tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324785752024-03-13T14:31:14.036-07:00The Canter ChronicleThe official blog of LAUSD's Board District 4. <BR> I proudly represent the following high school complexes and their feeder schools: Venice HS, Palisades HS, University HS, Fairfax HS, Hollywood HS, Westchester HS and Taft HS.Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-32437381135777096432009-06-30T10:49:00.000-07:002009-06-30T10:50:54.105-07:00Goodbye!<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Dear Friend,<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">I am leaving office today after serving the families of Board District 4 for eight years. I feel so blessed to have worked with each of you on behalf of the children of LAUSD and I am proud of the many positive changes this District has undergone in the last few years. <o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">I feel confident that I am leaving Board District 4 in good hands with your newly-elected Board Member Steve Zimmer.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">If you or your school need assistance, please contact <a title="mailto:szimmer@lausd.net" href="mailto:szimmer@lausd.net">szimmer@lausd.net</a>.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Thanks for all you do,<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Marlene Canter <o:p></o:p></span></p>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-42246224181650784652009-06-26T12:36:00.001-07:002009-06-26T15:17:19.573-07:00Board Member Canter's Speech Following Board Tribute<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:smarttagtype name="State" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype name="City" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype name="place" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><object id="ieooui" classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D"></object><style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style><br /><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.ListParagraph, li.ListParagraph, div.ListParagraph {mso-style-name:"List Paragraph"; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:.5in; mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.ListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.ListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.ListParagraphCxSpFirst {mso-style-name:"List ParagraphCxSpFirst"; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.ListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.ListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.ListParagraphCxSpMiddle {mso-style-name:"List ParagraphCxSpMiddle"; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.5in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.ListParagraphCxSpLast, li.ListParagraphCxSpLast, div.ListParagraphCxSpLast {mso-style-name:"List ParagraphCxSpLast"; mso-style-type:export-only; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:.5in; mso-add-space:auto; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:1119421582; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:-155431566 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Things I want to talk about at my last LAUSD board meeting on June 23, 2009.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I feel so blessed….. I have always loved my jobs…. And therefore I have never felt like I worked a day in my life…But today, to be here surrounded by my family…. My mom and dad, my daughter (my son and daughter in law could not be here)…. And my friends and colleagues….I don’t think I have ever felt prouder.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">This has been an amazing 8 years for me personally and professionally.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I have been inspired, I have been challenged, I have had to fight, I have had to compromise, I have had to be strong when I felt weak and I have been weak when I thought I was strong. <span style="font-size:+0;"></span>I have won some, I have lost some.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>But underlying all of the eight years has been my lifelong commitment:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">to children who only have one chance at an education and who are each unique onto themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">to education – which is now considered the civil rights for all children<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">to my morals and values<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>that guided my decision making and allowed me to look in the mirror every night, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">to my family, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">to my old friends who have been so patient with<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>me as I became engulfed in the LAUSD life of a board member; <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">to my new friends who I have been so lucky to meet along this path<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">to my belief in the power of relationships<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">to knowing that change is hard and long and often a bumpy road.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span>But mostly my commitment has been to myself and the promise I made when I got elected…. To make decisions that benefited the children. I always said that I would do the best I could to create change and I know there have been many changes that have been made since I have been here…. I also said that I would at least learn what were the barriers to success…. And I think I have a good understanding of those too<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Besides my commitments that guided me… <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I have learned so many lessons….life lessons.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I have probably grown more in these eight years than I have ever….let me share a few of them:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><span style="font-size:85%;">1. The better relationships you can develop, the more that can get accomplished.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in">2. <span style="font-size:85%;">We all come from different backgrounds… what I called a melting pot and Monica calls a salad bowl… is really the same… an attempt to find a commonalities amongst our differences, to be able to unite on common ground for a higher purpose, to be able to reflect for the ones that follow that there is more strength in holding hands when you walk across a beam than there is when you walk alone….and I have learned that this lesson has to be renewed and reflected upon each and every day…. And a promise has to be made to each other that we will continue to strive for what is best for all of us… <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><span style="font-size:85%;">3. I have learned that no matter what the reform is…. If we don’t have a good teacher in each and every classroom then we are failing our children… no matter what school, what size school, or what kind of school... all children have a teacher in front of them or with them each day… we must find a way to ensure that each one is the best<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in">4. <span style="font-size:85%;">I have also learned that in order to have a