The Underdog for Kids

2009-11-12T13:27:00.001-08:00

TWO LOST BOYS OF SUDAN COMING TO SAN PEDRO HIGH TO TALK OF THEIR EXPERIENCE ESCAPING DEATH: THEY WILL COME WITH THE C0-AUTHOR OF “THEY POURED FIRE ON US FROM THE SKY”THAT TELLS THEIR AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL TALE: THE EVENT WILL BE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC THIS COMING WEDNESDAY

ONE SAN PEDRO HIGH TEACHER SAYS THE BOOK AND THE BOYS CHANGED HER LIFE AND THAT OF MANY OF HER STUDENTS

“When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled,” an African Proverb used in the book: They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky.

By Diana L. Chapman

I sat up with my head buried in the book.

Deja vu shivered up and down my spine, as though I was reading the Diary of Anne Frank all over again – a book that rocked the world once Anne’s father, who lost his family to the Holocaust, discovered his daughter’s diary and published it after World War II.

“They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky,” – an autobiographical telling of three Lost Sudan boy’s stories hurts, but is one of the most unforgettable, heart wrenching, culturally provocative books I’ve ever read in my life -- one all of us should read.

I learned. I laughed. I cried. Two of the Lost Boys in this book will be here next week at San Pedro High to share their stories along with the woman who helped them author it, Judy Bernstein. The life-changing event is open to the public in the school’s auditorium from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. and again from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 18.

As I absorbed the book, I couldn’t help but feel the stories of Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng and Benjamin Ajak (Alepho and Benjamin will come to the school) seemed eerily similar in so many ways to Anne’s. While it’s dressed in completely different attire of a new time, another country and a wildly different culture, the underpinnings remained the same – that of mass genocide, one group trying to scrub the world away or obliterate another group of innocent people due to their race, religion or ethnicity.

About two million people died and five million were displaced in Sudan’s Civil War, which launched the ugly journey of the Lost Boys. Some 27,000 boys, as young as five, were forced to criss-cross the desert to head for refugee camps. More than half died, some from being picked off in the middle of the night by lions and hyenas. Others died from illness and lack of food.

The 1,000 mile journey – which trekked through Sudan’s desert to reach for Ethiopia and Kenya began in the early 1980s when Northern government troops attacked and razed the boy’s villages, killed their parents and raped, killed or enslaved their sisters. During the attacks, many of the boys were out guarding their families herds – and escaped the bloodshed, at least at that moment.

Once, I picked up the book, I was entranced with learning about their culture during more peaceful, happier times.

Benson describes living in a small, mudded hut and explained family riches stemmed from the number of cattle your father owned.

“I would hear the echoes of the ground horn bill howling and weaver birds singing…” he wrote. “I would stand under the acacia trees and watch the giraffes curl their black tongues around the leaves above.”

Then the pastoral village life turned to a whirlwind of black chaos and destruction when the troops decided to cleanse the southern villages.

It was the fault of a San Pedro High English teacher, Tobey Shulman, that I was reading this book “that changed,” her life, she said, when she announced at Back to School Night that not only would her students read it -- more importantly, they’d be meeting Benjamin and Alephonsion. This is their third trip to the school and this time, Shulman decided to offer it up to the public as one way “to help humanity.” The book’s sales proceeds go to the boys.

The three boys came from villages where most the men were at least six feet tall, so when Shulman and her students spotted Benjamin for the first time – they knew instantly it was him.

“When Benjamin came, all of us were just floored,” the teacher explained, whose husband knew author “Jud—eee,” as the Sudan boys call her, from a writing group. “It changed my life. My girls were screaming: “There’s Benjamin. They wanted to hug him and hold his hands. They were all crying.

“The whole experience is just altering. One of my kids, Timothy Do, wanted to start an “End to Genocide Club” and did it.” At last, she said, Do settled down from a class joker to find he had a purpose in life.

What it taught her students overall, she continued, was the absolute importance of education. The Sudan boys proved that in their relentless journey to survive, some of whom later came to the United States through the United Nations to pick up the pieces of their lives, had a fierce respect for education and called it “their mother,” Shulman said.

“They walked 1,000 miles and they brought their books,” Shulman explained, with tears in her eyes. “They brought their Bible.”

Like hundreds of other boys, these three escaped the Muslim-run government death squads who slaughtered thousands. This led to the boys’ remarkable journey along with hundreds of others -- some boys as young as five being taken care of by 11-year-olds -- to trek across the desert, snaking past feeding lions, through crocodile-infested rivers to refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya.

The co-author – who insists the boys are the true authors and she just guided them -- and I tried to reach each other several times, but have yet to connect. She, however, has spent much time helping the boys – actually now young men in their early 20s -- resettle in the United States. The author hooked up with them when a San Diego caseworker asked if she could mentor them when they first arrived.

At first, she was a bit uneasy about the mentoring , but that vanished once she met them, she said in her foreward, and they became “near and dear” to her and her family.

Bernstein did an extraordinary job guiding these boys to tell their stories and made me laugh in her foreword. Once she and her son, Cliff, who was 12 at the time, took the boys to shop for pants at a Walmart.

When they got out at the parking lot, she wrote in the foreword: “Benson says: “Cars stand here like a cattle in a cattle camp,” and when she warns them the parking lots are dangerous Benson again says: “It is like when walking among the cows. One must use caution. A cow may swing her head very, very fast to get a fly. The horns, very long, can injure a boy.”

When “Jud….eee” asks why they don’t remove the horns, he explains: “Cows need the horns to fight lions.”

As a mother who mentors students in writing, I shuddered when the author visited the boys in their sparse apartment one morning and Benson and Alepho hand her some composition paper saying: “These are the stories we wrote…they are for you.”

What a gift to cherish!

From then on, the author mentored them, helped them pull together the book – and still helps them to this day. The proceeds from book sales go to the boys.

“I begin to dream,” she writes, “that if we can weave their stories into a tapestry and if we’re granted a great stroke of luck, the resulting book might pay for some tuition and they can fulfill their dreams of getting an education.”

By attending the event, where the books will be sold, it’s a dream we can all help make come true.

2009-11-12T07:37:00.000-08:00

Don't Miss This Lifetime Experience to Hear Directly from Two of the Lost Boys From Sudan and the Author Who Helped Them Write Their Story In the Unforgettable Book: They Poured Fire On Us From the Sky

The Free Event, Open to the Public, Will be Held At San Pedro High

(Story to Come)

2,000,000 dead. 5,000,000 displaced and at risk.

The Lost Boys from Sudan were 20,000 boys who walked barefoot without food or water over 1,000 miles, eating mud to stave off thirst and starvation. The year was 1983.

Please come

to hear and meet the authors of the

powerful autobiography of three

Lost Boys from Sudan

They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky

Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng, Benjamin Ajak

with Judy Bernstein

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

San Pedro High School Auditorium

11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

BOTH SESSIONS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

No reservations required

2009-11-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

Devin and friends, who helped at Bone Marrow and Blood Drive after she was diagnosed with leukemia. Another event is planned this weekend.

