A newsletter for LACOE staff
July 2015
Educators meet on the road to success

Word is spreading across California and the nation about LACOE's award-winning Road To Success Academies model of instruction for incarcerated and at-risk students.

The Office's first "RTSA" symposium, held June 12 in Burbank, drew more than 100 participants and representatives from 12 county offices of education, four school districts and two state agencies.

"We are thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response of our education colleagues to learn about our approach and how they can replicate it," said Diana Velasquez-Campos, director of RTSA implementation in the Division of Student Programs.

The day-long symposium featured presentations, student testimonials, an expert panel and interactive displays of LACOE's RTSA programs.

Forty participants also joined site visits on June 11 at RTSA sites at Camps Gonzales in Calabasas and Miller in Malibu.

Superintendent Arturo Delgado closed the symposium with a discussion of the core values essential to implementing the RTSA approach. He also shared information on the three-year process of support and monitoring offered by LACOE for a school to be officially certified as a Road To Success Academy.

LACOE's school serving young women detained at Camp Scott-Scudder in Saugus became the first academy to receive certification. Learn more here.

RTSA features interdisciplinary, project-based learning focused on themes that address students' academic and mental health needs. Learn more about RTSA here.

View materials from the RTSA Symposium here.

Photo: Principal Santos DeCasas shares information about the RTSA program at Camp Munz-Mendenhall at the June 12 symposium.
New leadership in Ed Programs, Ed Services
LACOE also welcomes two new Board members 

Two accomplished administrators have taken over the leadership posts vacated by Yolanda Benitez and Cuauhtemoc Avila, effective July 1.

Dayton Gilleland, former superintendent of Washington Unified School District in West Sacramento, is LACOE's new chief academic officer.

Hector Murrieta, former executive director of Community Partnerships at San Bernardino City USD, has been selected as chief educational programs officer.

Benitez has retired from her post as chief academic officer while Avila, who served as assistant superintendent, Educational Programs, accepted a new position as superintendent of Rialto Unified School District in San Bernardino County.

"We have appreciated their strong leadership, and wish them the best in their new endeavors," said Superintendent Arturo Delgado as he announced the selection of the two new members of his executive cabinet.

LACOE also welcomes two new Board members: Gabriella Holt, who previously served on the Board from 2010 to 2013, and Monte Perez, president of L.A. Mission College.

They fill the posts vacated by Jose Calderon and Ray Reisler, effective July 1.
Program offers a recipe for student health      

When Geri Lorenzana's mother developed cancer, she saw first-hand how a change in diet can make a positive difference in someone's health and energy level.

"This stayed with me for years until I realized I could have a career as a registered dietitian and make a difference for others," said Lorenzana, one of six specialists in LACOE's Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention program.

The program provides nutrition education and activities to promote physical activity at 18 school districts countywide, benefiting more than 125,000 students and families.

Lorenzana's dedication to improving the health and well-being of children and families was recently recognized with a Golden Apple award from the West San Gabriel Valley Administrators Association for her outstanding work in the Mountain View School District in El Monte.

Read the full story here.

Get Lorenzana's favorite kid-friendly makeover recipe, "Berry Good Banana Split," and others here. View easy and delicious healthy recipes on the Champions for Change website here.

Photo: LACOE Nutrition Specialist Geri Lorenzana (c) is honored for her outstanding work in the Mountain View School District. She is shown with Superintendent Lillian Maldonado French (l) and Food Service Director Susan Delgado.
Head Start takes up Rachel's Challenge

Head Start employees, delegate agency staff, parents and children started a "chain reaction" by contributing paper links with words detailing acts of kindness and compassion that someone has shown them.

They took up Rachel's Challenge this year and created a "kindness chain" of more than 4,000 links of their own, enough to wrap around the Head Start-State Preschool building in Santa Fe Springs. The chains are displayed in Head Start's Santa Fe offices.

Rachel's Challenge was created by the family of Rachel Scott, an ordinary teenage girl who had a passion for reaching out to people considered outside the ordinary. Sadly, her life of service was cut short. She was the first victim of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting.

