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Los Angeles Unified School District
Pupil Services Newsletter
 
Mission
"To ensure that all LAUSD students are enrolled, attending, engaged and on-track to graduate"
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Volume 4, Issue 2
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October/November 2013
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Greetings!
Thank you to everyone who completed the Pupil Services Surveys. You are a vital part of our unit and your feedback is important. I strive to promote a positive and welcoming work environment and want to ensure that your voice is being heard. These surveys will continue to be utilized and integrated into our work as we move forward.
The October Professional Development featured amazing speakers and provided an opportunity to partner with others in sharing knowledge and expertise on attendance data and best practices.
A Special Thanks to the fellow LAUSD units and corporate and small business sponsors who donated to our Opening Day Meeting, Student Recovery Day and the October Professional Development: LAUSD Procurement Services Center and Food Services, Starbucks, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Noah's bagels, Food for Less, Whole Foods, Vons, Target and Crème Caramel LA.
Congratulations to the Foster Care and Neglected or Delinquent Youth Program for having the most counselors in attendance to the Resource Fair held on August 29, 2013. The prize was delivered to the unit to be awarded at their November staff meeting. Thank you all who supported this event.
Erika Torres, MSW
Director
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All APSAC Meetings are scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month (November 6, December 4, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7) on the campus of Roybal HS-Student Discipline Unit, Conference Room 202. Members are also able to participate via teleconference. Details on how to call in are on each agenda. Please get involved with YOUR organization!
APSAC is strongly encouraging members to register for the 5K "Move It" Challenge on Saturday, November 16, 2013. We would love to have a strong presence at this event, with all APSAC members proudly wearing one of their favorite PSA shirts! All proceeds will benefit the Wellness Centers, which are of great benefit to the families and students we serve.
APSAC is thrilled to partner with Friends of School Mental Health (FSMH) to increase fund raising opportunities and provide more support to children and families. Also, a huge thanks to our Director, Erika Torres, and Central Counselor, Elsa Garcia Sanda, for making CEU's possible for APSAC members this year. We will be sending out an interest survey soon to determine which professional development opportunities will be most beneficial to you.
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October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
10/16- Boss's Day
10/21- Pupil Services Intern Training
10/31- Halloween
November
National Homeless Awareness Month
11/01- Attendance and Dropout Prevention Plan Due
11/03- Day Light Savings Ends
11/8-11/11- LASPD Community Carnival
11/25-11/29- Thanksgiving Holiday
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October
10/04 - School staff generates ISIS Initial Evaluation List
10/16- School staff clears absences
10/17 - Central Office generates Final Report
10/28 - Central Office mails Truancy Letters
11/04 - School staff generates ISIS Initial Evaluation List
11/15- School staff clears absences
11/18 - Central Office generates Final Report
11/26 - Central Office mails Truancy Letters
**Schools are required to clear and update attendance data and records during the current school year. Corrections and updates to attendance data and records are not allowed after the school year has closed. Refer to REF-5464.2.
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EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTERS
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ESC South
ACCURATE ATTENDANCE
IS THE FIRST STEP IN DROPOUT PREVENTION
At Educational Service Center-South schools are doing an excellent job of submitting daily attendance. Last school year (2012-2013), the attendance submittal rates for ESC-South were the highest in the district. The attendance submittal rate for the month of June 2013 was 98.56%! "We are almost at 100%. When we have accurate attendance we are able to best serve our students", reports Dionne Y. Ash, Pupil Services Administrator. Ms. Ash and her Pupil Service and Attendance counselors are working to ensure that each school has 100% submittal daily.
School administrators have been provided with training on how to monitor the submittal of their teachers and Pupil Service and Attendance Counselors are training their teachers and clerical staff on the importance of attendance submittal and putting procedures in place. The Pupil Services staff (Administrator, SARB Chairs, and PSA Counselors) meet with all LAUSD staff in ESC-South on an on-going basis. ESC-South Principals have a STRONG interest in ensuring accurate attendance. Their eagerness and competitiveness has had a tremendous impact on submittal rates. Way to go ESC-South! |
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ESC North
ESC North wants to congratulate veteran PSA Counselor Gina Carrillo-Jackman on her outstanding work with a 2nd grader at Sunny Brae Elementary School. Last year, Gina worked extensively with the family, providing excellent support on her one day per week at the school. The student had been absent 118 full days by the time his case went to SARB in April 2013. So far this year he has only missed one day of school. This is a tremendous improvement, and it means he is on track to meet the Performance Meter for Attendance! Gina presented an In-N-Out certificate to him this week to recognize his achievement. Great work Gina!