ANOTHER BONE MARROW BLOOD DRIVE WILL BE HELD FOR 9-YEAR-OLD GIRL WITH LEUKEMIA THIS SUNDAY; SAN PEDRO RESIDENTS ASKED TO STEP UP TO HELP DEVIN:

A MOM AND DAUGHTER HELP SOUTH SHORES ELEMENTARY STUDENT RAISE $5,000 PLUS FOR NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT; TAPER AVENUE ELEMENTARY PARENTS UP IN ARMS OVER CELL TOWER NEAR SCHOOL/MEETING SCHEDULED

…AND TREMENDOUS EVENTS COMING UP AT YOUR LOCAL CORNER STORE

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BONE MARROW DRIVE

Another Bone Marrow Drive on Sunday (November 8, 2009 (Bone Marrow only)) to help Devin Taylor Hamilton, 9, a San Pedro resident and Crestwood Street Elementary student who was diagnosed with leukemia.

To help Devin, head to Warren Chapel CME Church at 1039 Elberon Avenue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pastor Byron Smith and his wife, Jill Smith, are offering the church to host this second bone marrow drive. Devin needs a compatible bone donor to fight the disease.

Mary Lou Martinez, the grandmother, said the first bone marrow /and blood marrow drive was extremely successful, but more donors are needed to ensure finding an exact match.

FUNDRAISER FOR SOUTH SHORES ELEMENTARY GARNERS $5,000 Plus

South Shores Elementary Principal Paul Suzuki gratefully accepted a $5,100 donation this week to aid the school to buy new playground equipment -- $100 of which came from a third grade student who raided her piggy bank.

The principal said he was grateful for the donation, which will help replace the school’s aging monkey bars at the campus that overlooks the sea. With the donations, Suzuki plans to obtain state-of-the art equipment that includes slides, ladders and balance beams.

A mother, Michelle Aragon, asked two Long Beach companies she works with, to come together and donate funds. Suzuki was surprised too when Michelle’s daughter, Ava, a third grader, added an additional $100, taken from her piggy bank.

“I told Michelle that makes me feel bad, but Michelle said she wanted her daughter to learn to give,” Suzuki explained, whose school has 504 students and is a performing arts magnet. “I like when the community comes together on something like this.”

The donations – which came from Port Medical, which gave $2,000 and DCS Medical Management, Inc. that added $3,000 – came from many of their employees who live in San Pedro.

It all started when the mother approached the principal asking how she and the companies could help the school. Suzuki explained the need for new equipment and also is looking for ways to expand the auditorium, which only seats 100 people, and acts partly as a cafeteria on rainy days.

Since the school is a performing arts magnet, Suzuki said, due to the limited seating, his students will have to give six performances in a day when they put on a program. Michelle opted to work on the playground equipment first, he said, but added that she still wanted to help with the auditorium in the future.

“I am very impressed and I feel blessed to have her and all the families that came together on this,” Suzuki added.

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CELL PHONE TOWER UPSET AT TAPER ELMENTARY(submitted by parents):

There will be a meeting this Monday 11-9-09 at 9 am in the Taper Avenue Elementary School Auditorium to discuss the T- Mobile cell tower that was installed recently.

Dr. Vladovic and LAUSD representatives will be there for the discussion.

If you have concerns about the tower please attend and let your voice be heard. We are trying to get the local papers to come , so a big turnout will make a huge statement. There are many questions about the safety of cell towers and their long-term effects.

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FUN TIMES AT THE CORNER STORE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY:

Nov 7th & 8th - Handcrafted aprons of all sorts and sizes, bags, and much more

by Granny's Aprons. 10 am - 5 pm both days.

Nov 14th &15th - Jewelry by Silver Fox. Beautiful handcrafted necklaces,

bracelets, rings, and earrings made from beautiful stones, beads and sea glass.

Nov 21st & 22nd - Jewelry by Masako. Handcrafted with the most amazing forms

using precious metals and stones. Masako's style is new and exciting!

Dec 4,5 & 6th - two shows in one. Ceramics and purses by Delora. Beautiful

creations including pots, plates, pitchers, platters, bowls, bird feeders and

more. Purses made from the most beautiful textiles. 10 am - 5 pm

Honey Tasting - Taste local honey from San Pedro Palisades and learn about the

beekeeper and his techniques.

Sat, Nov 5th & 6th from 10 am - 5 pm

Dec. 12 & 13 - Jewelry by It's a Lu-Lu our Corner Store jeweler. Beads, bangles,

earrings and more. 10 am - 5 pm

Dec, 18th - Miracle on 37th Street - A Winter Wonderland - 3rd annual event.

Details to follow.

2009-11-05T07:38:00.000-08:00

KIDAZZLE ART STUDIOS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS, SUMMER CAMPS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES -- OH MY -- TEACH CHILDREN TO CREATE ART THE WAY KIDS THINK BEST

By Diana L. Chapman

Coloring circles madly, tiny fingers flicked across white pages -- oil pastels happily in hand. “Show me your artist fingers,” the teacher encouraged her students.

The kids, first through fifth graders, proudly shot up their stubby fingertips slathered in blue pastels.

“I guess I was just born an artist,” exclaimed a perky Jennifer, 9, at KiDazzle Art Studio’s after school program.

“That’s what I like to hear,” replied teacher, Michel Solorzano, a woman with extraordinary patience.

Her style caught the eye of May and Mike Schlie when they opened KiDazzle – after many ugly bumps through Los Angeles treacherous bureaucracy; they finally unlocked their doors on North Gaffey Street in January 2008. The couple hired Michel after they saw the fine art major at Seventh Street Elementary School where she still works as a kindergarten aide.

They liked her for the exact reasons I liked her; it embraces their philosophy laced throughout their operations, whether its summer camp, single classes or after school care: kids must have a chance to create without criticism.

Here at KiDazzle, I witnessed kids express their creative souls in a safe haven, but not without structure.

When kids arrive, they start with a snack and juice and do homework or read for one hour. Afterward, they learn art techniques, this time with pastels to build a scene of a giant moon with black building silhouettes.

“It’s so fun,” said bright-eyed, Isabella, 7, who worked furiously and was thrilled with the results. So was I, frankly.

KiDazzle couldn’t come at a better time for parents. Los Angeles Unified stripped away most of its after school programs due to cuts. The Schlies keep prices affordable and currently pick up at three schools: Taper Avenue, Seventh Street and Park Western Avenue elementary schools.

Once, running an art studio was far from their minds. Then, May, who worked as a special education teacher, was severely injured by a student which required several back surgeries.

At that point, May, raised in San Pedro and whose Estrada family dates back three generations – realized she might not go back to work. She also worried that her daughter, Samantha, now six, an only child, had few avenues to make friends. And more, she thought San Pedro did little about art – which had been cut from most schools.

She found herself driving to Torrance, Lomita and Palos Verdes to introduce Samantha to that world.

“It just seemed almost obsolete,” May fumed. “It’s all academics now. This is an extremely important activity, the creativity. Art really helps them with their fine motor skills. Kids need to develop their creative skills. You can’t go wrong with art. It’s their creation. It’s their masterpiece. We provide suggestions, but the kids put it together.”

“See it’s eating,” interrupted 5-year-Elliott to show May his dinosaur mosaic he glued colorful tiles on. “I’m kind of tired of doing this.”

And that’s when the kids play or watch a movie, this time the cartoon Tom and Jerry.

The plans don’t end there for KiDazzle. In a month, they expect to open a pre-kindergarten class and to expand after school activities for older youth. The couples’ energy excites me – especially because it all came about accidentally – and seems to work so well for the 50 plus students currently there.

“The focus is being open to the community and getting ideas about what they want,” May explained.

While last year, they had only about a dozen kids enrolled, they now having a waiting list.

