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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 6
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April 2014
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First and foremost, it gave me great pleasure to see the entire Pupil Services staff at the March Professional Development meeting. I hope that our Professional Development meetings serve as an opportunity to develop cohesion as a unit and to recognize and highlight all of the important work that you do on a daily basis. It is through your dedicated work that we are able to demonstrate the importance and value of the services that you provide.
On April 1st, I presented an overview of the Pupil Services Unit to the School Board and last week I presented to the principals from Option Schools. I am highlighting the essential work you do in helping our students and families feel engaged and ready to learn. I am deeply committed to continue to promote and advocate for Pupil Services throughout the district and to the general public. I am excited and look forward to the opportunities that await us next school year.
I would also like to thank everyone who participated in the 3 Words Activity. It was such an amazing and inspirational video! In addition, I would like to thank California Credit Union and Crème Caramel LA for hosting our Professional Development Breakfast.
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Time is really flying by, and the end of the school year is rapidly approaching! Your APSAC Board would like to remind you that applications for the following scholarship will soon be available for more details, please visit APSAC.net under Scholarships/Grants):
Vernon Fulcher Scholarship ($100) For a K-11 student who has improved his/her attendance and academic performance due to a Pupil Services Counselor's interventions
Ron Prescott Scholarship ($500) For a graduating senior or student who has earned a high school diploma equivalent and has improved his/her attendance and academic performance and will be attending college due to a Pupil Services Counselor's interventions.
Rosemary Couch Scholarship ($500) For a graduating senior or student who has earned a high school diploma equivalent who is pregnant or parenting and has improved his/her attendance and academic performance and will be attending college due to a Pupil Services Counselor's interventions.
Perfect Attendance Scholarship ($500) For graduating senior who maintained perfect attendance in LAUSD schools from 1st through 12th grade.
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April
Autism Awareness Month
04/02- National Walking Day
04/02- World Autism Awareness Day
04/07- H.O.P.E. Scholarship Due
04/14-04/18- Spring Recess
04/22- Earth Day
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April
04/07- School staff generates ISIS Initial Evaluation List
04/24- School staff clears absences
04/25- Central Office generates Final Report
05/05- 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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March 2014 Professional Development
Snapshots
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EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTERS
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ESC WEST
PSA COUNSELORS PROMOTE STAFF ATTENDANCE
As Pupil Services and Attendance Counselors, we know that student attendance rates are often correlated with staff attendance rates. Staff attendance is especially important in the district's Special Education Centers because of the highly specialized care that is provided to students by both Classified and Certificated staff. In addition, strong relationships are often developed between students, parents and staff since many students attend the same school from age 3-22. For this reason, ESC West PSA Counselor, Michael Hudson has  implemented an attendance incentive program that includes both students and staff.
Along with students, staff members receive coupons for their excellent attendance which they can redeem at the "Prize Cart" for school spirit "Swag". Prizes for staff include: lunch totes, coffee mugs, water bottles, lanyards and more! All prizes are funded through donations and fundraising efforts at Social Committee/Morale Booster events. Great job Michael!
ESC-West Trophy Winners
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PSA Field Coordinator, Pat Burt and SARB Chair, Garyn Valdemar present ESC West attendance trophies
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In collaboration with ESC West Operations, Pupil Services and Attendance staff recognized schools at the February Principal's meeting for attendance achievement. A total of 18 trophies were awarded for excellence in both student and staff attendance.
Highest Staff Attendance Schools:
Queen Anne ES (Small), Community Magnet (Medium), Westwood Charter (Large), LeConte MS, Venice HS and Mid-City Prescott (SPAN)
Highest Student Attendance Schools:
Playa Del Rey (Small), Community Magnet (Medium), Wilton Place ES (Large), Burroughs MS, Hollywood HS, LACES (SPAN)
Most Improved Student Attendance Schools:
Queen Anne ES (Small), Community Magnet (Medium), Wilton Place ES (Large), LeConte MS, Venice HS, Mid-City Prescott (SPAN)
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Principal Valencia Blue and her students at Playa Del Rey ES celebrating Pajama Day with their trophy.