Photo: Head Start staffers create links for a "kindness chain."
Effort gives voice to incarcerated youth

 

A student from LACOE's Phoenix Academy was among the top 15 finalists in this year's Words Unlocked national poetry initiative.

 

More than 1,300 students from 156 juvenile justice facilities participated in the month-long initiative aimed at encouraging literary exploration by young people held in secure facilities. It is organized by the Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings.

LACOE student Erik's poem "Young and Not Yet Free" can be found with the other 14 finalists here (Erik's is the fifth one down).

Congratulations to Erik, teacher Florence Avognon and Principal Norberto Perez!

Learn more about Words Unlocked here.
Indian culture, scholarship program highlighted at annual luncheon

The Asian Pacific Heritage Group at LACOE recently held its 6th annual luncheon, highlighting India's culture and heritage and honoring LACOE students and student workers who received its 2015 scholarship grants.

The event, held at the LACOE Conference Center at ECW, featured ethnic cuisine and colorful dances reflecting the richness of India's history and traditions.

Seven LACOE students and student workers were awarded scholarship grants in recognition of their efforts to overcome challenges to reach their educational goals.

One of them, Special Ed student Jordan Foster, got her high school diploma in spite of her Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a progressive degenerative condition that has severely limited her speech and mobility.

"Jordan is one of the most inspirational students I have ever known," said Carey Gromis, one of Jordan's teachers, in his remarks during the event. "Her unbelievable determination and supportive community have helped her overcome the obstacles."

Read the full story here.

View a photo gallery here.

Photo: California State Controller Betty Yee poses with members of the Rangashree dance troupe.
Bravo!       

Paulette Koss, principal of the Road To Success Academy at Camp Scott-Scudder in Saugus, has been honored by the Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings. She is this year's winner of the Lighting the Fire Principal of the Year Award and was recognized for nurturing an atmosphere where teachers work collaboratively with probation and treatment staff to serve the young people in their care.

Koss, who this year earned her doctorate of education from Brandman University, was also praised for creating schools that are healthy, student-focused places where children learn by asking probing questions, delving into research and presenting their work.

* * *

Three LACOE staffers have been honored with awards this year from the Association of California School Administrators Region 14.

Jim Anderson, LACOE SELPA director, was named Special Education Administrator of the Year, and Jennifer Gomeztrejo, a consultant in Child Welfare and Attendance, was honored as Pupil Personnel Services Administrator of the Year. Michelle Herczog, history-social science consultant in CIS, received the prestigious Ferd J. Kiesel Memorial Award for Distinguished Service.
In Memoriam      

Sylvia Cruces, a teacher in Juvenile Court Schools since 2003, died May 26. Cruces was most recently assigned to Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey where she worked with boys in the Special Handling Unit. She was one of the lead Road To Success Academy teachers and was instrumental in developing the social-emotional themes that are at the heart of this instructional approach. "Dr. Cruces was invested in the RTSA process and one of the biggest cheerleaders for its implementation," wrote Principal John Cotton. "She will be dearly missed by all of her coworkers and peers." Sign a memory book here.

Donna Hackner, a consultant in Instructional Technology Outreach from 2004-12, passed away in May. The founding principal of New Millennium Secondary School, Hackner also served as a teacher and administrator in Compton USD. In retirement, she volunteered as a teacher mentor and robotics instructor. "Donna was a true champion for students," wrote Sonia Hooks of ITO. "She loved technology and was dedicated to her profession. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her." Expressions of condolence may be sent to Michael and Brian Hackner, 6319 Rustic Drive, San Diego, CA 92139.

Rebecca Richer, who served with LACOE for 22 years, died June 7 after an 8-year battle with cancer. Richer joined LACOE in 1991 as an accountant and later was promoted to assistant director of Accounting and Budget Development. She retired in 2012. A memorial service was held June 22 at Monrovia Canyon Park. Read an obituary here. Sign a memory book here.
Green ideas win Dodger tickets

Five LACOE employees won tickets to the June 5 Dodgers game against the Cardinals, cashing in on their ideas to help our agency be greener and conserve resources.