The studio also helped Samantha, who made many friends and scored dozens of party invites.

I’ve been around many schools and other organizations working with kids, but withthe swash of my colorful paintbrush, I give these guys an A plus for their understanding of what kids really need young or old. And that’s freedom to create in peace – without red pen corrections.

KiDazzle location:

1931 N. Gaffey Street Suite 'G'
San Pedro, CA. 90731
Contact Us:
Phone: (310) 832-2777
Fax: (310) 832-2929
Email: Kidazzle@att.net

2009-10-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

A LOCAL BICYCLIST STRUCK IN A HIT AND RUN ON PASEO DEL MAR FRIDAY; TWO, YOUNG SAN PEDRO WOMEN UPSET BY THE ACTION COULDN’T BELIEVE WHAT THEY SAW

By Diana L. Chapman

Coming around the corner of the southern tip of Point Fermin park listening to a symphony, I rounded a bend and smiled happily at two young women as I absorbed the stunning autumn day.

With musical buds deep in my ears and catching glimpses of wild dolphins playing in white caps, it took me a few seconds to realize the women were trying to talk to me.

Pulling my ear buds out, one repeated what she asked: “Did you see that? Did you see that bicyclist get hit by the car? It was awful.”

Of course, I couldn’t see a thing, partly because I was confused – as a bicyclist was whizzing by me. I assumed they were talking about that bike rider. When they explained they were talking about another rider, minutes had passed. I asked: “Where is he now? The rider? Was he hurt?”

“I don’t know, but it was awful,” the young woman said, adding that his bike seat had broken off. “This guy hit him and got out of a car and then got back in and left. The bike rider was yelling: ‘What are you doing? Where are you going?

“That could have happened to anyone,” she continued. “It wasn’t right. It’s just not right.”

I could find no signs of the biker. It was about 2 p.m. Friday afternoon, but the older woman – all of about 20 years-old and probably younger – said the bicyclist was wearing a powder blue T-shirt and khaki colored pants. The driver also was a man in a small, white car. That was all they could recall specifically as they were still somewhat dazed.

Having them look for someone to help appealed to my senses. Both were concerned while they were exercising (they had no cell phones to call anyone) so they talked to me. I just happened to be there. One of the woman gave me a way to get touch with her in case I found the biker, who might need witnesses.

After hearing what happened in the gang rape in Northern California’s Richmond High School – where ten others watched for more than two hours and did nothing -- I found these young women refreshing – especially that they cared enough to try to find someone to tell. They were both born and raised here.

It also gave me the chance to put this out on the internet to tell the bicyclist that, hey, someone who saw what happened – unlike the imbecile driver -- actually did care.

It also restored my faith—especially after the gang rape -- that there are many kids and young adults who do want to do what’s right. When I watched a televised media cast of students facing off with school board members, several of the high school girls – who were friends of the victim – told the board they had asked for at least thirteen security guards for the dance.

The students said they knew trouble was brewing and they weren’t safe.

“You laughed at us,” one of the students told the board.

No one is laughing now. Truly that’s the sign: We older adults need to take our ear buds out and listen to our youth and young adults. After all, they are the ones living in the trenches and know more than we’ll ever know what’s truly going on.

If anyone knows the bicyclist, please email me at hartchap@cox.net. And pass this story on.

2009-10-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

HELP A SAN PEDRO 9-YEAR-OLD GIRL BATTLE LEUKEMIA; ATTEND A BLOOD/BONE MARROW DRIVE AND FUNDRAISING BARBECUE THIS SATURDAY; READ ANOTHER SAN PEDRO CHILD’S HALLOWEEN TALE AND MAKE SURE YOU READ THE EARLIER POST ON TIPS FROM A LOCAL CHRIOPRACTOR TO AVOID DIABETES IN YOUR CHILD

BLOOD/BONE MARROW DRIVE FOR 9-YEAR-OLD GIRL & BARBECUE

A 9-year-old student, Devin Taylor Hamilton, who goes to Crestwood Elementary School, needs your help to survive leukemia. To do so, consider attending an American Red Cross blood/bone marrow drive and a family-style barbecue this Saturday.

The $10-per-plate barbecue, which includes a free jumper for children, will help with the family’s mounting medical expenses.

Devin, a lifetime resident of San Pedro, was diagnosed with leukemia in August and doctors believe she has the chance to survive with more treatments. Donations will also be accepted.

The American Red Cross will handle the blood and bone marrow drive while the family’s relatives and friends will hold the barbecue at the same location .The drive will be held at Top Value Market, at the corner of 1^st and Bandini streets, from 9 to 3 p.m.

CHECK OUT THIS FUN MONSTER TALE

THE SEVEN MONSTERS OF HALLOWEEN

By Casey Mezin, 13, written at the Corner Store fall of 2009

The seven witches were the seven monsters of Halloween.

They were known as Raven, Worm, Moldy, Cackle, Prickly, Crept and Misty.

There were seven kids who were going trick-or-treating one Halloween night. As they roamed from house to house asking for treats, they heard a cackling sound. Then they spotted a misty fog floating toward them. Beneath their feet, prickly worms sprouted up from the sewer. Their candy began to mold.

Scared now, they crept quietly to the next person’s house, which had a sign that said: “Raven.” Something flew by on a broomstick with a horrible laugh.

Suddenly, coming out of nowhere was a person with purple eyes, muscular arms and a hairy body. Another figure started to move in black armor with a deadly sword, mace, axe and a protective shield. And then two more creatures appeared; one looked like it was made from tar and mud and the other was formed from mist that turned into a strange cloud of dust. A walking crocodile and a giant worm popped out of the sewer drain and slid toward the kids.

Meanwhile, hours later, the parents waited and worried, because the kids didn’t come home. They didn’t know the seven witches had abducted the trick-or-treaters! Just as the parents prepared for a search, the kids came home. But they were different.

They came home with bright green eyes and they had a strange way of walking. The children didn’t tell their parents where they were and wouldn’t answer their questions. The parents were becoming more suspicious that something bad had happened, but could get no answers.

Finally, the kids decided to go out one night and the parents followed. Then the seven witches appeared and leaped on the parents, trying to give them green eyes and a funny walk. This is how they controlled people so they could eventually eat them!

The parents, however, fought back, breaking the magic spell – and all the children melted back to their normal selves. They saw the witches trying to tie up their parents with chains, so the children battled too.

Together, they won and shouted: “VICTORY!” They later threw a party for their victory with pizza, hot dogs, sodas, chips, cookie, cakes, puddings, cupcakes topped off with delicious tasting witch meat pie.

On Halloween, children can now trick-or-treat in safety – since the seven kids got rid of the seven witches for everyone.

2009-10-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

LOCAL CHIROPRACTOR GIVES TIPS IN REGARDS TO CHILDHOOD DIABETES

Dear Readers: Kim Kromas has been a long time chiropractor in San Pedro, who has helped me in many ways over the years. She is a chiropractor I trust, so I asked if she’d be willing to help parents by giving them tips on taking care of their children. This time, she explores childhood diabetes, now becoming a common illness among our youth.

By Kim Kromas, DC, Phd

Childhood diabetes is on the rise. This is not the type of Diabetes that you are born with, but the kind that arise from imbalances in our blood-sugar system.

It is the type of Diabetes that requires insulin only if it is not kept under control and until recently was most common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders as well as the aged population. To mange this, it requires proper foods and daily exercise.

Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise in our American Children. The cause is obesity. Let’s bravely admit the main reason for this obesity and avoid embarrassing excuses that have no merit. Obesity begins in the home and continues into social interactions as kids get older. Yes, there are the few that have an organic reason for the inability to lose weight, but this is a very low percentage of the population.

Our children are obese because we allow them to become obese and stay obese. This is a disgrace to our society. Where has our parental intervention gone? Aren’t we supposed to provide our children with the best tools for their future? Their health is their future. We are living in a time of intense scrutiny about our gluttonous country and a collapse of our health system. We live in an illness-driven society where monetary gain is made not only from diagnosing conditions such as diabetes, but from treating this illness on a long-term basis without a prognosis of cure.

What exactly happens in Type 2 Diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. This is known as being insulin resistant. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy.

When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin is released from the pancreas and takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause these problems:

• Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
• A state of hyperglycemia can occur, causing heart palpitations and even unconsciousness
• Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

Remember, your child’s health is a great gift. Let’s focus on feeding them Brain Foods vs. Brain Weakening Foods. Here are some suggestions to guide you:
GetRidOfFoods -------Soda, sugared cereals, boxed and canned foods, cookies, pastries, potato chips, herbal teas
AnyTimeFoods--------Fresh fruits, raw or steamed vegetables, beans, rice, Kashi cereal, nuts, olives, yogurt, turkey and chicken slices, diluted juices

OccassionalFoods----------Red Meat, whole grain crackers, whole grain chips
MinimalFoods-----------butter, mayonnaise, real ice-cream, low sugar sweet

1. Drink lots of water each day.
2. Only eat 1/2 of a sandwich at a time. Eat the other half later that day.
3. Eat every 2-3 hours in small amounts.
4. Eat only what could fit in the palm of your hand.

EXERCISE

Type 2 diabetes requires exercise. Buy your child a jump rope. It is inexpensive and really fun to use. They can start by jumping 10 minutes 2x/day. Your local parks will have resources for swimming lessons, soccer teams and other sports activities that will help maintain a blood-sugar level that will benefit your child.

And remember, it is common for Type 2 Diabetes to create high blood pressure, high cholesterol, digestive problems and lack of concentration. You are the teacher and the model for your child. Teach them to eat right, exercise and to cherish the only body they will be given.

To reach Kim Kromas for further information, call 310-832-5818. Her office is at
302 W. 5th St. #101 San Pedro , CA.

2009-10-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

KIDS WRITING THEIR OWN VERSION OF HALLOWEEN STORIES! HERE'S THE FIRST PEEK AT ONE!

Dear Readers: It was exciting to have this story come about from a writing class at the Corner Store where one student proposed writing from the point of view of a witch. That got Keli Mezin thinking....She decided to write from a pumpkin's point of view. Enjoy & Happy Halloween

Pumpkin’s Point of View

By Keli Mezin, 9, photo above

Humph…..Why is everybody carving things out of me? How would you like it if someone just picked you up and started to carve you up? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

I think I am handsome until you guys pick me up and carve me. It’s like you take a knife and shove it in. But since we pumpkins don’t want to scare you, we don’t talk which is miserable for us. Try not talking 24-7. It’s hard. I know we are good to eat and stuff, but still, think about if it happened to you.

Just think about it.

-----------------------------------------HappyHalloween!!!--------------------------------

2009-10-23T14:18:00.001-07:00

SCHOOL OFFICIALS HOLD FIRST PUBLIC MEETING TO REFORM SAN PEDRO HIGH AND GATHER IDEAS; ALSO, DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER HAS A FREE TREAT FOR EDUCATORS

By Diana L. Chapman

About 200 people converged on San Pedro High School this week in the first official “focus” meeting to help restore the beleaguered campus back to its glory days and remove it from the Los Angeles School district’s list of campuses that need urgent transformation.

Otherwise, outside operators – charters or non-profits – could take over the school of 3,300 students.

LAUSD Superintendent of Region 8, Linda Del Cueto, and Janette Stevens, the new principal sought after to refuel and restore the ailing campus, explained to those attending that this was the first of many meetings before the school must submit a transformation plan by Jan. 8.

The next meeting will be Nov. 9 in San Pedro High School’s auditorium.

While the evening became more of a fact gathering session – rather than learning new information about how to fix the troubled campus – it might have been a first in the Harbor Area community’s history where every principal from each elementary school and two local middle schools were in attendance as well as many high school staff members.

Del Cueto urged all her principals in the area to attend as a strong display to support for the only public high school in the community. She assured the audience that she planned for all schools’ teachers and staff in the area to participate in sharing information to improve academics on a much larger scale.

“We need to work together as a family,” Del Cueto urged the staff and those in attendance, which included parents, students and interested community

members.“And it starts from pre-K. It starts at our feeder schools. We will bring teachers together at all levels to talk about instruction and support.

“I know you are here because you care about San Pedro High.”

The school currently has accreditation through 2010 and will improve as quickly as possible to keep out potential outside operators that might want to take over the Harbor Area campus. San Pedro High has suffered may woes, including a frequent turnover of top administrators, poor test scores, overcrowding and a dismal rating in its accreditation – that some educators compare to a D.

The Los Angeles school board approved outside operators to come in and make a bid on 11 other ailing schools and 24 brand new campuses this past August – a first in the history of the school district.

It means – should any other operators step forward, such as Green Dot charters – the LAUSD staff will have to compete against the other entity to keep running San Pedro High.

The intent to provide a plan is due by Nov. 15 and a final plan is due Jan. 8. School board members will vote on which plan suits the school best in February 2010, guided by Los Angeles Superintendent Ramon Cortines.

At last Monday’s meeting, school officials broke all the those attending into groups to provide questions and ideas toward a restructure. Several people complained, arguing that the debate should be held in the auditorium for all to hear.

However, Del Cueto, in a later interview, said students revealed they would not participate in the auditorium’s cavernous setting – and preferred the classroom.

School officials honored their requests.

“The small group setting allowed for genuine input from SPHS st

udents,” Del Cueto emailed. “More than one student reported they would have been reticent to participate in the auditorium.  Interestingly, youngsters we would

assume to be main stream and "with-it" revealed they are struggling as

much the Latino and African-American students.

It was a powerful lesson in not "judging a book by its cover."

Stevens, who has only held the post since August, said she was thrilled with the number of people who came and that parents must be “integrally” part of the school’s renovation.

“I know we received amazing input and that people are very interested in making sure that San Pedro High School focuses on improving student achievement,” Stevens said. “A wide breadth of ideas and suggestions were obtained, covering topics such as building motivation for learning to improving communication via advanced technological structures.”

At this point, school officials say, no other agency has entered a proposal, but the deadline to turn in such a bid is Nov. 15.

____________________________READ MORE ABOUT THE SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTER OFFER FOR TEACHERS
Every first Monday of the month (October to May), Discovery Science Center hosts a free Educators’ Open House from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This educational event

includes a hands-on science workshop on standard-based concepts, and exploratory visits to the Center’s exhibits related to those topics. Each workshop will address a variety of concepts and their applications across all grade levels

with added emphasis on avoiding misconceptions. Call 714.263.3837 for more

information or to register.

