Ed. Forum Panelists Confirmed

Come hear these three great speakers at the Jan. 20th Educational Forum at Stoner Elementary.

Erika Higgins Ross is the mother of a kindergarten student at Short Avenue Elementary School, where she serves as Outreach Coordinator for Friends of Short Avenue. She recently started a committee called “The Arts Are Not Elective,” which is part of a movement focusing on including creative arts in every part of the public school curriculum. Ms. Ross teaches a class entitled “Focusing through Breathing and Movement” to Short Avenue Kindergarteners, organizes an afterschool art club, and is working with the local district to create a “Magical Reading Garden.” In addition to being an involved parent, Ms. Ross has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and works full time as an in-home counselor for underserved families at a non-profit family preservation agency in the Pico Union area of L.A.

Sommer Jones is a 5th generation Californian who graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills with a BA in Liberal Studies. She then attended UCLA to earn a Teaching Credential and a Masters in Education. Sommer began her teaching career at Compton Avenue Elementary School in Watts, where she taught for 4 years. Sommer decided to join ICEF Public Schools and started teaching at their flagship school, View Park Prep Elementary School. At View Park she taught 2nd grade, kindergarten, and worked as the Dean of Academic Affairs. In 2003, Sommer earned a National Board Credential in the area of Middle Childhood Specialist. Currently Sommer is still working at ICEF Public Schools as the Bridge Coordinator and comes to you with over 12 years of experience in education.

Elizabeth Zamora is the statewide Foundations Director for the American Cancer Society. Her work aims to improve the quality of life of cancer patients, and to provide access to health care to disparate populations. Elizabeth also has extensive experience working in the education and nonprofit sectors to improve academic achievement in Los Angeles public schools. She sits on the board of Bright Star Schools, a network of charter schools in south Los Angeles and the board of HOPE Political Action Committee, the state’s only political network that raises campaign contributions specifically to assist Latinas running for public office. Elizabeth is the President of the Del Rey Homeowners & Neighbors Association. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Elizabeth received her Bachelor's degree from Middlebury College in Vermont and her MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

More school supplies for Jan. 20th Ed. Forum

School Supplies Pouring In!

Thanks to all those who donated school supplies for the Jan. 20th Educational Forum. Can't wait to give these resources out to the great students and families of Del Rey. Please pass this flyer around to your networks so we can receive even more items.

Happy holidays.

-Eric

Save the Date: Wed. Jan 20th

Educational Forum now scheduled for Jan. 20th from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Stoner Elementary in Del Rey.

Panelist announcments coming soon.

E-flyers here.

High scores for Braddock Elementary's Magnet Program

Read more here and scroll down to see the scores.

Ocean Charter School Winter Faire

Please join us and bring the whole family to Ocean Charter School:

Winter Faire 2009
Saturday, December 12th
11AM – 4PM

*Create handmade gifts with the whole family
*Holiday Bazaar
*Gnome sweet and bake shoppe
*Crystal Quest
*Children only Snow Fairy Market
*Snow Globe Theater

Ocean Charter School, 12606 Culver Blvd, Los Angeles, Ca. 90066 (West of Centinela)

Santa in Del Rey

Coming on a sleigh near you.