The Green Team reached out to all employees, asking them to share their ideas on how to make our work spaces greener, conserving resources and being more sustainable and more energy efficient. The Schools First Credit Union donated the tickets and the Green Team used them as an incentive.

More than 250 ideas were submitted and the winners were selected by random drawing, using the www.random.org number generator. The winners were Michele Biagioni, Rita Magana, Alex Smith, Sarah Sandoval and Jean Law.

A committee of Green Team members reviewed all submissions and will take steps in the near future to recognize employees who submitted ideas that stood out. Ideas included ways to reduce water, energy and paper usage; increasing indoor environmental quality with more natural light and thermal comfort; and creating a comprehensive employee education program on sustainability that includes training of energy advocates.

LACOE's Green Team is a project of the Division of Facilities and Construction. The group includes representatives from a variety of LACOE programs who are committed to encouraging energy and resource efficiency.

Learn more here. Watch a sustainable workplace practices video here.
LACOE treats tobacco as a killer           

Smokers and other tobacco users are more likely to develop disease and die earlier than people who do not, so LACOE has been a tobacco-free workplace for some time now.

In fact, the L.A. County Board of Education adopted a policy prohibiting the use of tobacco products at all times, on all property and in all buildings and vehicles owned or leased by LACOE and at LACOE-sponsored events, in an effort to protect everyone's health. View the policy here.

Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable disease and disability in the United States. In L.A. County alone, tobacco use accounts for one out of every seven deaths and $4.3 billion in direct medical care costs and lost productivity annually.

In addition to health concerns, tobacco use is a costly habit. It is estimated that over the course of a year, the price of one pack of cigarettes per day is more than $2,400.

If you smoke, you may worry about what it's doing to your health. You probably also are worried about how hard it might be to quit smoking. Nicotine is highly addictive and quitting can be difficult. In fact, most people don't succeed the first time. It may take more than one try, but you can succeed.

If you currently use tobacco, join the 88 percent of Californians who don't.

For information and assistance with smoking cessation, contact the California Smokers' Helpline at 800/662-8887 or visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.
In This Issue
RTSA symposium
New leadership
Nutrition education
Chain of kindness
Words Unlocked
APHG Luncheon
Bravo!
In Memoriam
Green Team
Tobacco policy
 Feeling at EASE

Encourage one another daily 

    

We all need encouragement. Unfortunately, many times we don't take action.

Learn how to develop an encouraging heart:

* If an encouraging thought comes to mind, share it! It may not have the same effect if you wait.

* When you introduce someone, add a few words of praise for the person's abilities and accomplishments.

* Make celebration a more regular part of your relationships. Celebrate others' victories large or small.

* Realize the power of presence. When you're with others, you're telling them that they're important.

* If you really want to encourage someone who gives you excellent service, write a letter of commendation to the person's boss.

* Say "Well done." Nothing worth doing is ever easy.

* A smile is a powerful encourager. It tells people that what they are doing is okay.

Tell people how they've encouraged you. You will be amazed at the results you will see in those around you and in your life as well.

Simple words? Perhaps. But delivered at the right time, the effect can be profound.

EASE has counselors available if you want to talk at 800/882-1341.


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Academic Bowl 2009
An official news publication for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, 9300 Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242, 562/922-6360.
  
Arturo Delgado, Ed.D.
Superintendent


Board of Education:
Thomas A. Saenz, President
Douglas R. Boyd, Vice President
Katie Braude
Alex Johnson
Monte E. Perez
Rebecca J. Turrentine

Produced by LACOE Communications Dept.:  
Frank Kwan, director; Margo Minecki, editor; Kostas Kalaitzidis and Nimfa Rueda, contributing writers; Timothy Cox and John Paster, graphic design.

PIN # 2015-07-09-1105-NEWS-1
The Communications Department welcomes your input on issues and topics to be covered in Channels, as well as story ideas, photos and feedback about the publication. Please call 562/922-6360 or email us.