Date Topic

Nov 2, 2009 Chemical & Physical

Properties & Changes March 1, 2010 Spring Season

Dec 7, 2009 Winter Season Science April 5, 2010

Earth Science - Astronomy

Jan 4, 2010 Floating & Sinking; Density & Buoyancy

May 3, 2010 Earth Science -

Rocks & Minerals

Leslie Perovich

VP Marketing

Discovery Science Center

714-913-5017

lperovich@discoverycube.org

Explore the Science Under Your Skin this fall with

Head To Toe: All About the Body! From October 17

to November 8, Spooky Science will feature skeleton

science in the style of “Dia de los Muertos.”

Then, Pumpkins will fly October

Want to be the first to hear about new exhibits and events? Sign up for our e-news today! Visit

www.discoverycube.org for more information.

2009-10-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT A FREE EDUCATORS OPEN HOUSE AT THE DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER
EVERY FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH; HEAR ABOUT TOPICS FROM ROCKS AND
MINERALS TO EXPLORING SKIN HEAD TO TOE


Every first Monday of the month (October to May), Discovery Science Center hosts 
a free Educators’ Open House from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This educational event 
includes a hands-on science workshop on standard-based concepts, and exploratory 
visits to the Center’s exhibits related to those topics. Each workshop will 
address a variety of concepts and their applications across all grade levels 
with added emphasis on avoiding misconceptions. Call 714.263.3837 for more 
information or to register. 
 
Date Topic 
Nov 2, 2009 Chemical & Physical Properties & Changes March 1, 2010 Spring Season 
Science 
Dec 7, 2009 Winter Season Science April 5, 2010 Earth Science - Astronomy 
Jan 4, 2010 Floating & Sinking; Density & Buoyancy May 3, 2010 Earth Science - 
Rocks & Minerals 
 
Leslie Perovich 
VP Marketing 
Discovery Science Center 
714-913-5017 
lperovich@discoverycube.org 
 
Explore the Science Under Your Skin this fall with Head To Toe: All About the 
Body! From October 17 to November 8, Spooky Science will feature skeleton 
science in the style of “Dia de los Muertos.” Then, Pumpkins will fly October 31 
at Pumpkin Launch 2009 held at CSU-F’s Titan Stadium! Want to be the first to 
hear about new exhibits and events? Sign up for our e-news today! Visit 
www.discoverycube.org for more information!

2009-10-18T19:58:00.001-07:00

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SYSTEM STILL FAILING WITH SCORES OF KIDS DYING; WE ALL MUST HELP TO AVOID THIS CONTINUOUS DISASTER

By Diana L Chapman

I’m ashamed….for all of us.

What happened to those children in the county system – all 268 that died in less than two years, many of whom were either murdered, killed in accidents, suicides or of other undetermined causes, should embarrass everyone. How long will it take us to get the system simply doesn’t work?

The time for these fatalities to stop and for a drastic overhaul to begin is now.

We owe that much to Miguel Padilla, 17, – an amputee who disappeared from a group home for nine days before anyone even seemed to notice and hanged himself – and a girl, Lazhanae Harris, 13, who was apparently murdered when she ran away from her foster home. The Los Angeles Times broke the number of fatalities in mid-October and used Miguel and Lazhanae to illustrate the breaks that exist in the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. This doesn’t even mention the scores of other kids abandoned to a dysfunctional agency where wide cracks, are so prolonged, children drop off daily into an abyss of rotating homes.

In the past, the Times has revealed other children who died in a system that is so overburdened, quite frankly, that is seems it can no longer rescue its wards even when it tries. The time for change clearly must be accomplished now, before more children die – and both the county and city leaders need to jump in and lead – not grandstand.

Start with this: We can all continue to blame the parents, or move on and accept the cold truth: many of these parents could care less about their children. That’s not the child’s fault. And unfortunately, leaves the rest of us.

Three overhaul concepts that could happen immediately include:

--Building permanent foster care homes for all the children who are likely never to leave the system, where they can live in the same setting their entire lives, attend the same schools and doctors, maintain their friends, use the same social worker and keep their health records intact – rather than tearing them out and moving them around from foster home to foster home. Staff members and volunteers should be nurturing and trained to guide children to find and define their future career goals – since they are kicked out of the system at age 18. Siblings should be kept together whenever possible. My sister adopted a two-year-old in San Diego’s county system (which has similar problems). He lived in six different foster homes. The harm could not be undone.

--Scores of potential resources exist out there for children in general that are not successfully linked or tapped to the most important place to help them -- school. School is a child’s second home. Having myself discovered this world of often untapped resources – such as Top Sail, a non-profit, which helps struggling students find themselves through sailing -- it was a pity no one had linked this program to two nearby junior highs – especially since the program had grant money. In Miguel’s case, he was humiliated by the taunts that he had no right arm from the elbow down. He wore giant jackets in a blazing sun to hide it, suffered from depression and asked for a prosthetic arm he never received. There’s not a single doubt in my mind that a non-profit, like the Shriners, would have provided this for him. The reason he didn’t receive it, the Los Angeles Times explained, is that he missed repeated appointments for measuring. This was the minimum the county should have done.

It isn’t any wonder why Miguel committed suicide. Not only was he virtually abandoned by his mother who took all three of her other children but not him, a father who left repeatedly for Mexico, and a grandmother who couldn’t raise him, he would have been released at age 18. Where would he have gone, an unloved boy with no arm from the elbow down?

--Last, many Americans have expressed an interest in supporting children like this. Adoption and fostering for some people simply is impossible for many reasons, such as not having the additional room, or finances. This does not mean, however, they don’t want to help. With proper training, volunteers could become a support system for a child, to back up social workers, and make sure they receive the things they need, like getting to the doctor’s for an eye exam – or say a prosthetic arm. Children in the system desperately need advocates to help. Start working up a training program now.

Foster care and group homes were supposed to replace orphanages to give these children a sense of family life. But in case anyone hasn’t noticed, it’s not working. These youth get kicked out or tossed around to different homes like puppies at a puppy mill. They can be moved for reasons such as the provider couldn’t get along with them. It’s a continuous stream of being thrown in the trash can again and again. “No one wants you,” might as well be stamped on their foreheads.

After going through so much of this with my sister, we clearly realized that “stability” was not offered to most of these children. One morning, I was deeply moved reading several letters to ‘Dear Abbey” from adults who were raised in an orphanage in the mid-west – one that actually worked. The writers were grateful to the orphanage, because the staff had provided them with consistency, a stable environment and nurturing. All three writers explained they bonded like a family, which the staff encouraged. The staff also prepared them for their futures, many becoming doctors, nurses and lawyers.

These children weren’t shifted from school to school, house to house or tossed back to relatives who really didn’t want them. They were not given to foster families who did the deed just for money.

For Miguel and Lazhanae, their entire lives were overlooked. All the adults involved failed them in every direction they landed. Honestly, I believe that many people would have stepped up to help had they only known of their plight. Maybe a good mentor, or advocate, would have prevented Lazhanae running away from her foster home, because someone – at last – cared about her. A reunification with her mother, who had many other children in the system, failed.

This is why we so desperately need our leaders in the city, county, juvenile law enforcement and school district to come together and build a network of all the fabulous agencies and non-profits out there that exist to help children – and link them directly to the schools.

Violence amongst teenagers has brewed locally and nationally. We have teenagers killing each other in the streets of Chicago – and five teenagers lighting another child on fire because he reported them for trying to steal his father’s bicycle.

Adults sit around questioning whether kids are more violent and less compassionate today. The answer, is yes, because they take their lessons from the very people teaching them -- all the adults that surround them in their lives – who often do nothing.

That unfortunately includes us.

