. Here is a sampling of some of our school gems hidden in plain sight: Mark Twain Middle School (API 706) touts itself as The Westside s Best Kept Secret and for good reason. Student achievement continues on a dramatic upward trajectory thanks to rigorous academics and creative instruction. Math students, for example, ground wheat berries into flour and make loaves of organic bread as they calculate the yield of their garden. A dual language Spanish-English program is also a big attraction. So is a strong arts program featuring English Handbell Ringers; three levels of band and orchestra, singing and dance. Madison Elementary School (API 803) clearly values student achievement as evidenced by its designation as a 2010 California Distinguished School, and a more than 100 point gain on the state Academic Performance Index (API) since opening in The performing arts program has partnerships with the Getty Museum and with Education Through Music Los Angeles. What s more, the South Gate campus is establishing a relationship with a primary school in China. Harbor Teacher Preparatory Academy (API 936) graduates college graduates. Well, not quite. However, highly-motivated students who attend the academy can complete the first two years of college and earn an associate of arts degree while also earning a high school diploma. This small school accelerates the pace of learning in an academic environment that is rigorous, demanding and competitive. It is located in Wilmington on the campus of Harbor Community College. These are just a few of LAUSD highlights. Let this brochure introduce you to this District s numerous and varied academic offerings, and award-winning schools. And, if the school fits, we hope you ll remain or become a part of the LAUSD family. Ramon C. Cortines Superintendent Los Angeles Unified School District

3 Enrolling in one of LAUSD s Gems Please call (213) for additional information. Or write to: Office of Permits and Student Transfers P.O. Box 3307 Los Angeles, CA Fax: (888) The Permits and Student Transfers Office is responsible for the timely processing of all Inter-District and Intra-District permits within Los Angeles Unified School District. This includes all cases in which students are either entering the LAUSD from another district or leaving to attend another district. This office is also responsible for handling foreign student admissions, developing the District policy on permits and student transfers, responding to parent and school personnel inquiries, and representing the District during the County permit appeals process. Intra-District Permits (LAUSD School to LAUSD School) Permits may be granted for students to attend a school within the LAUSD other than the LAUSD school of residence. Transportation is not provided. Applications must be approved by the school of residence and the requested school. For the application form and information, visit any local LAUSD school. 1

4 LOCAL DISTRICT 1 Administrator: LINDA DEL CUETO, SUPERINTENDENT Address: 6621 BALBOA BLVD., VAN NUYS, CA Telephone: (818) Website: Mission: LAUSD will provide high quality instruction and a coherent and rigorous curriculum in every classroom to facilitate student learning and achievement. Local District 1 boasts three National Blue Ribbon Elementary Schools (Danube, Hamlin, and Lemay), 30 Schools for Advanced Studies, 55 Arts Prototype schools, 31 California Distinguished Schools, seven High Achieving Title 1 Schools, a Bravo Arts Elementary School Award, and 170 National Board Certified teachers. The local district is home to three new elementary schools opening in 2010, including a new Arts to the Core school and noteworthy and unusual instructional programs such as Robotics in elementary, middle and high schools; dual language instruction; NASA programs; and instruction centers for Visually Impaired and Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. The variety of opportunities, together with award winning schools, fosters innovation and excellence. Schools welcome inquiries and offer tours to prospective families. Early Childhood Education One Infant Center serves babies from birth to 18 months, and 10 Early Education Centers serve children from two to five years of age. Emphasizing strong articulation between the preschool and elementary schools, teachers implement reciprocal observation and curriculum alignment for both language arts and mathematics. Special Education services are available. Parents are offered distance learning in collaboration with the Division of Adult and Career Education in English as a Second Language, and courses leading to a GED or high school diploma. Elementary Schools Elementary schools offer before- and after-school childcare, tutoring, and outstanding curriculum and instruction. A consortium of demonstration schools supports teachers in the areas of curriculum, analysis of student performance data, high quality grade level meetings and articulation (Learning Teams), strong programs of English language development, and identification of underrepresented students for gifted/high achieving instructional programs. Schools have parent centers and exemplary parent education programs. Twenty-three schools are Schools for Advanced Study centers where teachers participate in ongoing professional development to provide a challenging instructional program for high achieving students who may enroll from any geographic area. Additionally, 55 are Arts Prototype schools. Local District 1 2