successful school… you must have a good leader…. I had breakfast with Elizabeth Abramowitz the other morning…. And she taught me that managers manage all that is around them…. Leaders know what to manage… we have a lot to learn and to share about leadership with each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in">5. <span style="font-size:85%;">I have learned that being a superintendent is a very difficult job…I have been here with three of them… each different… but to each of them… I say thank you for saying yes…and for what you given of yourself to us. To Roy Romer… I loved being in the foxhole with you…you are my mentor and my friend. <span style="font-size:+0;"></span>And to Ray… I may be leaving my job as a board member but I will never be farther than a phone call away… We are so lucky to have you… and I am so glad that our paths have crossed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in">6. I <span style="font-size:85%;">have learned that there are so many factions here in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Los Angeles</st1:place></st1:city> that we need to work harder at being unified… the kids need us to be<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><span style="font-size:85%;">7. I have also never met a parent that didn’t want their child to be successful… we must find better ways to engage our parents so that they are more knowledgeable about what makes a good school so that they too can help advocate for what we need to create change.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in">8. <span style="font-size:85%;">I have learned that you cannot replicate a charter school… I admire their tenacity but I am deeply aware that without the ed code or collective bargaining agreements or minimized agreements<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>they have more freedom to work more efficiently and effectively… we must find better ways to foster reform and innovation from within the district or else all people who want to be reformers will go to charters and we will have created the demise of our public schools.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><span style="font-size:85%;">9. I have learned that the way money is allocated to us in the state of <st1:state st="on">California</st1:state> does not work.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>We cannot be responsible to the county for three year budgets when we only know one year at a time what we are getting. And what we get… is not enough to even cover the mandates…it makes those of us with fiduciary responsibilities put in a position to make decisions that we know are sometimes not the best one.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in">10. <span style="font-size:85%;">I think the most important thing I have learned is that educating children is really complex… it is easy to beat up LAUSD… it is much harder to fix it… And we need to all work together to make that happen.</span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">It would be impossible to recognize all the people that I have had the honor of working with… some of the smartest people I have ever met in my life…Some still here at LAUSD, some have moved on…some are my advisors…some I talk to everyday… some more infrequently...to all of you who know me and have worked with me…I know you know how much I think of you… How much I thank you for what you do everyday and how much I will miss not working side by side with you…and how much you all mean to me… changing jobs does not mean that we cannot continue to connect…</span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">But… I will not fail to recognize those without whom I could not have done my work… And that thank you and acknowledgement of how much you mean to me and how appreciative I am of your dedication and inspiration and ability to get all the work done… to you… I will name you by name…..<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">My staffs…from 2001-2009…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">If you are here please stand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">Andrew Glazier…..my first chief of staff<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">Jolene Shiffman Chavira<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">Amy Held<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">Marina Lang<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span lang="ES" style="font-size:85%;">Jordan Henry<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span lang="ES" style="font-size:85%;">Virginia Flores<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span lang="ES" style="font-size:85%;">Melissa Milios<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">Mark Taylor<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">Paola Santana<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">Melissa Infusino – my current chief of staff<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">Samira Estilai –<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>my previous chief of staff<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">Beverly West – who unfailingly everyday for the entire eight years made sure that we were all taken care of<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">To all of you… It has been a privilege to share this work with you.</span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">And lastly, to my colleagues… Present and past board members…I will tell you exactly what I told Steve Zimmer the other night when we had a chance to have dinner together.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">We have all been given the honor of being an elected official – the only ones – that make policy just for the children of LAUSD… What an amazing responsibility it is….. What an amazing privilege… I know how hard this job is… I know how hard we get pulled in a million directions…but when you put your head on the pillow every night… I ask that you reflect on all that you did that day… And evaluate it in terms of how it helped the kids…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">It is the only way that LAUSD will thrive and survive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;">Thank you all for being here with me… for all that you said…. For all that you do…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="ListParagraphCxSpLast" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Although this chapter of my</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-size:85%;">life is coming to an end… my work is not complete…I don’t know exactly what I will be doing but you can be assured that my advocacy for having a good teacher in every classroom will continue… But I also have promised myself to add some balance to my life… to remember to enjoy each day… spend time with those I love… To</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-size:85%;">paint beautiful pictures… to see sunsets at the beach… and every once in a while turn on KLCS…and catch up on the hard work that I am leaving behind to all of you.