2009-10-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING OFFERS FOR HELP OR FOR GIVING:

WRITER’S WORKSHOPS FOR COLLEGE BOUND

STUDENTS WRITING PERSONAL ESSAYS TO OPEN

HOUSE FOR TEACHERS AT THE MARITIME

MUSEUM; ALSO DONATIONS NEEDED FOR

THANKSGIVING BASKETS

----------NEED HELP WRITING YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY FOR YOUR COLLEGE BOUND APPLICATIONS?????????????:

SCARED TO DEATH TO WRITE YOUR PERSONAL COLLEGE BOUND ESSAY?

FEEL A BIT INTIMIDATED & DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY?

THEN COME PULL YOUR ESSAY OUT OF YOUR HAT AT A SERIES OF WRITER’S WORKSHOPS BEGINNING THIS OCTOBER AFTER SCHOOL AT SAN PEDRO HIGH!

Date: Oct. 22, Thursday, (and for several Thursday’s thereafter)

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Where: College Center/San Pedro High

What You Will Do During This Time:

· --Craft essays right in the workshop

· --Learn what to put in and to take out of your essay

· --Discover ways to write that are less torturous and painful

· --And several more secrets to writing

What You Need to Bring:

· --An unused memo notebook to write in (one you must allow to go home with the instructor)

· --Your IPOD/MP3 player/

· --Pens

· --Yourself

SCHOOL TEACHERS RECEIVE SPECIAL OPEN HOUSE AT THE MARITIME MUSEUM

The Los Angeles Maritime Museum will be holding its third annual "Teacher Open House" on Monday, October 19th at 3:00pm. Local teachers are invited to drop in anytime between 3 and 4:30 to tour the Museum, pick up curriculum information, learn about field trip opportunities, and enter for a chance to win free bus transportation for their class! Teachers of all grades are welcome. Please RSVP to 310-548-7618.

Marifrances Trivelli
Director, Los Angeles Maritime Museum
Berth 84, Foot of 6th Street
San Pedro CA USA 90731
310-548-7618
310-832-6537 (fax)

-------------JUSTICE FOR MURDERED CHILDREN SEEKING HELP TO MAKE THANKSGIVING BASKETS FOR FAMILIES

As Thanksgiving approaches Justice For Murdered Children begin to think of giving and bringing comfort to families in Los Angeles County that have lost a loved one to murder. In previous years it has been one of our commitments to provide Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets to these families in hope that it will help them get through the day in the mist of their loss. This year with the economy being as bad as it is we fill we have an obligation to help these families at least with Thanksgiving Dinner. Our small gesture is just a small way to let them know that they have not been forgotten.

Justice for Murdered Children needs your help in sponsoring a family for Thanksgiving, each family basket can be purchased for a mere $30.00. JFMC is committed to providing a minimum of 50 Thanksgiving Baskets for families living in Los Angeles County that have lost a loved one to murder. It is only through your generosity and love that we have been able to help families of murdered victims feels the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Any assistances that you can give, such as, $30.00 or more for the purchase of the baskets, turkeys, can goods, and other non-perishable items would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made:

On Pay Pal on our website at www.jfmc.org

By mail to: Justice For Murdered Children (JFMC)

24564 S. Hawthorne Blvd., #201

Torrance , CA 90505

For more information call 310-738-4218 or email victimvoices@yahoo.com

2009-10-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

MATH TEACHER’S INQUIRY RECEIVES QUICK RESPONSE FROM LAUSD SUPERINTENDENT; WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

By Diana L. Chapman

The word failure rattles everyone bones. So when Los Angeles Unified School District placed our San Pedro High campus – along with twelve other “underperforming” schools – on a so called “focus” list, a math teacher bubbled with anger.

As I told you last week, this San Pedro High teacher –  who one student defined as an instructor who went out of his way to help his kids -- challenged the LAUSD school superintendent that the campus was not at the bottom of the barrel -- in fact not even close.

Despite that, San Pedro High along with Gardena High, and several other schools were put on “a focus list” which now opens the doors for outside operators, such as charters and non-profits, to bid to run those schools while competing with the district.

Too many of us here in San Pedro, the so-called focus list spelled out failure – and some parents, teachers and staff took it personally.

“Can you please correct the perception that you created by (1) placing

one of your top schools on a list known in the news as "the failing

schools" list and (2) your statements in the press by making clear

that San Pedro High is not one of the most underperforming schools in

either LAUSD or LD8, but that you hope to help take us to greater

heights?” Richard Wagoner wrote to Cortines. “On behalf of the staff, students, parents and administration. It would be most appreciated.

And if you are in town, please stop by and say hello. I would love to

show you some of the great things we do.”

As far as I know, Cortines has not made an appearance at San Pedro High School – and perhaps he should. But he did surprise some of us with a quick response to the Wagoner letter. The district, he explained, will offer further support to improve the schools on the list, so they can compete against outside operators.

In addition, Cortines and the school board make the final decisions on who runs any of those ailing schools – or the 24 new schools included in the “public school choice.”

Cortines responded to Wagoner:

“Recent events and misperceptions regarding our announcement of “Focus Schools” have caused me to clarify my position in promoting and providing an enhanced learning environment for a number of our schools,” Cortines responded. “Let me assure you that in my public correspondence and media interviews regarding this subject I have always stated that the purpose of this process is about providing our schools with the appropriate support to develop and implement plans that meet the needs of our students. At no time did I disparage San Pedro High School or any other school listed as part of our “Focus Schools.”

Furthermore, I’d like to reiterate that being classified as a “Focus School” should not be viewed as a negative term. Instead, I want us to work together to identify strategies that can help our schools overcome the challenges that they are facing. It will take all of us working together to help our students reach their highest potential.”

The superintendent also clarified that San Pedro – or any of the high schools on the list, which also included, Maywood, Lincoln, Garfield and Jefferson, as well as three elementary and three middle school campuses were not necessarily failing, but not improving quickly enough.

I wrote last week that it all smacked of politics to me. San Pedro High has had severe overcrowding issues, inconsistent leadership over the past several years, and the former principal, Bob DiPietro, charged that the staff resisted change before he left after a two year stint.

The new principal, Jeanette Stevens, however, who stepped into the post in August, has vowed with her “excellent” staff and students to revamp and overhaul teaching strategies so they can beat all – if any competition that comes aboard. It seems to me the recent action involving the Harbor area school may just be a way to force the staff to work with the new head administrator.

Stevens, a San Pedro resident whose daughters attend LAUSD’s Park Western Avenue Elementary School, has far greater personal reason to improve the overcrowded ailing campus than her predecessors. She wants her children to attend there.

“San Pedro High School is engaging in a process to write a plan that will be successful for students, parents and teachers,” e-mailed Stevens, noted for her networking abilities to bring groups together. “We are committed to hearing community input, concerns and ideas that will continue to enable all students to be college prepared and career ready.

Stevens plans to meet with the community at 6 p.m. Monday (October 19) at San Pedro High School's Auditorium. She also plans to attend the North West Neighborhood Council Meeting Monday and the Central Council on Tuesday, both at 6:30 p.m.

In the meantime, district officials said all 12 of the campuses that were targeted with the “Public School Choice,” which allows outsiders to compete for the schools will receive additional support from the district.

Linda Del Cueto, the superintendent of Region Eight, which includes San Pedro and Gardena high schools, explained that district staff members will come in to

help guide the development of a new plan, facilitate focus groups and ensure that all “the stakeholders are involved.”