5 Magnets: Balboa Gifted, Gledhill Math/Science, Haskell Math/Science, Lorne Math/Science, San Jose Gifted, Vintage Math/Science, Welby Way Gifted Community Partners: Pacificare/Northridge Hospital Wellness Initiative, Providence Holy Cross Latino Health, Lenscrafters Gift of Sight, Kaiser Permanente, CSUN, LAPD and LAUSD Police Departments, UCLA School of Dentistry, Pierce College, New Economics for Women Program, El Proyecto del Barrio Health Center, Haven Hills Domestic Violence Shelter Middle Schools Middle Schools focus on the needs of the young adolescent. Sixth grade students transition to the core programs in grades seven and eight in personalized learning environments. Common programs include Advancement Vial Individual Determination (AVID), Schools for Advanced Studies, Healthy Start. Magnets: Gifted, Highly Gifted, High Achieving, Math, Science, Technology, Police Academy High Schools All comprehensive high schools, with the exception of Panorama HS, adopted an early start calendar. The fall semester will conclude prior to Winter Break and the spring semester will end June 7, 2011 to accommodate national schedules such as advanced placement testing, college workshops, and job placement. Panorama HS plans to adopt the new calendar beginning with the academic year. Magnets: Architecture, Environmental Science, and Agriculture; Environmental and Physical Science; Gifted, Highly Gifted; Journalism and Communications; Math, Science, and Technology; Police Academy. Two magnet high schools: Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies (grades 4-12) and Daniel Pearl Journalism and Communications Magnet High School. Small Learning Communities: The number of SLCs differ by school and offer a variety of choices. Each SLC provides students with a more personalized and caring environment and a rigorous, standards-based curriculum in an identifiable context. The following are examples: 9th Grade Academy Health and Human Services Specialized Programs: Each school establishes its own specialized programs according to student interest. Within the local district, foreign language study includes American Sign Language, French, Italian, Korean, and Spanish. Schools offer Academic Decathlon, Robotics and other unique courses. Online courses are available at all high schools. 3 Local District 1

6 Academy of Art and Technology Arts, Media, and Entertainment Careers in Entertainment Construction and Building Trades Engineering and Design Finance, Business, and Investment Interdisciplinary Studies Leadership Nano Technology Teaching Careers Technology and Health Careers Visual and Performing Arts College Awareness: Hosted by Pierce Community College, LD 1 provides an annual fair with representatives from colleges and universities throughout the United States. Students in middle and high school are encouraged to participate. Project College Bound is a three-year program targeting achieving students from throughout the local district who may need extended support to successfully prepare for college entrance. Concurrent Enrollment: LD 1 has partnered with the community colleges to offer concurrent enrollment opportunities to enable students to experience the college environment, earn both college and high school credit, and to explore subject matter not offered at the high school. Some courses are offered on site, while others are at the community college campuses. Additionally, students may explore a career focus at the Regional Occupational Centers and partnerships such as airplane mechanics certification offered at the Van Nuys Airport. Continuation High Schools Struggling students who are seriously behind in credits, or who are having difficulty at the comprehensive high schools, find more personalized attention and success in the 11 continuation high schools. Graduates credit their success to the individualized instruction in a personalized environment. Special Education Schools Four Special Education Schools serve students in pre-school through high school and each school is unique. For example, Miller Career and Transition Center students receive job training in auto detailing, assembling/packaging, building/grounds maintenance, business/e-commerce, culinary arts/baking, culinary arts/food services, fundamentals of construction, horticulture/floriculture, job skills, landscaping, media skills, retail, and wheelchair repair. The training programs serve the community, giving the students real world experience. Local District 1 4