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-49380645397324246142009-06-09T15:17:00.000-07:002009-06-09T15:42:26.753-07:00Mark Twain Middle School Wins Ballroom Dancing "Dance-off"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/Si7jIABQRFI/AAAAAAAAAFs/SAEmO3veNZ4/s1600-h/Ballroom+Madness+Dance+Off+%2812%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/Si7jIABQRFI/AAAAAAAAAFs/SAEmO3veNZ4/s200/Ballroom+Madness+Dance+Off+%2812%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345459534319076434" border="0" /></a>Ten students from Mark Twain Middle School participated in a ballroom dancing "dance-off" yesterday at Hamilton High School. They competed against students from Audobon and Mann Middle Schools.<br /><br />The competition was th<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/Si7gGntPWkI/AAAAAAAAAFU/o8-YbnBpAck/s1600-h/Ballroom+Madness+Dance+Off+%285%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/Si7gGntPWkI/AAAAAAAAAFU/o8-YbnBpAck/s200/Ballroom+Madness+Dance+Off+%285%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345456212077926978" border="0" /></a>e culmination of a year-long partnership between the City Attorney's Office, Ballroom Madness and the aforementioned schools. Through a popular after-school program, over one hundred Mark Twain students learned many types of dance including the Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Swing and the Polka.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/Si7iwhk_WrI/AAAAAAAAAFc/3OJglaA4-QI/s1600-h/Ballroom+Madness+Dance+Off+%287%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/Si7iwhk_WrI/AAAAAAAAAFc/3OJglaA4-QI/s200/Ballroom+Madness+Dance+Off+%287%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345459131010472626" border="0" /></a><br />As fellow students and parents cheered on from the stands, the students performed a series of dances while being judged by a panel of dance and entertainment professionals. After a fabulous set of performances, the Mark Twain students were awarded the first place trophy!Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-20934769249483131252009-05-21T09:22:00.000-07:002009-05-21T12:10:22.848-07:00UCLA/LAUSD Launch TIE-INS Program<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/ShWjjxTqrMI/AAAAAAAAAFM/cgLq5X2qGnU/s1600-h/ucla+bruin.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 132px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/ShWjjxTqrMI/AAAAAAAAAFM/cgLq5X2qGnU/s200/ucla+bruin.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338352768244165826" border="0" /></a><br /><p><span>As part of our continuing efforts to bring innovative partnerships and additional resources to Board District 4 schools, we are excited to announce a new initiative in partnership with UCLA: Together In Education In Neighborhood Schools (TIE-INS).</span></p><p>TIE-INS will provide a link between three schools in the University HS complex and the UCLA campus. The partnership will substantially increase UCLA's presence and support of Nora Sterry Elementary, Emerson Middle and University High. UCLA will support high achievement at these schools starting at Nora Sterry in the 2009-2010 school year, and at Emerson and University in the 2010-2011 school year.<br /></p>The TIE-INS partnership will also enable a limited number of children of UCLA employees who live outside the attendance area to attend these three public schools which are near the UCLA campus.<br /><p><span>For more information about TIE-INS and Nora Sterry Elementary School, visit <a title="http://www.tie-ins.gseis.ucla.edu/" href="http://www.tie-ins.gseis.ucla.edu/">www.TIE-INS.gseis.ucla.edu</a>.</span></p>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-18409020606071916932009-05-13T09:54:00.000-07:002009-05-13T11:01:27.821-07:00Calling All Teachers, Parents, and Principals!I am looking for parents, teachers, and principals who can to speak at our May 26 Board meeting in support of improving the teacher dismissal system. We cannot stand by and continue to depend on a state system that is broken and sends unfit people back to the classroom.<br /><br />Have you read the recent LA Times Investigation entitled <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-teachers-landing-html,0,1258194.htmlstory?sadf">"Failure Gets a Pass"</a> that details how challenging it is to fire ineffective and abusive teachers from the District? After the LA Times articles were released there has been an outpouring of support and even more demands for immediate action from every corner. As a result I have decided to bring my the motion back to the Board table for the May 26 Board Meeting.<br /><br />Since last fall, I have been meeting with internal and external representatives trying to change the way we remove ineffective teachers. On April 28 I brought forward two motions that would ask Sacramento to seek changes in state law to permit a tenured teacher to be dismissed for poor teaching or egregious behavior and would internally change our system for making sure principals signed off on teachers before they become tenured. Those motions melded into a task force that will study the issue – but I am bringing the issue back.<br /><br />This motion is not a statement about teachers, I was a teacher and helped support teachers my whole working life. They do important work everyday. This motion is about fixing a system that currently puts people who harm children, commit crimes, harass co-workers back into classrooms with our kids. <br /><br />If you would like to come to the Board of Education to speak in favor of my motion, please call my office at (213) 241-6387.<br /><br /><br />I am looking for parents, teachers, or principals who have experienced an ineffective teacher and can to speak to why the system needs to be changed.<br /><br />If you would like to come to the Board of Education to speak in favor of my motions, please call my office at (213) 241-6387.Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-82142324725032101502009-02-11T16:12:00.001-08:002009-02-11T16:16:38.288-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">In an effort to educate students and to reach out to community members about the benefits of recycling, Revere Middle School's PRIDE Booster Club will be hosting the<br /><br />First Annual E-Waste Collection Event for the Palisades/Brentwood Community<br />Saturday, March 7, 2009, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.<br /><br />Clear your garage of those old computers, TVs, LCDs and more!<br />The drop-off site will be at Paul Revere Middle School<br /><br />For additional information, please visit<br /><a href="http://www.ca-recycle.com/revere">www.ca-recycle.com/revere</a><br /><a href="http://www.ca-recycle.com/revere/revere_flyer.htm">www.ca-recycle.com/revere/revere_flyer.htm</a><br /></div>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-68876913170362059802009-01-23T10:38:00.000-08:002009-01-23T10:43:03.954-08:00Superintendent Cortines announces that there will be no mid-year teacher layoffsSuperintendent Cortines issued the following press release today announcing that there will be no mid-year teacher layoffs:<br /><br /><div align="center">Superintendent Cortines Announces No Mid-Year Teacher Layoffs</div><div align="left"><br />Even after the Governor’s plea to solve the budget crisis during his State of the State Address last week, the State has not made progress in finalizing its budget for the remainder of this year. Unlike our elected officials in Sacramento, we do not have the luxury of halting our decisions without suffering dire consequences. Our fiscal timeline requires that our decisions match our instructional calendar, especially for those of our schools that have started the second semester and schools that are about to start the second semester in February. Additionally, to date, over 2,000 certificated employees have indicated their interest in early retirement by participating in the District survey. A decision to offer the early retirement incentive will be made in the near future. Furthermore, all classified employees who are eligible for early retirement will be surveyed during the first week of February.