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ESC West
Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Middle School students monitor their attendance with "Attendance Data Cards"
Students and staff at Johnnie L. Cochran Middle School are working hard to meet the District's Performance Meter goal for attendance. PSA Counselor Kristen Harrison, in collaboration with a teacher Mr. Hunsberger and Principal Mr. Schmerleson, has been teaching and reinforcing attendance throughout the school year. Students are tracking their own attendance on specific "target dates", informally referred to as "Data Days". On each "Data Day" during Advisory, a PA announcement is made for teachers to pass out the students' Attendance Data Cards. The Attendance Data Card is a tracking tool where each student monitors their own attendance by filling in the number of absences accumulated for the school year and determines whether they are "On Target", "Ahead of Target", or "Needs to Improve" their attendance. During the exercise, students also complete a raffle card with the same attendance data information to take home for a parent signature. All students who return their signed raffle card are entered into a drawing for prizes. "Data Days" have increased awareness and communication about the importance of regular school attendance among staff, students, and parents. Kristen's hard work and innovation have resulted in a 10% increase of students meeting the Performance Meter at Cochran Middle School.
Grad Van Sighting at Venice High School
The Grad Van visited Venice High School in ESC-West for Back to School Night. Oralia Lua, PSA Counselor at Venice invited the Grad Van to assist her with her on-going efforts to reach out to students and parents about the importance of regular and consistent school attendance. Ms. Lua's goal was to teach and reinforce attendance expectations, as well as to inform families about graduation requirements and options to assist students to obtain their high school diploma. Ms. Lua's message was well received and many parents took advantage of the opportunity to gain more knowledge about how they can be involved in their child's school success!
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ESC East
Dianna Armenta, PSA Counselor at the Immigrant Student Guidance, Assessment, & Placement (GAP) Center assists students that are newly arrived to the United States (newcomers). Dianna works with families to facilitate enrollment for their school-age children and transition them into LAUSD schools. As part of the GAP Center team, Dianna assists with school placement, immunizations, leading acculturation groups, and working with community agencies to access resources for the families with whom she works. She also consults with school staff regarding resources for newcomer students as well as to translate school transcripts from other countries. Dianna reports that in the 2012-13 school year, 89% of the 1,145 newcomer students were enrolled into a LAUSD school within 3 days after their families were assiste d with enrollment forms and immunizations at the GAP Center. In 2009-2010 with 1-day of PSA support, the GAP Center enrolled 61% of students within 5 days. Dianna is a proud advocate for newcomer students and families.
Interested in learning more about the GAP Center? Visit http://gap-lausd-ca.schoolloop.com/
Making Connections Through School Clubs
Research indicates that students who feel connected to school are less likely to skip school or engage in fighting, bullying, and vandalism (Schapps 2003; Wilson & Elliot, 2003). Lora Palacios, PSA Counselor at Belvedere Middle School, is working to promote opportunities for school connectedness through the presence and access of clubs on campus. Over the past several years, she has encouraged Belvedere staff to sponsor clubs and the existence of clubs has grown. Ms. Palacios also took on the responsibility of creating a directory of all clubs available on campus which allows teachers and support staff to advertise and promote student participation in the school sponsored clubs.
 As the result of the growing club sponsorship, Ms. Palacios decided to organize and coordinate a "Club Rush" at Belvedere on September 16, 2013. In preparation of the event, Ms. Palacios sent out a memo to notify all faculty and staff of the upcoming event. Club participants were asked to create flyers or a display board. The Parent Center assisted in setting up tables for all of the clubs to utilize during Club Rush. Teachers and students were invited to attend the event to learn more about available clubs, ask questions, and join clubs that sparked their interest. Ms. Palacios advertised for her newly formed Attendance Club during Club Rush as well. She also targets and encourages students who accumulate more than 4 absences to join her club.
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ISIC
Carver Middle School Kicks off School Attendance Month
PSA Counselor Veronica Villanueva, along with the support of Principal Luz Cotto, staff and parents, held a Red Carpet Event. On Monday, September 9th, students were greeted with a "Red Carpet" leading up to the school entrance. The first 500 students who arrived to school were handed a rolled up certificate that said "Congratulations, You Are Here and On Time" along with a ticket that made them eligible for a raffle. During lunch, the Woodcraft Rangers (after school program) helped to set up a sound system for music and entertainment. The Rangers also donated board games and sports equipment as prizes for the raffle. It was well received by all. The students are already asking when they can sashay up that red carpet again!
 | | Carver students walking the "Red Carpet" |
Washington Preparatory High School Jumps on Attendance
PSA Counselor Mary Jackson-Freeny hosted an Attendance Improvement Meeting (AIM) on Thursday, September 19th. Lydia Bodin, Deputy District Attorney in Charge, with the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office was the key speaker. Parents and students with demonstrated attendance issues were informed of education laws, district policies, and informed of resources that can assist them. Kudos to Principal Dechele Byrd and her staff for sending this message home early in the school year!