7 LOCAL DISTRICT 1 TOPEKA DRIVE ELEMENTARY Principal: DIXON, TEMIKA Address: 9815 TOPEKA DR., NORTHRIDGE, CA Telephone: API: 866 Report Card: ion=individual&grade_level=elementary&district=&school_name=topeka+drive&partner=&descr=topeka+dr+elementary Programs School for Advanced Studies Creates opportunities for very rigorous, project-based learning experiences that allow students to flourish in a stimulating academic and social environment. Provides specialized learning experiences beyond the regular curriculum. Korean Dual Language Allows English Learners and English proficient students to receive instruction in English and Korean in the same classroom to develop academic proficiency in both languages beginning in Kindergarten. Visually Impaired (VI) Program Topeka is truly one of a kind. It is the only program that services the VI elementary population in the San Fernando Valley. Students as young as 3 years of age enter the program and learn specialized skills that include: Technology and computer proficiency using computer and telecommunication equipment and software adapted for blind or visually impaired people; Literacy reading and writing with Braille, large print, optical devices, or training in effective use of available vision; Safe and independent mobility using specific orientation and mobility techniques, canes, or other mobility tools; 5 Local District 1

8 Social interaction skills understanding body language and other visual concepts; Personal management and independent living skills learning specialized techniques for personal grooming, food preparation, money management, and other tasks. All of these skills are learned in the general education classroom with peers. Robotics program This program is an excellent introduction into science and technology. Not only do children learn to design and construct a robot, they also develop a more complete idea of what is required for an organism to act in the real world. When children design, build and program their own robots, they get involved in many technical activities that overlap with several other disciplines like mathematics, biology, engineering, electronics, information technology and science in general. They learn to work in teams, a critical experience for developing 21st century skills, and are faced with many difficult technical decisions, which enhance their management skills. VINTAGE MAGNET ELEMENTARY (Math*Science*Technology) California Distinguished School Principal: ROME, JOHN P Address: STARE ST., NORTH HILLS, CA Telephone: Vintage@lausd.k12.ca.us Website: EL API 892 Report Card: ation=individual&grade_level=elementary&district=&school_name=vintage&partner=&descr=vintage+math%2fscience+magnet Vintage Magnet is a fully, self-contained magnet school serving students in grades one through five. Its focus is to prepare students for the 21st century by providing a strong foundation and understanding in technology, math, and science, and the ability to work in a culturally and ethnically diverse environment. Vintage Magnet offers a rigorous standards-based instructional program that emphasizes Math, Science and Technology. The program is Local District 1 6

9 designed to target students who have expressed an interest in Math, Science, and Technology by integrating these subject areas throughout the curriculum. This creates a high interest program for students which supports their academic success in all areas. In 2007, Vintage Magnet was one of 25 schools in the United States selected to become a NASA Explorer School. As a NASA explorer school, Vintage has a special relationship with NASA that gives access to funds and resouces that are not available to any other schools. The purpose of the program is to enhance instruction in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and geography (STEMs-G) Education. NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in Mojave, Califiornia is the adopted NASA center. The Dryden staff works hand in hand with the Vintage NASA team to coordinate resources and organize events. WELBY WAY ELEMENTARY AND GIFTED/HIGH ACHIEVING MAGNET SCHOOL National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished School Principal: YOO, JENNIFER Address: WELBY WAY, WEST HILLS, CA Telephone: Website: API 923 Report Card: ion=individual&grade_level=elementary&district=&school_name=welby+way&partner=&descr=welby+elementary Offering its students a path to success, Welby Way promises each student equal access to a demanding curriculum and the supportive environment each needs to take advantage of that opportunity. Welby Way serves students from both within its community and those who apply for the Magnet from throughout the Los Angeles Unified School District in grades kindergarten through five. Focusing on achievement in all areas of curriculum, the creative staff exposes students to many innovative experiences. The school's goal is to produce confident, responsible, motivated students with critical thinking skills and extracurricular experiences that enable them to succeed in our ever-changing community and world. 7 Local District 1