<br /><br />It is our responsibility to make the best decisions for our students based on the information that is available to us. Due to the lack of clear information from Sacramento, the need for stability at schools in the second semester, and the high level of interest in a retirement incentive program, there will be no mid-year teacher layoffs. Based on these factors, I do not feel that it would be appropriate to negatively impact our students and teachers without definitive information from the State.<br /><br />Last week, the Los Angeles Board of Education granted me the authority to do mid-year teacher layoffs as a precautionary measure for a State budget scenario with no flexibility provided to school districts. Since we have not received any additional information from the State, we feel that we must make our decisions based on the Governor’s latest proposal that has included more flexibility for school districts to deal with these difficult economic hardships. Based on this anticipated flexibility, we can avoid teacher layoffs and still meet our financial obligations for this school year. To be clear, we will still need to make extremely difficult cuts, but at least we can ensure that the critical connection between our teachers and students will not be disrupted this school year. <br /><br />As I have mentioned in the past, we will continue to be prudent and balance our budget to ensure we meet our financial obligations for next year as well. This will require us to fundamentally change the way we operate. If the State’s budget proposals remain the same, we will only be able to provide basic core services to our schools. Many important programs and services that we have had in the past will no longer be offered. To guide us in our difficult decision making, we will have a plan to present to the Board of Education and community by the end of February 2009. I want to be clear that this plan will not be comfortable and will result in layoffs at every level of the District in July. Once again, I want to clearly communicate that the priority for cuts will be on central offices, and local districts and finally, the schools.<br /><br />I will continue to keep you updated on our financial condition as new information becomes available and I welcome your continued comments as we head down this difficult path together. We will all need to work together to reach out to our state representatives to communicate the need for a State budget that reflects the importance of education and services to our children and their families.</div>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-36177534081429777072009-01-21T17:49:00.000-08:002009-01-21T17:56:41.222-08:00Debate with Candidates to Fill the Board District 4 Seat<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">On March 3, you will have the opportunity to elect a new board member to represent your child’s school. Please come and hear the candidates speak about their priorities and their ideas for improving your child’s school.</span><br /><br />School Board Member Marlene Canter<br />and The League of Women Voters of Los Angeles<br />present<br /><br />a CANDIDATE FORUM<br />with LAUSD District 4 School Board Candidates:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Mike Stryer</span><br />Teacher, Fairfax High School<br /><br />And<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Steve Zimmer</span><br />Teacher, Marshall High School<br /><br />------------------<br /><br />February 9, 2009<br />Woodland Hills Academy<br />20800 Burbank Blvd<br />Woodland Hills, CA 91367<br />7:00 – 8:30 pm<br /><br />February 11, 2009<br />University High School<br />11800 Texas Ave<br />Los Angeles, CA 90025<br />7:00 – 8:30 pm<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">This meeting is neither sponsored by nor is it in anyway connected with the<br />Los Angeles Unified School District.</span><br /></div>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-11227645770362322122009-01-14T17:15:00.000-08:002009-01-14T17:38:11.062-08:00Budget Update<span style="color:#000000;">At yesterday’s Board Meeting, Superintendent Ray Cortines and Chief Financial Officer Megan Reilly provided the Board and the public with a budget update. Because of the State’s deteriorating fiscal condition, Superintendent Cortines and Ms. Reilly anticipate that the District will have to cut at least $250 million for the current school year. This is on top of $427 million the District has already cut from this year’s budget.<br /><br />Unfortunately, we have very little clear information about what the impact of the State’s budget deficit will be on LAUSD. There have been five different proposals from the Governor, State Legislature and the independent Legislative Analyst Office attempting to close the State budget deficit. But, there has been no agreement. As the State continues to deliberate, the deficit continues to grow and our options to address any mid-year cuts driven by the State become fewer.<br /><br />Because we do not have a clear picture from Sacramento the District has instituted spending and hiring freezes, and, yesterday, the Board voted to give the Superintendent the authority to send mid-year layoff notices to non-permanent teachers should the state budget crisis become so severe that this action would be necessary. I want to be clear that even though the Board voted to give this authority, the Superintendent will come back to the Board before enacting a mid-year layoff to share with the Board and public his plan for responding to the mid-year budget cuts we will have to make.<br /><br />I’ve heard from many of you about the lack of logic in laying off our newest teachers. I agree. It is illogical to layoff non-permanent teachers at mid-year. It’s a blanket move that discounts other important factors like performance, the cohesion of a school site team, and the impact on students. But, as I said, with each day of delay, our options are more and more limited, and this action may be one of the few options – given legal and contractual obligations – available to LAUSD should the state budget crisis become so severe that we have to reduce the number of people we employ in the middle of the school year.<br /><br />The bottom line right now is that no one is receiving layoff notices. We simply do not have enough information about what the State budget crisis will require of us. Superintendent Cortines will come back to the Board once we have more complete budget information from the State and he will share his plan, which will include above all, a focus on streamlining central and local district offices and reducing administrative and non-school positions.<br /><br />In the meantime, please consider contacting your state representatives to let them know how they can help your child and your school by passing a budget that is fair to education. You can find your local legislator by going to</span> <a title="http://www.legislature.ca.gov/" href="http://www.legislature.ca.gov/" target="_blank">http://www.legislature.ca.gov/</a>.