Go Team ISIC!
 On Friday, September 27 th, four intrepid Health and Human Services staff climbed 75 flights of stairs in the US Bank Building. The team trained to climb the tallest building west of the Mississippi by hiking the stairs at Beaudry. The HHS foursome raised over $500 to benefit the Ketchum Downtown YMCA programs. The team is continuing to train for the next challenge: 63 floors in the Fight for Air Climb at the AON Building on April 5th, 2014. (Shown in picture above: PSA Counselors Mario Vega and Wanda Soohoo,
PSA Coordinator, Valerie Corcoran and School Mental Health Consultant, Maria Chua.)
EAST VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL USES THEATRE PERFORMANCE TO INCREASE ATTENDANCE
On October 4th, Kaiser Permanente Education Theater performed at East Valley High School for approximately 470 students that had no full day absences in September. Professional actors used the performance to educate students about the importance of health and sex education. At the end of the performance, Megan Brown, PSA Counselor, gave prizes to 13 students with perfect attendance, including: one iPod, 4 movie tickets, and gift certificates to Chipotle, In and Out, and Carl's Jr. Ms. Brown also gave gift certificates to 18 students with most improved attendance since last year. It was an amazing event. Schools may request a free performance by booking with Kaiser Permanente Education Theatre on their website.
| PSA Counselor Megan Brown is pictured in the front row, center with Kaiser performers. |
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DIPLOMA PROJECT
The Diploma Project has developed specific goals within their High School, Middle School, and the Re-Entry components to meet the GPRA indicators. The goals monitor annual incremental success; with each goal catered specifically to a GPRA indicator. Staff is continuously working collaboratively with community partners and school site staff in an effort to reduce the dropout rate and increase the graduation rate.
The high school interventions are highly reflective of student attendance rates and credit completion. This component involves working closely with at-risk populations and re-engaging students who have stopped attending. At the high school level there are four major goals that cater to these needs. The first goal is to demonstrate an increase in the Graduation Rate by 4% at each Diploma Project High School. The second goal is to impact the dropout rate by 1% at each Diploma Project High School. The third goal is to increase the number of students on track to graduate. The last goal, at both the middle and high school levels is to increase attendance until schools are meeting the standard of 80% in attendance 96% of the time. Strategies range from school wide assemblies, professional development, individual student conferences, and community outreach.
Early interventions are in place at the middle school focusing on core subjects English Language Arts and Mathematics. The goal is to increase by 5% the numbers of identified at-risk students passing English and Mathematics subjects. Additionally, in an effort to impact dropout and graduation rates the intervention efforts focus on developing a school going culture to impact the matriculation rates into high school. The goal is have 89% of students continue into high school enrollment.
Reengagement of students that have stopped attending school is focused on re-enrolling students within an appropriate educational setting. The goal is to re-enroll 25% of the dropout population. Consequently, while reengagement is a strong component, the ultimate goal of the Diploma Project is to impact high school diploma attainment and reduction of dropout rates. The Re-Entry Counselor's goal is to also provide intervention services to students that demonstrate low credit accrual towards high school graduation.
A Look Inside
Graduation Promotion Counselor, Kenya Carter, works with Audubon Middle School students to prepare them for high school. Collaboration is a strong focus for the Diploma Project team. Ms. Carter, along with Counselor Ms. Flenorl, visit 8th graders to discuss matriculation. The presentation included high school culture, district standards and expectations, including A-G requirements. Students were encouraged to prepare now for the rigors of high school and keep in mind future collegiate and career goals. Students inquired about credits, grades, sports, and college choices.
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Graduation Promotion Counselor Ms. Carter and Ms. Flenorl present to 8th grade students.
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ATTENDANCE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (AIP)
The Attendance Improvement Program (AIP) is proud to announce that 79 out of 79 AIP schools are currently
meeting or exceeding their 5% attendance increase goal. In addition, 28 out of 79 schools are meeting or exceeding the Superintendent's Performance Meter Goal of 76% or more of students attending at 96% or better.
On Thursday, October 24, 2013 we celebrated the 50th day of school. For this milestone, students that enrolled on the first day of school and had 2 absences or less are meeting the Attendance Performance Meter Goal. Attendance Improvement Counselors (AIC) continue to work hard on implementing activities and incentives to motivate students and parents.
