Thursday, September 24, 2009
DONE Grant Application
Click here to download the grant application that traditional public schools should use to apply for funds from the Del Rey Neighborhood Council.
Panelists Confirmed for Tuesday, Oct. 6th Educational Forum
I'm excited to announce our three educational panelists for the Tuesday, Oct. 6th event at Marina Del Rey Middle School. In addition to Steve Zimmer, LAUSD Board Member, and Bill Rosendahl, LA City Councilman, the evening will feature three distinct voices representing the key components of the public education debate.
Read their bios below:
Tory Toyama is a native of Los Angeles who joined Teach For America in 2001 after graduating from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Biology and a B.A. in Political Science. His initial placement was 7th grade Science/Health at Wilmington Middle School, while concurrently pursuing a Master's Degree in Secondary Education with the Loyola Marymount TFA cohort. After his first two years at Wilmington, Tory was elected to the School Site Council, serving as secretary, served as the Science Dept Chair, and Lead 7th Grade Teacher. He was also appointed as Chemical Safety Coordinator, providing mandated school-wide training. Tory taught regular, special education, honors, and English Language Learners at Wilmington for five years. Tory then joined the staff at Venice High School where he has recently started his fourth year of teaching Biology and ICS (freshman science). He is also helping to start up a new small learning community, CASAA (Culinary Arts and Sustainable Agriculture Acadamy) which joins the existing organic garden with the new cooking club.
As a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Tommy Chang was a 1997 Los Angeles Teach For America corps member who taught six years at Compton High School in Compton, CA. During his six years, Tommy created an AP Biology program at Compton High and succeeded in helping the first students in Compton Unified history to pass the exam. He also coached a year-round softball program that won its first league game in 27 years, and, moreover, graduated all nine of its 2001 seniors, six of whom attended University of California schools. During his six years in Compton, he continued his education at University of California, Los Angeles, first through the Teacher Education Master’s Program, and then through the Principal Leadership Institute. After receiving his administrative master’s and credential, Tommy joined Green Dot Public Schools, first teaching biology at Ánimo Inglewood Charter High School and in Fall 2004, took on the task of founding principal of Ánimo Venice Charter High School. Animo Venice is a comprehensive high school located in the Oakwood community of Venice that serves 525 students, 80% of which are free/reduced lunch and 95% ethnic minorities. In June of 2008, Animo Venice graduated the first group of seniors in June 2008 with 100% of graduates applying to a minimum of three 4-year universities and 79% of graduates being accepted into at least one university/college. Tommy continues to stay involved in the Teach For America movement in his participation in various alumni events, teaches a Loyola Marymount graduate class for current corps members, and Animo Venice serves as a school site for the Los Angeles Summer Institute.
Elizabeth Campos Layne was born in Mexico, grew up in Santa Barbara and came to Los Angeles to attend UCLA. After receiving a BA in Psychology she went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in social work and served as a licensed clinical social worker for a county hospital. In 1999 after buying a home in Del Rey, she realized her passion for real estate and became a realtor. Now married with three daughters, two of which attend Playa del Rey Elementary School, Elizabeth followed another calling and got more involved with her daughters’ local school. She was elected to School Site Council (SSC) and also participated in Compensatory Education Advisory Committee (CEAC). Both organizations supported Playa de Rey Elementary students and teachers and played a key role in the school’s signifcant growth on last year’s state tests. This year Elizabeth will continue with the SSC and will also serve as president of The Friends of Playa Elementary.
Read their bios below:
Tory Toyama is a native of Los Angeles who joined Teach For America in 2001 after graduating from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Biology and a B.A. in Political Science. His initial placement was 7th grade Science/Health at Wilmington Middle School, while concurrently pursuing a Master's Degree in Secondary Education with the Loyola Marymount TFA cohort. After his first two years at Wilmington, Tory was elected to the School Site Council, serving as secretary, served as the Science Dept Chair, and Lead 7th Grade Teacher. He was also appointed as Chemical Safety Coordinator, providing mandated school-wide training. Tory taught regular, special education, honors, and English Language Learners at Wilmington for five years. Tory then joined the staff at Venice High School where he has recently started his fourth year of teaching Biology and ICS (freshman science). He is also helping to start up a new small learning community, CASAA (Culinary Arts and Sustainable Agriculture Acadamy) which joins the existing organic garden with the new cooking club.