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">For more info on the budget, watch "Superintendent Cortines: On the Record" featuring LAUSD Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines, Chief Operating Officer David Holmquist, and Chief Financial Officer Megan Reilly. The three will discuss and examine the LAUSD budget outlook and the potential cuts that face LAUSD in the next few years. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The special report will air on KLCS on the following dates and times:<br />Wednesday, Jan 14 at 7 p.m. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Thursday, Jan 15 at 4:30 p.m. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Friday, Jan 16 at 6:30 a.m. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Sunday, Jan 18 at 8 a.m. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Tuesday, Jan 20 at 10 a.m. </span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Thursday, Jan 22 at 10 a.m.</span>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-34298317551832948262009-01-14T17:14:00.000-08:002009-01-16T15:25:16.226-08:00Venice High School Pool Update<span style="font-family:georgia;">The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks recently announced that the Venice High School pool will soon reopen. The pool is maintained and operated by the City of Los Angeles under a joint-use agreement with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LAUSD</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Staff has been hard at work over the past few months repairing the facility. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Currently</span> lifeguards are brushing and vacuuming the pool, the water temperature is rising, and keys are being provided to the lifeguard on duty. </span><br /><p style="font-family:georgia;">The pool will be ready to <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" >reopen on</span> Monday, January 19, 2009</strong>.</p><p style="font-family: georgia;">Thank you to all the community members who have contacted my office to express how much this facility means to them, their children, and the Venice community.<br /></p>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-25851659601253195572009-01-14T16:55:00.000-08:002009-01-14T17:32:52.674-08:00New LAUSD Report Card to Measure Schools’ Success, Progress and Areas for Improvement<p><span style="color:#000000;">This week, LAUSD parents and guardians began receiving a new kind of report card in the mail - a school-level report card on the performance of their children's schools.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">The Report Card is meant to be a public, easy to read, annual summary of school performance that goes beyond test scores and emphasizes both performance and progress. Many of the measures on the report card have long been available, but never in one place. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">The Report Card measures include:</span></p><ul><li><span style="color:#000000;">School graduation rate</span></li><br /><li><span style="color:#000000;">Completion of required college-ready courses, such as the A-G course sequence required by the Cal State and University of California systems</span></li><br /><li><span style="color:#000000;">Progress of English learner students becoming fluent in English</span></li><br /><li><span style="color:#000000;">Percentage of students proficient and improving on California Standards Tests</span></li><br /><li><span style="color:#000000;">Student and staff attendance</span></li></ul><p><span style="color:#000000;">Future versions of the report card will include measures of students' and staff’s feelings about their safety on campus and student and parent satisfaction with their school.</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">We are grateful to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and the California Community Foundation for funding the Report Card effort. Their contribution helps the District to deliver on its promise to provide transparency about school performance. This transparency is an important step towards joint accountability for student outcomes and achievement that includes the Central District, Local Districts, school administrators, teachers, parents, students and the community. </span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">To access the Report Card online go to </span><a href="http://www.lausd.net/ReportCard">www.lausd.net/ReportCard</a>.<span style="color:#000000;"> There you will also find instructional videos on how to use the Report Card. The Report Card is a living document that will be adapted over time to improve its usefulness. If you have suggestions for improvement please let us know. And, if you have questions about the measures on the Report Card please don’t hesitate to contact us.</span> </p><p> </p>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-86865740026155176542008-11-20T11:54:00.000-08:002008-11-20T12:30:28.183-08:00Venice High School PoolStaff from the District's Joint Use program and the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks recently held a community meeting to update the public about the status of the Venice High School pool.<br /><br />The pool has been closed since the end of September after leaks were discovered and is currently undergoing a series of inspections.<br /><br />The Department of Recreation and Parks will be updating their website weekly, or as information comes in, in an effort to keep the Venice community informed about the status of the facility.<br /><br />You can visit <a href="http://www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic/facility/venicePool.htm">http://www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic/facility/venicePool.htm</a> for more information.Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-39183538373398123702008-11-06T10:12:00.000-08:002008-11-06T10:33:56.931-08:00My re-election decisionLast week, I announced that after a great deal of thought and reflection, I had decided not to seek reelection to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LAUSD</span> Board of Education. This was an incredibly tough decision for me. Over my seven plus years as a Board Member, I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ve</span> been able to make many important changes for our schools, from making our schools healthier places for students to working to bring families back to their neighborhood public schools. There is still much work to do, and I am committed to serving Board District 4 and the entire <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">LAUSD</span> family until my final day as a Board Member. And, come July 1, I plan to continue my life-long focus on education as I seek new challenges and opportunities to improve the lives of children.<br /><br />I wanted to share the statement I released regarding my decision (pasted below). And, I wanted to personally thank you for your continued interest in what’s going on in Board District 4. Please continue to check back here often because as I said we’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ve</span> got plenty of work to do to keep moving <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">LAUSD</span> forward!