With the change of weather and flu season upon us, AICs are currently implementing strategies to promote Health & Wellness. By teaching healthy habits to our students and parents we hope to improve eating habits and proper hand washing among other things.
 To learn more about how AICs are incorporating health and wellness into teaching attendance, click here to see Attendance Improvement Newsletter.
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FOSTER CARE
Educate California - Foster & Kinship Care Summit
On Saturday, September 14, 2013 the Foster Care Unit participated in the Foster and Kinship Summit at the California State University of Los Angeles (CSULA). Approximately 100 foster parents, relative caregivers, and foster youth were in attendance. Participants received information regarding federal, state, and local efforts to engage and empower foster and kinship families, as well as, how to prepare foster youth to be college and career ready upon high school graduation.
Representatives from the office of California State Senator, Holly Mitchell (26th District), Department of Children and Family Services, Brotherhood Crusade, Alliance for Children's Rights, Scholarshare, and Wells Fargo were present to share resources and address the various topics affecting youth in out-of-home care. Former foster youth and graduate of CSULA, Ikiya Cade, shared her story of how she survived the foster care system and graduated from college; thanks to the CSULA Renaissance Scholars Program. The CSULA Renaissance Scholars Program is an academic support program that empowers former foster youth through higher education.
The Foster Care Unit shared information regarding available services (e.g., foster youth scholarships, college support programs, CHAFEE Grant, and the Pathways to College Program) to foster youth. Overall, the conference was a huge success with everyone feeling more empowered in the care and education of foster youth.
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Counselor, LaShona Jenkins, Specialist, Christine Kae and Coordinator, Norma Sturgis
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Contact the Foster Care Unit at (213) 241-3842 for updates on policies that may affect the students you are servicing.
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HOMELESS EDUCATION PROGRAM
National Homeless Youth Awareness Month 
November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month and the Homeless Education Unit will be observing the month with a number of events. Every Tuesday and Wednesday during the month, our staff will be at Beaudry in the lunch area selling raffle tickets and cupcakes to raise money for the program. At the end of the month there will be a drawing and 10 lucky winners will receive a prize in appreciation for their donation. On November 12th, we will be presenting at the LAUSD Board meeting in support of the resolution proclaiming National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. The Homeless Education Unit will be participating in Homewalk Los Angeles on Saturday, November 23rd which will raise funds for the United Way. We are also planning on teaming up with California Pizza Kitchen who will host a fundraiser for the month of November at their 7th Street Market Place location in Downtown LA.
Homeless Education Collaborative
The first Homeless Education Collaborative meeting of the school year was held at the California Endowment Center on September 16th. Over 50 school and community members were in attendance. The Los Angeles County Office of Education Head Start State Preschool Division program gave a presentation that explained the program eligibility requirements, current program providers and other services available. More information can be accessed at: www.prekkid.org.
211 LA County representatives also presented and gave an overview of the referral process and the various health and social services resources that are available to homeless families in LA County. Their website is: www.211LACounty.org
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CITY PARTNERSHIP
Hope, Faith and Perseverance drives a student to achieve her goals
In April 2013, Alma Fernandez, City Partnership PSA Counselor met Ziteya, a 20 year old female who had previously dropped out of school. Ziteya was referred to the Watts Labor Community Action Center by Debbie Torres, Case Manager for the Work Investment Act program at Maxine Waters, a sub-contractor for WLCAC.
At the time of the educational assessment, Ziteya was in dire need of assistance, counseling and guidance pertaining to her academics to remain on track and obtain her high school diploma. Alma was impressed with Ziteya's introduction when she stated, "I am homeless. I want to finish school and I need help. I know I can do it. Look at my mock test results." Alma reviewed her mock GED test results and she was absolutely correct-her scores were in the 500s! Over the next two months, Ziteya came everyday to utilize the computer lab to look for work.
Life circumstances remained challenging for Ziteya. She was awarded a $50.00, emergency fund grant from the Friends of School Mental Health which allowed the PSA Counselor to purchase a hot plate and toaster oven allowing the family to cook their meals and save money. At that time, Ziteya resided with her younger brother and mother in a motel. She then decided to move to a homeless shelter in Hollywood in order to complete school. She received tokens from the homeless shelter to attend school.
Ziteya completed all of her school requirements and graduated. All of her hard work, dedication and perseverance had paid off! Ziteya is now at El Camino College taking four classes. She works at Chipotle part-time and has an apartment that she shares with a roommate. Ziteya wants to major in Accounting and minor in Dance. Her story demonstrates how much a student can achieve if provided with a foundation and path to follow, in order for them to succeed. Ziteya's story will be also be featured in the upcoming KLCS documentary series "A Student's Life."