“We will  work closely with the schools throughout the duration of the plan writing and implementation,” she e-mailed.

Students and parents across the board at all the focus schools probably feel as though they are left in limbo. Honestly, they are as no one knows what the future holds for these schools. Outside organizations – such as Green Dot Charters may or may not – offer to take them over in this revolutionary change in the school district’s history that allows other entities to step up and attempt to takeover these public schools.

But personally, at this moment, I’m glad one courageous math teacher demanded clarification from the superintendent. We needed that.

65B

2009-10-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES SCHOOL'S SUPERINTENDENT RESPONDS TO SP HIGH MATH TEACHER'S COMPLAINTS ABOUT CALLING THE SCHOOL A FAILURE; AND LONG TIME RESIDENT JOHN OLGUIN HONORED WITH A MONUMENT

LAUSD SUPT. RESPONSE TO MATH TEACHER

September 30, 2009

Richard Wagoner
Math Teacher
San Pedro High School

Dear Richard,

Recent events and misperceptions regarding our announcement of “Focus Schools” have caused me to clarify my position in promoting and providing an enhanced learning environment for a number of our schools. Let me assure you that in my public correspondence and media interviews regarding this subject I have always stated that the purpose of this process is about providing our schools with the appropriate support to develop and implement plans that meet the needs of our students. At no time did I disparage San Pedro High School or any other school listed as part of our “Focus Schools.”

Furthermore, I’d like to reiterate that being classified as a “Focus School” should not be viewed as a negative term. Instead, I want us to work together to identify strategies that can help our schools overcome the challenges that they are facing. It will take all of us working together to help our students reach their highest potential.

Understandably, concerns have risen in response to your school being named a “Focus School.” Let me be clear, your school’s presence on the list does not automatically mean that a charter school, a non-profit organization, a group of teachers or anyone else will take it over. Being on the list simply means you need to make progress and at a faster rate. I know that in working together we can make it happen and you have my commitment of support from my office and the Local District Superintendent’s office during this process.

I also want to be clear that I support your new principal, Ms. Jeanette Stevens, as she works to accelerate the improvements at the school. Furthermore, although the review process we have developed in response to the Public School Choice Board Resolution will start soon, nothing will happen this year.

Sincerely,

Ramon C. Cortines

San Pedro Rotary Club Unveils John Olguin Citizen of the Century Monument

Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 10:00 AM

(San Pedro, CA) The public is invited to join the San Pedro Rotary Club at the unveiling of the “Citizen of the Century” monument commemorating San Pedro resident Johh Olguin’s decades of service to the community of San Pedro and the City of Los Angeles.

Where: Point Fermin Park entrance – corner of Gaffey & Shepard Streets

When: Saturday, October 10th at 10:00 am

Speakers: Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn

San Pedro Rotary Club President Robert Wolfenden

Citizen of the Century Monument Chair Anthony Vulin

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn will be at the event to recognize Mr. Olguin on behalf of the City of Los Angeles for his contribution to the community. John Olguin truly embodies the Rotary Club’s motto, “Service Above Self.”

Mr. John Olguin served the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department for 50 years in the Aquatics division. His many accomplishments include: Co-founder of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, the establishment of the Point Fermin Marine Life Refuge, and past president and charter member of the Cetacean Society.

He is considered the local “father of whale watching” and “Mr. San Pedro”. He was given a Lifetime Achievement award by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. For 55 years, he raised the funds and coordinated the Cabrillo Beach Fourth of July fireworks.

“It’s a great honor to be receiving this recognition from the San Pedro Rotary,” said Olguin. “The location of this monument means a lot to me. In the 1970s I saw that this piece of land was collecting trash and needed attention. I got people involved to landscape and beautify it.”

The Rotary worked with local government for many years to find the right location for the monument. The small triangular median, noted for its large anchor, at the corner of Gaffey and Shepard Streets was selected. Considering the breadth and depth of Olguin’s community contribution, it’s no surprise that he was instrumental in improving this very spot.

The San Pedro Rotary Club is a service organization. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio.

2009-09-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

HERE'S MY TAKE ON WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH SAN PEDRO HIGH PERHAPS OTHERS SHOULD WEIGH IN AND LEAVE AN EMAIL OR A COMMENT ON THE BLOG

By Diana L. Chapman

The Los Angeles school district last week placed San Pedro High School – my son’s campus -- on the list of 12 campuses that can now be taken over by outside operators for failure to improve.

Since Ryan goes there, I quickly assessed the real meaning, and as usual, it comes down to this: “It’s all politics ma’ dear.”

Putting that into perspective, I don’t believe for a second that San Pedro High School is one of the worst in the district. It’s not the best either and has definite issues, not all caused by the school. For example, its overcrowded (a problem the district created) and has more than ten percent of its students drop out (a problem society created.)

Some of the staff, however, have become entrenched and are not engaging their students. We are on the third principal in less than six years. An enthusiastic Jeanette Stevens – the new principal who accepted the post in August – had little idea that the school would be placed on the nicely-named: “focus list,” along with Gardena, Garfield, Maywood, Lincoln and Jefferson high schools.

The LAUSD school board, this fall, opened the door to allow non-profits to go after 12 underperforming schools – and 24 brand new schools – while competing against Los Angeles Unified’s own staff, a competition the board believes will prompt improvement amid its most ailing campuses.

Without using the words, the focus list seems like a hit list of campuses that failed its students with low test scores and more than 21 percent of its students unable to cope proficiently with English or math. That district’s action can possibly trigger a bidding process – so to speak -- for outside operators – charters and non-profits – to take a shot at running any of the schools on the list.

Stevens and her crews can also compete which is exactly what the principal plans to do – and win.

I have a theory about why this has happened to our school of 3,375 students. But first, let me start with Richard Wagoner, a caring, San Pedro High math teacher, who charges the district’s mathematical equation remains incorrect and that he was demoralized when his phone rang off the hook with friends “wanting to know how I could work at such a lousy school.”

He disputes, for instance, that while the API (Academic Performance Index) went down last year, the school has increased by 40 points the year prior and maintains overall one of the highest math scores in the district that can compete with other nearby district high schools, including Torrance.

 “Yet in interviews you continue to give the impression that we are a failure,”

Wagoner wrote LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines. “Whether this is by design,

statements out of context, or accident,  the facts are so easily obtained and so

obviously opposed  to this impression. Unfortunately, perception is reality, and you

are  hurting us by continuing to spread this perception.”

Here’s what I think in a nutshell and I know not everyone will agree: San Pedro was classified this way to force the staff to work closer with the new principal – as relations between the staff and top executive year’s past were: frozen, locked up, stale-mated, going nowhere, burned up, lambasted.

The former principal, on his way out, left a scathing letter behind that the staff refused change. That may be so, and now the ball is in the hands of our new principal, who should I say has her hands full.

Whatever plan offered by outside agencies, Stevens and her crew will have to beat out other proposals that come forward – if any.

Cortines and the school board have the final say on who will run the school.

Stevens, known for remarkable team-building skills, nurturing of students, and bringing her staff together, crusades that she’s already has an excellent staff in place and that they are teaching. The students are willing to learn and what the school needs to discover is a fresh approach in the “the art of teaching.”

“Clearly, we’ve got to make it better for the kids and keep their interest,” she explained adding that “we are going to win that contract or whatever it is.”