10 The school prides itself on extensive parent and community participation in all aspects of the school from fundraising to classroom volunteers. Commitment to quality education is paramount at Welby Way. The school relies on the donation of time to allow teachers, staff, neighbors, and community partners to make Welby Way the school it is through an emphasis on community involvement in each student's education. NOBEL MIDDLE SCHOOL / MATH/SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY MAGNET (MST) CENTER Principal: HOROWITZ, DEREK G Address: 9950 TAMPA AVE., NORTHRIDGE, CA Telephone: Website: API 867 Report Card: tion=individual&grade_level=middle&district=&school_name=nobel&partner=&descr=nobel+middle+school At Nobel Middle School we provide a rigorous, Hands-On, activity based curriculum. Our Teachers and Staff have developed programs that include 6th Grade Core Teaming, Vertical Teaming, Cross Curricular Teaming, and a History Teacher Swap. Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program is provided to over 50% of the students at Nobel. Academic excellence is the standard at Nobel and our students pride themselves on achievement. On a single campus we offer Advanced Math classes that include Algebra and Geometry. Our science curriculum includes unique elective science courses such as Forensic Science, Marine Science and Astronomy. This curriculum allows students to apply what they have learned in their academic classes to a chosen field of interest. All electives at Nobel are shared between Nobel Middle School and Nobel MST Magnet. We also have a fantastic Music Program that includes a fully uniformed Marching Band and Drum Line. These students perform at local high school football games, in parades and in L.A area High School Music Festival Competitions. Our Play Production (Drama) class puts on two outstanding plays per year. In addition, electives at Nobel include Reading (for students reading below grade level), Keyboarding Local District 1 8

11 Communication Skills, Drill/Dance Team. Art Classes (General Art and Ceramics), Industrial Education, Horticulture, Landscape Design class that includes a CAD (computer assisted drafting) component, Yearbook and Journalism, Leadership, Digital Imaging Class and Introduction to Computers. Enrichment and Extra Curricular Programs are provided at Nobel to help students feel connected to the school. Enrichment Programs at Nobel include Science Fair, PSAT/EXPLORE, After School Clubs and Tutoring, Core Intervention Program, Student Planner Program and Beyond the Bell. Extra Curricular Programs at Nobel include Movie Fundraising Club, Talent Show, 8th Grade Fashion Show, Teacher Talent Show, Turkey Bowl, 10K Run, Lunchtime Dances, Weekly Lunchtime contests and activities, Homeroom Team Sports, Library Club and Out Loud in the Library. The single most important thing any middle school can do is to create a warm, friendly, safe environment for students to learn in. At Nobel, we have addressed this issue and as a result, students love attending our school. EL CAMINO REAL HIGH SCHOOL Principal: FEHTE, DAVID P Address: 5440 VALLEY CIRCLE BLVD., WOODLAND HILLS, CA Telephone: Website: API 798 Report Card: ion=individual&grade_level=highschool&district=&school_name=el+camino&partner=&descr=el+camino+real+senior+high 9 Local District 1

12 El Camino Real High School prides itself in being the home of academic and athletic excellence. Our guiding principles are that every student will develop their talents and skills, flourish and feel a sense of accomplishment and worth as students transition into a global society. To that effect, students at El Camino Real HS are given every opportunity to find their niche and excel. Although we are a large school, every opportunity is used to provide a nurturing environment of encouragement, achievement and success for our students. Excellence, whether it is in the classroom, athletic field, drama or an activity, is expected and part of our culture that expects our students to succeed. Many of our athletic teams are city and state champs. Our Robotics Team started off as a club by students who were interested in robotics. The club flourished to a team that competed nationally and internationally and we now hold the honor of World Robotics Champs. Our Academic Decathlon Team is a six-time, record breaking National Champion and further fosters the culture of excellence. Pep rallies are held for these students much as other schools have pep rallies for their athletes. Our academies started to meet the needs of our diverse student population as their interests were expressed. Our established academies are: Humanitas (which holds its own pep rally at the beginning of school to welcome students), Math and Science, Art and Design (with a business partnership with FIDM), Careers in Art and Entertainment (with a partnership with Pierce Community College and the Film School). Local District 1 10

13 How can I get more information or who should I contact if I have questions? Los Angeles Unified School District