As a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Tommy Chang was a 1997 Los Angeles Teach For America corps member who taught six years at Compton High School in Compton, CA. During his six years, Tommy created an AP Biology program at Compton High and succeeded in helping the first students in Compton Unified history to pass the exam. He also coached a year-round softball program that won its first league game in 27 years, and, moreover, graduated all nine of its 2001 seniors, six of whom attended University of California schools. During his six years in Compton, he continued his education at University of California, Los Angeles, first through the Teacher Education Master’s Program, and then through the Principal Leadership Institute. After receiving his administrative master’s and credential, Tommy joined Green Dot Public Schools, first teaching biology at Ánimo Inglewood Charter High School and in Fall 2004, took on the task of founding principal of Ánimo Venice Charter High School. Animo Venice is a comprehensive high school located in the Oakwood community of Venice that serves 525 students, 80% of which are free/reduced lunch and 95% ethnic minorities. In June of 2008, Animo Venice graduated the first group of seniors in June 2008 with 100% of graduates applying to a minimum of three 4-year universities and 79% of graduates being accepted into at least one university/college. Tommy continues to stay involved in the Teach For America movement in his participation in various alumni events, teaches a Loyola Marymount graduate class for current corps members, and Animo Venice serves as a school site for the Los Angeles Summer Institute.
Elizabeth Campos Layne was born in Mexico, grew up in Santa Barbara and came to Los Angeles to attend UCLA. After receiving a BA in Psychology she went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in social work and served as a licensed clinical social worker for a county hospital. In 1999 after buying a home in Del Rey, she realized her passion for real estate and became a realtor. Now married with three daughters, two of which attend Playa del Rey Elementary School, Elizabeth followed another calling and got more involved with her daughters’ local school. She was elected to School Site Council (SSC) and also participated in Compensatory Education Advisory Committee (CEAC). Both organizations supported Playa de Rey Elementary students and teachers and played a key role in the school’s signifcant growth on last year’s state tests. This year Elizabeth will continue with the SSC and will also serve as president of The Friends of Playa Elementary.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
API scores for 2008-2009
Here are the Academic Performance Index (API) score links for Del Rey Schools. Remember,the state goal is 800 out of 1000. While state tests are not the end all be all for learning in our schools they are an indicator I think is worth noting. As you can see, lots of growth for many of our schools and plenty to celebrate.
Short Ave. Elementary
Braddock Drive Elementary
Stoner Elementary
Playa Del Rey Elementary
Marina Del Rey Middle School
Ocean Charter School
ICEF Vista Elementary School
ICEF Vista Middle School
Short Ave. Elementary
Braddock Drive Elementary
Stoner Elementary
Playa Del Rey Elementary
Marina Del Rey Middle School
Ocean Charter School
ICEF Vista Elementary School
ICEF Vista Middle School
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Education Sub-Committee Meeting Minutes from 9/16/09
Agenda for DRNC Education Sub-Committee Meeting
7:30 pm – 8:30 p.m. Sept. 16, 2009, Mar Vista Family Center, 5075 S. Slauson Ave, Del Rey, California, 90230
Agenda
I. Call to Order and Roll Call; 7:32
II. Welcome and Introductions (3 min)
In attendance: Eric DeSobe, Brett Flater, Mike Stafford, Marlene Savage, John Buckley Aixle Aman, Loren Oranski, Francine Julius Edwards, Sandi Figge, Lydia Lucciola, Christine Ferreira
III. Reading of Mission Statement (1 min)
IV. Discussion of grant application process, motions possible (20 min)
• Review of grant vetting process
• Applications will be available at the meeting
• If meeting attendees have ideas for their school’s grant application committee will discuss and advise how to proceed with application
Discussion: Talks centered around desire of Del Rey’s traditional public schools to the grant application process to fund about $1,500 per school (four total) of necessary items for the 5K Run. As Ms. Savage and other Council members pointed out the DRNC passed a motion giving the four traditional public schools an opportunity to use the grant process for up to $4,500 this school year. Representatives from the 5K run and the schools argued that they deserved the right to use their grant application opportunity to fund part of the 5K run. Mr. Flater, DRNC treasurer, explained that the timeline for funding proposals would be tight as the applications would have to be properly vetted and passed by the Exec. Committee and then the full Board. The earliest date for a funds request to be made, if all applications were approved, would be Friday, Oct. 9th. This leaves about 7 weeks for the money to come through for appropriate requests for the 5K run. The representatives were unhappy with past Council decisions related to the 5K and the inability of the Council to state with certainity that the funds would be approved in time. Mr. Flater made it very clear he would work aggressively and frequently with the representatives advising them on their grant applications. Mr. DeSobe, education sub-committee chair, also offered his time and support and strongly encouraged the groups to submit the applications to at least give the DRNC a chance to vote and approve it. He also stated he would double check the motion’s language related to the 5k Run and grant applications for more clarity.