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ESC EAST
A LOT TO DO... AT MULTIPLE SCHOOL SITES!
Irasema Ramos Flores, like so many of our PSA Counselors, works at multiple school sites. Despite having her time split between three school sites, she works diligently to engage students and staff about school attendance. Ms. Ramos Flores organizes similar programs at each of her school sites, and caters programs to meet the needs of each individual school. She truly exemplifies valuable multi-tasking skills required of a PSA Counselor.
An example of a program that she provided to multiple schools  was the "Lakers Season of Giving Event" held on December 20th. Ms. Ramos Flores took three identified homeless families from Harrison and Fourth Street Elementary to watch the Lakers vs. Timberwolves basketball game. Families were taken to the event by a charter bus and given VIP attention. After the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves, the families were led down to the court where they met the Laker Girls, took pictures, and got autographs. As they were taking photos, players Nick Young, Robert Sacre, and Jodie Meeks came out to greet the families (shown in picture above). The children received presents from their submitted wish list, as well as a special t-shirt from Kobe Bryant.
Another example of a great program run by Ms. Ramos Flores was her 100th Day Challenge. To celebrate the 100th Day of School and promote school attendance, she organized a challenge from January 21st through February 3rd (the 90th through 100th instructional days). Each class was entered into the competition during the identified time period. The top 16 classrooms with the highest percentages of students attending 96% of the time or better won prizes which included extra recess time, In-N-Out certificates and ice cream. Way to go, Ms. Ramos Flores!
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ESC NORTH
SPRING SEMESTER ASSEMBLIES
Arleta High School kicked-off the spring semester with a series of spirited yet meaningful assemblies that highlighted the importance of regular daily attendance. Spear-headed by PSA Counselor Angelica Vanegas, the assemblies were the result of a collaboration between support staff, administrators and student leaders.
During the assemblies, Ms. Vanegas recited important facts and policies related to attendance, but it was the student leaders who stole the spotlight with their poignant and humorous skits. The plots included one skit in which a girl who is dressed in her formal wear is denied entrance to the prom, and another featuring a sobbing grandmother who traveled to graduation day all the way from Mexico only to see her grandchild escorted out of the ceremonies due to ineligibility.
The audiences of students were able to relate to the skits and receive many important messages about attendance. The success of this program illustrates the power of a unified and collaborative approach in furthering a school culture that values and understands the importance of attendance.
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ESC SOUTH
THE IMPACT OF STUDENT CLUB INVOLVEMENT CAN HAVE ON ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
On February 12, 2014, PSA Counselor, America Alvarenga-Phillips and SARB Chair Velma D. Davis (along with the South Gate High School Key Club) had the opportunity to interface with South Gate Mayor, Gil Hurtado and Vice-Mayor William "Bill" DeWitt through the City's local cable company. The importance of club involvement was the main topic of discussion. Research shows that club involvement increases student attendance and academic achievement.
Ms. Alvarenga-Phillips uses the Key Club as vehicle to get students who do not come to school regularly to form a connection. Did you know that students who belong to a club are 53% less likely to skip school and 37% less likely to ditch class? They are also 27% less likely to begin using drugs or alcohol and 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs. Ms. Alvarenga-Phillips and Mrs. Davis were able to convey that club involvement promotes closeness among peers which can ultimately instill positive feelings about themselves, as well as increased communication skills. These attributes can result in a positive outcome of how students think, feel and behave. This is great news to all of us that are consummate, professional and dedicated attendance providers.
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William "Bill" DeWitt (South Gate Vice-Mayor, Ashley Dominguez (Student SGHS Vice- President), Jazmin Miranda (Student SGHS Secretary, American Alvarenga-Phillips (SGHS PSAC ), Velma D. Davis (SARB Chair-ESC South), Gilbert Hurtado (South Gate Mayor), Clyde Putman (SGHS Key Club Adviser and Jesus Franco, Student SGHS President)
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ISIC SCHOOLS PROMOTE ATTENDANCE IN A BIG WAY!