<br /><br />Marlene<br /><div align="center"> <br /><strong>BOARD MEMBER MARLENE CANTER’S<br />STATEMENT REGARDING HER RE-ELECTION</strong> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Los Angeles – <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">LAUSD</span> Board Member Marlene Canter issued the following statement today regarding her decision about the upcoming Board of Education election:<br /><br />"After much thought and reflection, I have decided not to seek reelection to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">LAUSD</span> Board of Education.<br /><br />"It has been a very difficult decision because as a Board Member, I have been able to lead important changes in a wide range of areas. I'm very proud of the accomplishments we've been able to achieve together, and which have set the stage for larger gains by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">LAUSD</span> in the years ahead: </div><ul><li><div align="left">Forming the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">iDesign</span> Schools Division with its focus on outside partnerships and school site innovation and district innovation;</div></li><li><div align="left">Bringing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Westside</span> and Valley families back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">LAUSD</span> neighborhood schools;</div></li><li><div align="left">Leading the nation in implementing a series of fundamental changes to school nutrition;</div></li><li><div align="left">Setting new standards and approving more charters than any other school district in the country;</div></li><li><div align="left">Helping direct district-wide efforts to build desperately needed facilities, while changing the culture of how the District does business; </div></li><li><div align="left">Implementing instructional changes that have helped our elementary schools to improve at a rate much faster than the State average; </div></li><li><div align="left">Leading the charge to recruit the best and brightest employees and bringing focus to the need for relevant and high quality professional development; and</div></li><li><div align="left">Setting the path for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">LAUSD</span>’s sustainability efforts including putting cleaner school buses on our streets.</div></li></ul>"While this experience has been immensely rewarding, it is time for me to seek new challenges and avenues to improve the lives of children. I have spent my entire adult life doing just this -- as a teacher, co-founder and co-CEO of a teacher training company, and as a Board Member. And I will continue to do so in my last eight months on the Board and in the new opportunities and challenges that await me in July and beyond.<br /><br />"The knowledge that we accomplish nothing by ourselves is one of the many lessons that I will take with me from my time as a Board Member. Whether it has been forging better relationships with Sacramento or creating new partnerships with education non-profits and community groups, collaborating with outside change agents has been essential. I will continue to focus on working with those who are bringing unique and meaningful improvements to education."<br /><div align="center"># # # </div><br />I am also including links to a few news stories about my announcement:<br /><br /><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/10/lausds-marlene.html">http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/10/lausds-marlene.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/education/la-me-board31-2008oct31,0,1855717.story">http://www.latimes.com/news/education/la-me-board31-2008oct31,0,1855717.story</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_10851883?IADID=Search-www.dailybreeze.com-www.dailybreeze.com">http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_10851883?IADID=Search-www.dailybreeze.com-www.dailybreeze.com</a>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-23210061554290136422008-11-05T14:47:00.000-08:002008-11-06T10:58:13.480-08:00Local District 3 Parent Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) Town Hall MeetingThe Local District 3 Parent Community Advisory Council will be hosting a town hall meeting to discuss current issues, meet district staff and inform parents on how to make a positive impact on their child's education.<br /><br />Thursday, November 13<br />6:00 - 8:00 pm<br />Webster Middle School<br />11330 W. Graham Pl.<br />Los Angeles, CA 90064Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-50411841983615877852008-10-22T12:04:00.000-07:002008-10-22T16:31:46.464-07:00Southwest Valley Middle School NightBoard Members Marlene Canter and Tamar Galatzan will be co-hosting an information night featuring Southwest Valley middle schools. <br /><br />Wednesday, October 29th<br />6:30 - 8:00 pm<br />Woodland Hills Academy<br />20800 Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367<br /><br />Featuring presentations by the following middle schools:<br /><br />Columbus - Hale - Hesby Span - Mulholland - Northridge - Portola - Woodland Hills Academy -<br /><br />In addition, the LAUSD Magnet Office will be on hand once again to inform parents about their middle school options thorugh the CHOICES program and to answer questions about the November 14th application release.Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-41406265116160284482008-10-08T18:25:00.000-07:002008-10-22T16:41:35.732-07:00Board Member Canter to Host Middle School Night<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/SP-5bB_CEzI/AAAAAAAAADY/14XpqXH-56M/s1600-h/img053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260126763832447794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/SP-5bB_CEzI/AAAAAAAAADY/14XpqXH-56M/s200/img053.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Thank you to all the families who joined me at the Middle School Night event last night at Emerson Middle School. It was very heartening to see so many parents exploring their public school options.</div><div></div><div>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div><br /></div><div></div><br /><div>Because the transition between elementary and middle school can be daunting for students (and their parents!), Board Member Marlene Canter would like to invite you participate in the yearly Middle School Night event.<br /><br />Join us in conversation with principals, counselors, parents and students to learn about the programs offered at your child's neighborhood middle school and other middle school options.<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div align="center">Tuesday, October 21st</div><br /><div align="center">6:30 - 8:00 p.m.</div><br /><div align="center">Emerson Middle School</div><br /><div align="center">1650 Selby Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024</div><br />Featuring presentations by the following middle schools:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Emerson - Marina del Rey - Mark Twain - Paul Revere - </div><br /><div align="center">Webster - Westside Leadership - Wright</div><br />In addition, the LAUSD Magnet Office will be on hand to inform parents about thier middle school options thorugh the CHOICES program and to answer questions about the November 14th application release.</div>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-85091678295752148642008-08-18T14:46:00.000-07:002008-08-18T16:56:14.478-07:0012th Annual Los Angeles Latino International Film FestivalThe 12th Annual Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival will be taking place September 12th to the 19th at the historic Egyptian theater. <br /><br />Over the past 11 years, the film festival's youth program has hosted thousands of elementary to high school age students in an effort to expose them to different cultures and enhance their knowledge about the world around them through film.