V. Discussion regarding recently passed school choice resolution by LAUSD Board, motion possible (10 min.)
Participants said:
- Ocean charter school doesn’t represent our community; only 2 percent are from Del Rey; long waiting list for Del Rey residents; lotteries of charters are not fair; often not even LAUSD kids; taking away enrollment and facilities;
- Stoner – issues with capacity … 5 bungalows being removed in order to avoid Prop. 39 issues.
- Short Ave. – lost parent center to avoid Prop. 39; told that empty space could mean a charter could move in
- Playa Vista school being built regardless of low enrollment in Del Rey
- Are charters truly serving special ed students? Are they using subtle ways of eliminating students from the lottery?
- Further discussion tabled
VI. Upcoming events in the community (not DRNC sponsored events) (3 min)
• Educational Forum featuring LAUSD Board Member Steve Zimmer on Tuesday, Oct. 6; Oct. 10 Short Ave. beautification event; Oct. 24, Saturday, Community Green Day (welcome everyone)
VII. Other items and DRNC sponsored events: Del Rey Day (5 min)
*Mr. Flater also suggested that for the next Education Sub-Committee meeting that the group make a list of other grants and opportunities that schools can access. People can bring a list and make a list during the meeting.
VIII. Adjournment (no later than 8:30 p.m.); meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
7:30 pm – 8:30 p.m. Sept. 16, 2009, Mar Vista Family Center, 5075 S. Slauson Ave, Del Rey, California, 90230
Agenda
I. Call to Order and Roll Call; 7:32
II. Welcome and Introductions (3 min)
In attendance: Eric DeSobe, Brett Flater, Mike Stafford, Marlene Savage, John Buckley Aixle Aman, Loren Oranski, Francine Julius Edwards, Sandi Figge, Lydia Lucciola, Christine Ferreira
III. Reading of Mission Statement (1 min)
IV. Discussion of grant application process, motions possible (20 min)
• Review of grant vetting process
• Applications will be available at the meeting
• If meeting attendees have ideas for their school’s grant application committee will discuss and advise how to proceed with application
Discussion: Talks centered around desire of Del Rey’s traditional public schools to the grant application process to fund about $1,500 per school (four total) of necessary items for the 5K Run. As Ms. Savage and other Council members pointed out the DRNC passed a motion giving the four traditional public schools an opportunity to use the grant process for up to $4,500 this school year. Representatives from the 5K run and the schools argued that they deserved the right to use their grant application opportunity to fund part of the 5K run. Mr. Flater, DRNC treasurer, explained that the timeline for funding proposals would be tight as the applications would have to be properly vetted and passed by the Exec. Committee and then the full Board. The earliest date for a funds request to be made, if all applications were approved, would be Friday, Oct. 9th. This leaves about 7 weeks for the money to come through for appropriate requests for the 5K run. The representatives were unhappy with past Council decisions related to the 5K and the inability of the Council to state with certainity that the funds would be approved in time. Mr. Flater made it very clear he would work aggressively and frequently with the representatives advising them on their grant applications. Mr. DeSobe, education sub-committee chair, also offered his time and support and strongly encouraged the groups to submit the applications to at least give the DRNC a chance to vote and approve it. He also stated he would double check the motion’s language related to the 5k Run and grant applications for more clarity.
V. Discussion regarding recently passed school choice resolution by LAUSD Board, motion possible (10 min.)
Participants said:
- Ocean charter school doesn’t represent our community; only 2 percent are from Del Rey; long waiting list for Del Rey residents; lotteries of charters are not fair; often not even LAUSD kids; taking away enrollment and facilities;
- Stoner – issues with capacity … 5 bungalows being removed in order to avoid Prop. 39 issues.
- Short Ave. – lost parent center to avoid Prop. 39; told that empty space could mean a charter could move in
- Playa Vista school being built regardless of low enrollment in Del Rey
- Are charters truly serving special ed students? Are they using subtle ways of eliminating students from the lottery?
- Further discussion tabled
VI. Upcoming events in the community (not DRNC sponsored events) (3 min)
• Educational Forum featuring LAUSD Board Member Steve Zimmer on Tuesday, Oct. 6; Oct. 10 Short Ave. beautification event; Oct. 24, Saturday, Community Green Day (welcome everyone)
VII. Other items and DRNC sponsored events: Del Rey Day (5 min)
*Mr. Flater also suggested that for the next Education Sub-Committee meeting that the group make a list of other grants and opportunities that schools can access. People can bring a list and make a list during the meeting.