Great banners encourage great attendance. The use of giant posters, both handmade and professionally printed is a positive proactive way to prevent absences and encourage great attendance. Here are some recent examples from ISIC Schools:
EAST VALLEY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL SETS THE BAR!
Principal Carrie Allen knows a good strategy when she hears one. To keep on track with 96% attendance, she and her PSA Counselor, Megan Brown, make sure that all students and staff know that they can have no more than 7 absences in a school year. This new banner is hanging in the main office as a positive and proactive message to all stakeholders.
VISTA MIDDLE SCHOOL ENCOURAGES COMPETITION !
Principal Joe Nardulli and PSA Counselor Jose Diaz use multiple banners as well as their marquis to promote daily, on-time attendance and encourage grade level competition. Monthly perfect attendance is posted on a perpetual banner.
CARVER MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS PLEDGE GREAT ATTENDANCE!
Principal Luz Cotto knows that encouraging stakeholders requires buy-in. She worked with her PSA Counselor Veronica Villanueva and her students created and signed this pledge banner, which was marched around campus, is now prominently displayed in the main office.
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ATTENDANCE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (AIP)
The Attendance Improvement Counselors (AIC) continue to work hard at increasing and maintaining the number of students meeting the goal of attending school at 96% or better. Attendance Improvement Program (AIP) schools continue to demonstrate an increase in the number of students meeting or exceeding the District goal of attending at a 96% or higher rate. In comparison to data through February during the 2012-13 school year, our AIP Elementary Schools have shown an improvement of over 14%, while our Secondary Schools have an increase of 10% in rates of 96% or higher attendance.
Program-wide, we have also seen significant decreases in the rates of chronic absence. Student attendance improvements are driven by continued efforts of our counselors, who implement activities and continue to provide tiered child welfare and attendance supports for students in each of the Attendance Bands.
On Tuesday, March 11, 2014 we celebrated the 125th day of school. Students with 5 or fewer absences (enrolled since the first day of school) are now meeting the Attendance Performance Meter Goal. Many AICs implemented activities and incentives for students, staff, and parents to celebrate the 125th day.
In the month of March, program staff incorporated the theme of Literacy.
AICs are focused on promoting the importance of school attendance in increasing student literacy. On March 3rd we celebrated Dr. Seuss' Birthday and incorporated the love of reading and attendance into our activities. Our ultimate goal is for all students to develop the skills to succeed in school and graduate from high school.
Attendance and literacy are keys to student success!
To learn more about how AIC's are incorporating self-care and kindness into teaching attendance, click here for the AIP Newsletter.
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CITY PARTNERSHIP
DETERMINATION AND SUCCESS
Growing up, William C. explored parts of the world some of us have yet to see. He has visited places such as Nevada, Florida, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Hawaii and Australia. Although William recognizes he has been fortunate, his travels weren't under positive circumstances.
Throughout his life, William's father has been incarcerated and continues to be away from his family. What's more, his mother also was incarcerated when William was 12 years old; consequently, leading to so much movement. While William's mother and father were incarcerated, both William and his brother moved around from family member to family member. This is the sole reason why William never finished high school. It appeared that every time he started a new school, just as he made new friends and adjusted, it was time to move again. As PSA Counselors, it is known that when so much movement occurs, transcripts tend to get lost, sometimes they're incomplete and sometimes students end up repeating courses.
Nonetheless, William still wasn't defeated. Eventually, he was reunited with his mother and decided that it was time to get back on track. William came into the YouthSource Center (YSC), Brotherhood Crusade a little over a year ago and enrolled in the WIA program. He was set on getting his GED and also gaining employment. Initially, William appeared to be motivated. However, as time progressed, he started to engage in extracurricular activities that weren't advantageous to him. For an entire summer William disappeared from the YSC and returned in October. In October, he re-engaged in GED prep, re-took the two sections that he had previously failed and passed.
 It's hard to say what happened, but PSA counselor, Ms. Betsy Lara strongly believes that William realized that he had the potential for more. William returned as a different person. He gave up his bad habits, acknowledging that they weren't going to pay his bills or get him further in life.