To read more about the City Partnership, click here for the October Newsletter.
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CAMP RETURNEE PROGRAM
We are excited to announce the return of the Camp Returnee Program. Under the Neglected or Delinquent Youth Program, we are dedicated to enhancing the educational outcomes of our probation students returning from juvenile detention centers. Our main goals are to provide early intervention, advocate for appropriate school placement, timely enrollment, and dropout prevention. We collaborate with probation, the camps (LACOE), our schools, and other agencies to help ensure the student and family receive the services they need to support a successful transition from camp to school to community.
Did You Know: LAUSD has more probation youth than any other school district in the country (including New York). Approximately 180 minors are released from detention centers in LA County every month, of which two thirds live within LAUSD. About 60% of those are re-arrested within the first year. Due to these statistics, we have one PSA Counselor covering each of the four regional Educational Service Centers (including the ISIC schools within each ESC).
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PERMITS AND STUDENT TRANSFERS
The Office of Permits & Student Transfers continues to process incoming permits and outgoing Parent Employment permits year round. Currently our office has processed 5,542 permits for the 2013-2014 school year. Applications for the 2014-2015 will be accepted and processed during the permits application window of February 1, 2014 through April 30, 2014.
Inter-district Permits (incoming and outgoing) are permits between two separate districts and are applied for online at http://studentpermits.lausd.net
These permits must be approved through the Permits office.
Intra-district Permits are between two LAUSD schools and can be applied for at the school site utilizing the paper application. Principals from both schools must sign and approve the application for the Intra-district Permit.
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GRADVAN SIGHTINGS
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Event
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Attendees
| | Back to School Night |
9/19/13
| School Event |
Venice SH
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200
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Parent Conference
Night
| 10/03/13 | School Event | Franklin HS |
200
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Feria de Educacion
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10/5/13
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Community Event
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Hills
| 500 | |
Hollywood Family Expo
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10/12/13
| Resource Fair |
Bernstein HS
| 200
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10th Annual Special Education Resource Fair
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10/26/13
| Resource Fair |
Augustus Hawkins HS
| 300
| Cash for
College | 11/6/13 | Community Event College Fair | LA Convention Center | 150 |
Families are provided with information on the importance of good attendance, attendance incentives and resources within LAUSD as well as the community at all events attended by the Grad Van.
 | | Central District Counselors Teresa Murillo, Maricela Velis, Zhaira Gatelum and Yvette Zavala at the 10th Annual Special Education Resource Fair at Augustus Hawkins HS. |
If you would like to request the GradVan for an
upcoming school event, click here for the flyer and referral form. Please note: A minimum of three weeks advance notice is necessary. All requests are reviewed carefully and confirmation of the event is based on staffing availability.
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RESOURCES
California Open Enrollment Act
The California Open Enrollment Act, SBX5 4 (Romero) establishes a list of 1,000 "low achieving" schools for each school year. Parents/guardians of students at one of the 1,000 California Open Enrollment schools have the option to request a transfer to another school with a higher API score within the district or outside of the district. The application period is on or about November 1, 2013 through January 1, 2013 to be considered for enrollment in the 2014-2015 school year.
For an overview, frequently asked questions and more information on how parents apply for the Open Enrollment - Romero Act and the list of eligible schools, please go to the LAUSD website at http://home.lausd.net/, click on the Families tab, and in the Welcome Families section click on Parents: Got Questions?
LAUSD 5 K "Move it!"
Lace up your shoes and come to the LAUSD 5K "Move it!" Challenge and Health Festival
Saturday, November 16, 2013
8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Dodger Stadium
Stress and Coping: Enhancing Our Resilience During Difficult Times
This workshop helps certificated and classified employees gain insight and understanding about how to respond in positive, productive, and healthy ways when experiencing difficult situations.
Brought to you by the Office of School Mental Health in Partnership with The Personnel Commission's
Organizational Excellence Classified Training Branch.
To reserve your seat at an upcoming workshop, please indicate your interest by visiting the Learning Zone at http://lz.lausd.net. Search by Courses, then Class Offerings, then Keyword: Stress.
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AMERICAN GRADUATE GRANT  The American Graduate Grant is an initiative that is committed to bringing awareness to the dropout crisis. Pupil Services is a recipient of this grant in the Southern California area. |
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The Pupil Services Newsletter is emailed to all staff during the first week of every month. If you would like to contribute or have a suggestion for a future edition, please email Nicole Mitchell at nkm2268@lausd.net or Yvette Zavala at yvette.zavala@lausd.net by the second Friday of each month. We appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Please note that content submitted may be edited or altered. |
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