VIII. Adjournment (no later than 8:30 p.m.); meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Enroll Pre-K or K students at Playa del Rey Elementary today
Looking for families interested in a small, community-oriented elementary school with high test scores (2009 API: 847), Playa del Rey Elementary School has a few openings for Pre-K and kindergarten.
Playa del Rey Elementary School offers dedicated, caring teachers and numerous enrichment and extra-curricular programs including art, music, orchestra, chorus, PE, school garden, free after-school care and more. My son attends kindergarten here and I can’t say enough positive things about this school. To inquire more about the school, contact the Ms. Pierce, the Principal, at (310) 827-3560.
Playa del Rey Elementary School offers dedicated, caring teachers and numerous enrichment and extra-curricular programs including art, music, orchestra, chorus, PE, school garden, free after-school care and more. My son attends kindergarten here and I can’t say enough positive things about this school. To inquire more about the school, contact the Ms. Pierce, the Principal, at (310) 827-3560.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Education Committee meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
See you there. Lots to discuss now that school is back in session.
Agenda for DRNC Education Sub-Committee Meeting
7:30 pm – 8:30 p.m. Sept. 16, 2009, Mar Vista Family Center, 5075 S. Slauson Ave, Del Rey, California, 90230
Agenda
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
II. Welcome and Introductions (3 min)
III. Reading of Mission Statement (1 min)
IV. Discussion of grant application process, motions possible (20 min)
• Review of grant vetting process
• Applications will be available at the meeting
• If meeting attendees have ideas for their school’s grant application committee will discuss and advise how to proceed with application
V. Discussion regarding recently passed school choice resolution by LAUSD Board, motion possible (10 min.)
VI. Upcoming events in the community (not DRNC sponsored events) (3 min)
• Educational Forum featuring LAUSD Board Member Steve Zimmer on Tuesday, Oct. 6; Oct. 10 Short Ave. beautification event
VII. DRNC sponsored events: Del Rey Day (5 min)
VIII. Adjournment (no later than 8:30 p.m.)
The DRNC Education Committee aspires to raise awareness of and connect community members to our neighborhood schools. The Education Committee will commit its resources, time, and energy to promote excellence in our schools.
Agenda for DRNC Education Sub-Committee Meeting
7:30 pm – 8:30 p.m. Sept. 16, 2009, Mar Vista Family Center, 5075 S. Slauson Ave, Del Rey, California, 90230
Agenda
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
II. Welcome and Introductions (3 min)
III. Reading of Mission Statement (1 min)
IV. Discussion of grant application process, motions possible (20 min)
• Review of grant vetting process
• Applications will be available at the meeting
• If meeting attendees have ideas for their school’s grant application committee will discuss and advise how to proceed with application
V. Discussion regarding recently passed school choice resolution by LAUSD Board, motion possible (10 min.)
VI. Upcoming events in the community (not DRNC sponsored events) (3 min)
• Educational Forum featuring LAUSD Board Member Steve Zimmer on Tuesday, Oct. 6; Oct. 10 Short Ave. beautification event
VII. DRNC sponsored events: Del Rey Day (5 min)
VIII. Adjournment (no later than 8:30 p.m.)
The DRNC Education Committee aspires to raise awareness of and connect community members to our neighborhood schools. The Education Committee will commit its resources, time, and energy to promote excellence in our schools.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Meet Short Ave. Elementary's new principal this Friday
Tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 11 from 9am-11am, after the school assembly and fundraiser kick-off, new Short Ave. Elementary principal Dr. Downing is going to be available in the courtyard between the office and the Pre-K classes. Dr. Downing is going to chat with parents, learn more about you and your children, and get a sense of the goals and desires of the Short Avenue Community!
PLEASE attend even briefly if you can, in order to get to know the principal and get your ideas heard!
*Thanks to Erika Ross for passing this information on.
PLEASE attend even briefly if you can, in order to get to know the principal and get your ideas heard!
*Thanks to Erika Ross for passing this information on.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Flyer for Steve Zimmer Event
The event will feature DRNC members, but is not sponsored or sanctioned by the DRNC. Hope to see everyone there.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Education article from The Argonaut
A summary article of the much-debated and discussed LAUSD school board resolution regarding school choice passed last week.
Scroll 3/4 of the way down to read my quote (speaking as an individual of course ... who also happens to chair the education committee of the DRNC).
-Eric
Scroll 3/4 of the way down to read my quote (speaking as an individual of course ... who also happens to chair the education committee of the DRNC).
-Eric
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