<br /><br />This year Diego Luna, the renowned Mexican actor and filmmaker will present five exceptional films and guide students in an open discussion where they will have a dialogue about their reactions to the film.<br /><br />If you have any questions, or would like to have your students participate, please contact <a href="mailto:youthprogram@latinofilm.org">youthprogram@latinofilm.org</a>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-51613681514221679032008-08-04T13:29:00.000-07:002008-08-04T13:36:59.892-07:00LAUSD TO CO-HOST CALIFORNIA CONTRUCTION EXPO 2008The Los Angeles Unified School District is partnering with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Associated General Contractors of California, Los Angeles World Airports and the Port of Los Angeles to host the third annual California Construction Expo 2008. <br /><br />Representatives throughout the construction industry will gather for a full-day of activities to foster business relationships, attend workshops to explore innovation and best practices, and experience new tools and equipment during this year's California Construction Expo focusing on "green building." <br /><br />In its effort to cultivate a skilled labor force for public sector construction jobs, California Construction Expo will provide free admission to individuals seeking a career in construction. Labor Trade Unions and worker support organizations will be on hand to facilitate access and guidance to construction apprenticeship training. <br /><br />Workshops will be held throughout the morning on topics from project management of green buildings to how to work with public agencies. The Expo will also feature a workshop for students looking to start a career in construction after graduation. <br /><br />This event provides construction industry professionals and others an opportunity to do business with public agencies. The Expo is an important part of the District’s effort to attract the contractor capacity necessary to complete its $20.3 billion New School Construction and Modernization Program. To register for the California Construction Expo 2008 or for more information, visit <a title="http://www.calconexpo.com/" href="http://www.calconexpo.com/">www.CalConExpo.com</a>.<br /><br />WHEN: Thursday, August 21, 2008 <br /> 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. <br /><br />WHERE: Los Angeles Convention Center <br /> West Hall B <br /> 1201 S. Figueroa Street <br /> Los Angeles, CA 90015Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-28304969836495625482008-07-18T10:42:00.000-07:002008-07-18T11:05:10.500-07:00Brentwood Science Magnet Raising Funds for Music & Arts EducationParents at Brentwood Science Magnet have organized an online auction to raise funds to support vital programs at the school including music and arts education. <br /><br />Please visit <a title="http://www.bsmauction.cmarket.com/" href="http://www.bsmauction.cmarket.com/">www.bsmauction.cmarket.com</a> to check out the auction and support a good cause!<br /><br />The auction closes on July 28.Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-24387513687121606002008-07-15T15:00:00.000-07:002008-07-18T10:41:39.518-07:00Board of Education Approves LMU Family of Schools PartnershipOn Tuesday June 8, the Board of Education approved a landmark agreement outlining the partnership terms for the Loyola Marymount Family of Schools in Westchester.<br /><br />The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a one-year initial agreement with Loyola Marymount University to begin partnering with five Westchester schools on reform efforts. The agreement will focus on planning and transition in the first phase of a multi-phased initiative. During this upcoming school year, LMU will work with teachers, parents, community members and other stakeholders to transition schools into local decision-making models and to develop the human capital necessary for further phases of the work.<br /><br />Part of the District's iDesign Schools initiative (formerly known as the Innovation Division), the LMU Family of Schools is a partnership designed to empower parents, increase community engagement, improve student achievement and graduation rates. Joining the iDesign Division grants schools increased flexibility and exemption from District policies in exchange for greater accountability.<br /><br />The schools partnering with LMU include Westchester High School, Orville Wright Middle School’s community and magnet programs and Cowan, Kentwood and Westport Heights Elementary Schools.<br /><br />The partnership with LMU will connect our parents and teachers with LMU’s expertise and enable us to accelerate achievement for our students. I want to thank Loyola Marymount University and the community for helping to build a model network of support for the schools in the Westchester area.Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-7119605593102886002008-07-09T16:36:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:31:13.749-08:00Physical Education IS a Priority!At <a href="http://audio2.lausd.k12.ca.us/Inspirational_Speakers/PEresolution07-08-08.mov">Tuesday's Board meeting</a>, with a huge turnout, we unanimously adopted a PE motion that I authored and introduced w<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/SHVPAthkw_I/AAAAAAAAADA/gLkrgHyu064/s1600-h/DSC01564.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221166216644969458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" height="277" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/SHVPAthkw_I/AAAAAAAAADA/gLkrgHyu064/s400/DSC01564.JPG" width="379" border="0" /></a>ith Board Members Tamar Galatzan and Julie Korenstein. This motion is the fourth in a series of student health related motions I have authored, the first being banning the sale of soda in our schools, then the sale of junk food and thirdly improving the nutritional quality of foods served in our cafeterias.<br /><br />With the PE motion, my aim was to raise awareness about the ongoing problem of childhood obesity, and to send a message to my colleagues, the LAUSD leadership and the community, that physical education IS a priority. Both non-compliance with state law and large class sizes – upwards of 80 students in some cases – are unacceptable to me. My immediate intent with this motion is to ensure that students receive the PE program that the law requires and eventually to reduce PE class sizes. In light of the recent budget cuts, I wanted to have as perfect knowledge as possible about the cost impacts of such an action, which is why I asked the Superintendent to bring a cost analysis of the class size reductions back to the Board in September.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/SHVRsriYASI/AAAAAAAAADQ/NybYtwv5-L8/s1600-h/DSC01562.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221169171048956194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/SHVRsriYASI/AAAAAAAAADQ/NybYtwv5-L8/s200/DSC01562.JPG" border="0" /></a><em>Thanks to all the supporters - parents, students, teachers, health advocates who came out to support this motion! Your efforts helped us win this important vote!