Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Westside Middle School Night

On Monday, December 3rd, I will be hosting a "Middle School Night" at Webster Middle School. The goal of the event is to address parents' concerns about the transition between elementary and middle school by giving them an opportunity to get to know their local school. Prospective parents will be able to engage in a dialougue with administrators, parents, and students currently attending their neighborhood middle school.

We will also have a presentation from the LAUSD Magnet Office to coincide with the CHOICES application time period. The event will take place from 7:00-8:30p.m.

The following schools have confirmed their attendance: Emerson, Marina del Rey, Mark Twain, Paul Revere, Webster, Westside Leadership Magnet, Wright.

Webster Middle School is located at 11330 W. Graham Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90064.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

LAUSD Board Unanimously Approves Flagship YMCA Project at University High School

On October 23rd, the Board of Education voted unanimously to execute a joint use-lease agreement and a joint development agreement with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles.
The agreements will permit the development of a flagship YMCA on the University High School campus for use by the students and surrounding community.

In exchange for a one-dollar-a-year, and more than 60 year lease, the Westside Family YMCA will provide funding for the construction of instructional space to be utilized by University High students. The Westside Family YMCA will also provide programming to promote healthy lifestyles, leadership development and community service, augmenting the academic program of University High.

This project is a win-win for the students of the District, the YMCA, and the University High School community.

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Community Events

Since becoming a board member in 2001, one of my main goals has been to increase resident enrollment in the schools I represent. As new schools are built all over LAUSD, the number of students traveling to Westside and Valley schools has decreased. As a result, many of the schools I represent have fallen below their operating capacities, and I am working to ensure that those seats are filled by neighborhood kids.


I recently had the opportunity to participate in two community events aimed at informing the community about their local schools. The first was a forum hosted by the Del Rey Homeowners & Neighbors Association showcasing the progress of the schools in the Del Rey area. Administrators from Braddock, Playa del Rey, Short, Stoner, Marina del Rey MS and Venice HS were on hand to discuss the academic and extra-curricular offerings at their respective campuses. I joined the principals in a Q&A session to answer questions from community members and prospective parents.


I also recently participated in a Community Meeting hosted by Act for Education. This event showcased Emerson Middle School and University High School.


One of the main take-aways of these two events was the amount of misinformation, rumors, and half truths circulating about our schools. I am thankful that these principals had the opportunity to dispel many of these myths and to showcase the accomplishments of their schools. While I acknowledge that every school has it challenges, it is important for the community to also learn about the positive things going on at their local schools. The staff at these schools are working incredibly hard to make sure your children get a wonderful education. Feel free to call your prospective school and ask for a visit or to speak with a principal, counselor, or dean. When you leave the school, tell your friends about the wonderful things you saw and lets all do our part in changing the face of public education.