William took on responsibilities at the front desk answering phones. Initially, this was not a task he was willing to take on. But now, William can handle the front desk all by himself and won't hesitate in taking charge. Moreover, William has also been volunteering, for the last two months, at LAX's IT Department. He's constantly networking, letting his colleagues know that he's available to assist and is ready to take on any tasks that are given to him.
William is a determined and successful young man who has a vision and is working towards more in life. William has yet to determine his exact career path, but what's important is that he's learned the skills needed to be successful and self-sufficient.
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FOSTER CARE PROGRAM
FOSTER CARE MONTH CAMPAIGN
Each May, National Foster Care Month provides an opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of the more than 550,000 children and youth in the foster care system. The campaign raises awareness about the urgent needs of these young people and encourages citizens from every walk of life to get involved - as foster or adoptive parents, volunteers, mentors, teachers, employers, social workers or in other ways. In recognition, the Pupil Services Foster Care Program will be organizing the following events:
Backpack/School Supply Drive: For the whole month, bins will be placed on various floors at the LAUSD headquarters building at 333 S. Beaudry Ave, Los Angeles, to collect backpacks and school supplies for foster youth.
Pathways to College celebration: In partnership with the Neglected, Delinquent or At-Risk Youth Program, approximately 50 graduating high school seniors, who are either in foster care and/or on probation, will be recognized for their achievements. PSA Counselors and PSWs who have been working with these students throughout the school year will have the opportunity to celebrate their students who are graduating from high school and attending college in the fall of 2014. The event takes place on Thursday, May 1st, at PINZ Bowling Alley in Studio City.
Art Contest: An art contest to help bring awareness to students in foster care and the unique challenges they face will be held beginning in late March and run until April 25, 2014. The theme for the art contest is "It only takes a moment to make a difference in the life of a child in foster care." The art contest will take place district-wide.
Fundraisers:
Porto's Bakery - April 8, 2014 & May 6, 2014 at LAUSD Headquarters
Jewelry- May 8, 2014 at LAUSD Headquarters
For more information on any of these activities taking place for Foster Care Awareness month, please call the Foster Care Program at (213) 241-3842.
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GRAD VAN
The Grad Van attended the following locations to provide academic, attendance and college information:
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Date
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Event
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Location
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March 8, 2014
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College Fair
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West Vernon College
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March 15, 2014
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Revel Arte Community Fair
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CRCD-YouthSource Center
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March 27, 2014
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Spring Open House
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Gage MS
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March 29, 2014
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19th Annual Job Fair
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Dodger Stadium
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If you would like to request the GradVan for an upcoming school event, click here for the flyer and here for the 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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DIPLOMA PROJECT 
DIPLOMA PROJECT SUCCESS!
Graduation Promotion Counselor, Thanya Acosta-Haro at Gage MS has really been made to feel welcome and a part of the school team! Thanya has coordinated with C5LA, a 5 year leadership development, college preparatory, and personal support program where six Gage students out of hundreds from various middle schools have been selected for interviews and are awaiting final selection. She also advocated for an after school tutoring program and partnered with Wood Craft Rangers and Beyond the Bell to open a study hall option for participants.
In December 2013, she assisted with home deliveries of food and gifts donated by the Huntington Park Mayor's Office. Thanya facilitated two Why Try groups in the Fall semester and began an Inspiration 52 8th grade transition group for the Spring semester, facilitated by Jerome Carter. In partnership with PSA Counselor, Lenin Diaz, over 900 Gage students were recognized in a Perfect Attendance Fall Semester Assembly where each student received a certificate and entered into a drawing for Apple shuffles, i-tune gift cards, certificates for various eateries, and much more. Thanya recently took 56 students on a field trip to Cal State LA and is currently working on organizing the first annual resource fair with PSW, Hector Ibarra.
 | | Gage students touring the Cal State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) campus |
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NEGLECTED, DELINQUENT OR AT-RISK YOUTH PROGRAM
UTILIZING THE CLINICAL CASE MANAGEMENT MODEL
The Neglected, Delinquent and At-Risk Youth Program (N/D) actively utilizes the Clinical Case Management Model that has been identified as one of the best practice modalities for working with foster, probation and group home populations. Two salient principles of this model allows the practitioner to be flexible in their intervention strategies and to be focused on the student's resourcefulness or strengths.