Many things piled on top of each other making it difficult to manage San Pedro High. For example, it has about 1,375 students more than it was built to handle. The leadership became a revolving door and then came the real slam: the school received about a D rating during the accreditation process.

But Teresa Feldman, whose child attends Hollywood High School, said she sees the most recent action as a way for the district to transfer the blame.

Top of Form
“I love how SP High School's administration is being put on notice to clean up their act, when the real problem stems from the District's policies that lead to serious overcrowding,” Feldman emailed.

“You can't cram all of these students onto campuses and expect anything but warehousing to take place. No adult would be able to function in the working world under these conditions, but the District assumes these children will not only function, but thrive. I hold out hope for the new principal in her endeavors, but overcrowding is a tough obstacle to overcome.”

She added that as soon as the district opened Bernstein High School near to Hollywood High – and 1,000 students transferred to the new school – Hollywood had the highest “jump in API scores in the district this year.”

I also had three emails – at least two anonymous -- suggesting San Pedro High dump the district and become a charter.

That did surprise me. Starting up a charter means a process. Teachers have to be re-interviewed to keep their jobs and the outside operator has to decide whether it wants to become an independent charter – one that operates under its own policies with its own school board – or a dependent charter.

A dependent charter keeps LAUSD as its school board and also continues the staff benefits.

When my husband heard the news about San Pedro, let’s say he wasn’t thrilled. I, on the other hand, have faith in the new principal and still believe this most recent action was done for one reason -- to give the district a way to break the ongoing stalemate.

Only time will tell us who gets to say checkmate.

2009-09-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

LONG-TIME SAN PEDRO HIGH MATH TEACHER CHALLENGES THE LOS ANGELES SCHOOL DISTRICT'S
EQUATIONS LISTING HIS CAMPUS AS A FAILING; THE LAUSD BOARD ACTION ANNOUCMENT OF 12
SCHOOLS ALLOWS OUTSIDE OPERATORS TO BID FOR THEM

THE LETTER WAS WRITTEN TO LAUSD SUPERINTENDENT RAMON
CORTINES

Mr. Cortines:

I am disappointed that in the press and in interviews you give the
false impression that San Pedro High School is one of the most
under performing schools in LD8 or LAUSD. Just this morning people
called me after watching the morning news with a quote from you
stating -- or insinuating -- such, wanting to know how I could work at
such a "lousy" school.

For your background information, year after year, San Pedro High
School has led Local District 8 in API and AYP. This year, due in
large part to decisions made by your own administrators, our API went
down, but this is after a more than FOURTY POINT INCREASE last year.
Further, our API places us within the top 15 of high schools in the
entire district. A quick glance shows that in the last decade we have
had huge increases in scores, and we dominate LD8 and much of the
district in math scores overall;  scores in Algebra 2 and higher place
us among such high-achieving schools and districts as Palos Verdes,
Torrance, Redondo and Mira Costa. San Pedro High also tends to have
one of the higher first-time pass rates for the high school exit exam
in the entire district. San Pedro High is also a school where numerous
teachers send our own children to be educated. We are not a failure by
any stretch of the imagination.

Yet in interviews you continue to give the impression that we are a
failure. Whether this is by design, statements out of context, or
accident,  the facts are so easily obtained and so obviously opposed
to this impression. Unfortunately, perception is reality, and you are
hurting us by continuing to spread this perception.

Can you please correct the perception that you created by (1) placing
one of your top schools on a list known in the news as "the failing
schools" list and (2) your statements in the press by making clear
that San Pedro High is not one of the most under performing schools in
either LAUSD or LD8, but that you hope to help take us to greater
heights? On behalf of the staff, students, parents and administration,
It would be most appreciated.

And if you are in town, please stop by and say hello. I would love to
show you some of the great things we do.

Sincerely,

Richard Wagoner
Math Teacher
Commissioner, California Curriculum Commission

2009-09-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

New San Pedro High Principal Taken a Bit Off-Guard By Los Angeles Unified’s Announcement that Her School Will Have To Compete With a New Plan or the Campus Could Be Doled Out to a Charter; Her Staff Readies for the Challenge

They’ll Win, She Contends

By Diana L. Chapman

Having just started this past August, the new San Pedro High School Principal, Jeanette Stevens, was packed a punch Friday when the school district announced that the overcrowded campus could be targeted for take-over by outside agencies.

“I had a little bit of an inkling, but I was still surprised,” Stevens said calling from Field of Dreams where she was watching her children play soccer on Saturday morning. “I mean this is San Pedro. I didn’t think we’d be on the list. We are not the lowest performing school in the district.”

Stevens, a San Pedro resident, has two children at Park Western Avenue Elementary School.

Surprised as she was, Stevens – hand-picked for the post due to her steady leadership skills, fostering fresh approaches and team building – accepted the decision as a challenge to her and her staff – one they were prepared to meet head-on.

Reached mid-morning, the principal, who came as the third top gun of the ailing school in less than four years, said she decided to turn this into “a positive” even though the “focus list” names the 12 schools – which also included Gardena High-- as failing to meet several district standards.

On Friday, Stevens and the staff scrambled to get out a letter in 6^th period to parents so they wouldn’t panic. Despite all the hurried attempts, not all parents received the letter. The school has about 3,375 students.

“The superintendent has assured us that the process of being identified as a focus school 

is about providing our school with the appropriate supports to continue to develop

 and implement plans that meet the needs of our students,” Stevens wrote to parents. 

“We know these supports will also go hand in hand with the accreditation process

 with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.”

Staff members and the principal have worked to improve its chances to renew its accreditation and will continue to work toward that goal. But Stevens added that she viewed the additional support as help rather than interference.

“We have to believe as a teacher’s community that the superintendent is going to help us,” Stevens explained. “It’s great to have a second set of hands and eyes so we can really target our corrective actions. That’s a map to success.”

The standards, which determined which campuses were identified, included: lack of improvement over a three-year period, failure to raise the API (Academic Performance Index) or having less than 21 percent of its students proficient in English or math.

Another standard – used only for the high schools – was whether the dropout rate was higher than ten percent.

Called the “Public School Choice,” the identification of those schools along with 24 brand new schools in the district opens the doors to outside agencies to bid to operate the campus – a first in Los Angeles school district history and possibly a revolutionary pathway to reform the cumbersome district that handles 700 plus schools. LAUSD will have to compete to maintain the named campuses against charters or other organizations that might come up with a better proposal for operations.

“I just think we have to come up with the best plan and we are going to win that contract, or whatever it is,” Stevens responded assuredly. “Clearly, we’ve got to make it better for the kids and keep their interest.”

San Pedro High –faced with overcrowding, inconsistent leadership and staff entrenchment -- received what many education officials considered about a D performance and was given two-years to clean up its act to renew its accreditation.

The staff, she said, has worked consistently with her to discover different ways to improve the school, including researching “the art of learning” with various educators and asking the local community to step forward, from parents to local organizations.

Stevens already has toured the Boys and Girls Club and plans to fashion a relationship with the club – and other organizations – to aid in ensuring the performance levels are going up. The Boys and Girls Club has successfully launched a College Bound program, which offers intense training for their members to get into universities.

“There are just a lot of things on the table,” Stevens said. “We are waiting for more information. That’s when I will be really able to steer us in the right direction.”

In the short period since Stevens arrived, she has concluded that the students “are amazing,” the staff works diligently to educate the children and that the sports program continues its excellence. Now, the campus needs to go beyond that.

“These are our kids,” she said. “Let’s love them and nurture them like they are our own."