</em><br /><br /><br />Here are the highlights of the motion:<br /><br />- Educate us (new Board members, Superintendent, leadership) on the importance of physical activity to both health and student achievement<br />- Remind us of the CA Ed Code mandates regarding physical education<br />- Establish new transparencies around our physical education program implementation at our school site by including such data in our District and School Accountability Report Cards<br />- Adopt the CA Dept of Education’s standards for PE (Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools K-12<br />- Ensure that the physical education facilities are designed, developed, and constructed according to the California Department of Education Guide to School Site Analysis and Development<br />- Call for an annual report on compliance with this motion and the state law<br />- Ask the Superintendent to bring us a plan for decreasing class size in PE which in some of secondary schools are as large as 80 students a classMarlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-64933023386136179792008-07-07T10:06:00.000-07:002008-07-07T10:26:44.800-07:00LAUSD BOOKS OF SUMMER PROGRAMAs summer vacation begins for most LA Unified students, it is important that parents continue to encourage students to read. <br /><br />The Los Angeles Unified School District is once again launching the Books of Summer Reading Program in an effort to keep students' minds engaged in learning. <br /><br />Students who read a minimum of four approved books over the summer and write a report for each can enter into the Books of Summer contest. Students at every grade level are invited to participate and every participant will receive a prize.<br /><br />For more information visit the LAUSD Books of Summer website to get the reading lists, entry forms and other important information including deadlines. <a href="http://booksofsummer.lausd.net/">http://booksofsummer.lausd.net</a>.Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-63513505917780434582008-07-01T16:26:00.000-07:002008-12-08T22:31:13.878-08:00Congratulations Class of 2008!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/SGq_DbsqRsI/AAAAAAAAACw/CJ1TJwCndKw/s1600-h/MC+Brewer+with+hollywood+high+graduaMC+te.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218193183957731010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VK__4S68AtI/SGq_DbsqRsI/AAAAAAAAACw/CJ1TJwCndKw/s200/MC+Brewer+with+hollywood+high+graduaMC+te.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Board of Education celebrated the graduating Class of 2008 this morning during the Board's annual meeting. Several students from throughout the District were invited to speak before the Board to share their experiences as LAUSD students.<br /><br />We all know that the District faces many challenges, but it was refreshing to take the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of a small sample of this year's more than 20,000 LAUSD graduates. Each student reflected on their experience and expressed their gratitude to the teachers and staff members who have supported them throughout their academic years and made a difference in their lives.<br /><br />During the meeting I had the pleasure of meeting Kelvin Batiste, a recent graduate of Hollywood High School's Performing Arts Magnet program. Kelvin will be attending college in the fall and hopes to study theater/acting. Kelvin was thankful for the opportunity of being able to attend a program focusing on his passion - the performing arts - and for having a great mentor, Mr. Kenneth Martinez.<br /><br />Follow the link below to watch video of the students addressing the Board: <a href="http://audio2.lausd.k12.ca.us/Inspirational_Speakers/gradstudents2008.mov">http://audio2.lausd.k12.ca.us/Inspirational_Speakers/gradstudents2008.mov</a>Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-71086889873128030782008-07-01T15:25:00.000-07:002008-07-01T16:14:39.883-07:00LAUSD Teachers of the YearTen LA Unified teachers have recently been named LAUSD Teachers of the Year for the 2008-2009 school year. <br /><br />I would like to congratulate Ms. Shari Siegler from the Westchester-Emerson Community Adult School in Board District 4 for being one of the teachers receiving this honor. <br /><br />Ms. Siegler has been a teacher for 31 years and has been teaching English at Westchester-Emerson Community Adult School for the last 22 years.<br /><br />We know that the quality of the teacher in the classroom has the single biggest impact on student performance and I commend Ms. Siegler for her commitment and dedication to her students.<br /><br />The other nine honorees include Margaret (Peg) Cagle from Lawrence Middle School and Gifted Magnet in Chatsworth, Kathie Yonemura from Hesby Oaks in Encino, Jose Navarrao from Sylmar High School, Karile Baltrusaitis from Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, Darryl Newhouse from Foshay Learning Center in Los Angeles, Christine Blackwell from 232nd Place Elementary in Carson, Zitlalpilli Luna from Glenn Hammond Curtis Middle School, Tracey Washington from Gardena Early Education Center, and Efrain Nava from Dana Middle School in San Pedro.<br /><br />These 10 teachers will now compete against other outstanding educators for the L.A. County Teachers of the Year Award. Best of luck!Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32478575.post-79593310819204340312008-06-28T10:09:00.000-07:002008-07-03T09:52:16.625-07:00Delivering a Quality Education in Schools of Every SizeWhen it comes to education reform, what change will have the biggest impact on student achievement? This question was before the School Board on Tuesday as we discussed a resolution to transform large LAUSD schools in to schools of approximately 500 students.<br /><br />I feel very strongly that the size of a school is far less important than the quality of the teachers and the principal at that school. I also feel that any large scale transformation requires a thorough, thoughtful analysis. Before I could commit to breaking down all of our large schools into smaller schools, I needed to know: Are schools of 500 too small to offer students everything we want and need to provide? What is the right number that achieves both a sense of personalization and improved student outcomes? How much will the changes cost and what do we forgo by using our resources to make schools smaller? How do we ensure that schools have the right conditions – from quality teaching staff and a strong principal to rigorous curriculum – for increased student achievement in a smaller setting and in every setting?<br /><br />Tuesday’s debate was long and in the end, I was pleased that the authors of the resolution listened to my concerns and accepted amendments from Board Member Galatzan and me to do the requisite analysis and planning before declaring unequivocally that LAUSD will be transformed into a district of small schools by 2020. I look forward to receiving the Superintendent’s analysis in December and hearing his recommendations for making large schools smaller, where it makes sense.<br /><br />I also look forward to the pilot phase, which will begin no later than 2010, focus on high priority schools and large middle schools, and which will be guided by the results of the Superintendent’s analysis. I know from my business career that you always start small, learn from your mistakes, and then scale up if the results warrant it.Marlene Canterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03384267941297553348noreply@blogger.com1