At Johnston Community Day School in San Pedro, students come from five nearby comprehensive high schools for reasons varying from truancy and credit deficiency to serious behavioral infractions. A disproportionate number of these students are on probation and/or in out-of-home placement. Some of the students are reaching the age when they will transition from high school without family support. As such, the above Clinical Case Management Model serves as a theoretical framework to guide the N/ D staff member's case management interventions. For example, when looking at a student's strengths, the N/D staff will enhance the student's resiliency by helping them navigate through the various systems needed in their future such as the Independent Living Skills Program, financial aid for higher education and further DCFS services. The model also provides the flexibility to refer students who have experienced trauma that continues to impact their school functioning. Agencies in the community are accessed if the short-term interventions provided by the N/D staff are not sufficient to improve their condition.
As more funding becoming available for foster youth attending LAUSD schools, this Clinical Case Management Model will be an important method of service delivery. You can obtain more detailed information on the is model at www.clinicalcasemanagement.com.
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HOMELESS EDUCATION PROGRAM
1ST ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM
On February 28, 2014 the Homeless Education Program hosted its first symposium at the California Endowment Center. The symposium was a great way for schools and community agencies to collaborate with the Homeless Education Unit. Over 100 participants from LAUSD schools and partnering agencies gathered to hear keynote speakers and attend workshops. Opening the program was LAUSD Board Member Steve Zimmer (shown in picture below), who stressed to the audience the importance of pooling resources and working together to achieve a common goal.
Next, Rosalia Montero from the Department of Public Social Services gave an overview of the CalWORKS program and the homeless services that are available to eligible families. Paul Curtis, Executive Director from the California Coalition for Youth, finished out the opening session with an informative talk about his organization and briefed the audience on upcoming legislation that is targeting California youth.
During the second half of the morning, attendees were able to choose from workshops that included speakers from the 211 Family Solutions Centers, LAUSD School Mental Health, LAUSD Parent Community Services Branch, LAUSD Homeless Education Unit and the California Coalition for Youth. A special thank you to the workshop presenters from other units and programs: Kris Freed, Isabel C. Vaquero, Rowena Lagrosa, and Paul Curtis. They generously volunteered their time to conduct the workshops and share their resources.
For more information on the Homeless Education Program, please visit the website at:
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PERMITS AND STUDENT TRANSFERS
The online Inter District Permit application is under way for the 2014-2015 school year. Parents are applying for Incoming Inter District Permits as well as Outgoing Inter District Permits. The Permits and Student Transfers office on average receives 225 new permit applications per week. To date, LAUSD has received 2,085 Inter District Permit applications for the 2014-2015 school year.
Incoming permits for students who receive Special Education services are also received online and accepted based on their own merit. Before approval, these cases are forwarded to Special Education for review by the Special Needs Review Team. Approvals are based on the Special Needs Review Team's findings.
Parents are encouraged to visit the website
(http://studentpermits.lausd.net) for any information relating to Outgoing or Incoming Inter District Permits.
Additional questions can be directed to our automated phone line at: (213) 241-5255.
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CAMP RETURNEE PROGRAM
POPULAR PROBATION CAMP CLOSING
Previously, we listed all the LACOE camps and halls that our students may be returning from yet starting as early as next month, Camp Kilpatrick will be off that list. It has been reported, debated, and questioned for awhile as to why one of the more iconic juvenile probation camps would be closed, razed, and rebuilt with a completely different approach to incarceration. Camp Kilpatrick is known for its sports programs and its football team was the inspiration for the movie "Gridiron Gang." It is the only juvenile correctional facility in the state to compete in the California Interscholastic Federation against both public and private schools. The Los Angeles County Probation Department is making this the first push in transitioning from the traditional boot-camp style program to a more therapeutic approach to rehabilitating juvenile offenders, "one that stresses education, counseling and vocational training over competitive sports." Many current and former probation advocates are upset with the decision to dismantle the sports and boot-camp program at Camp Kilpatrick. Former players have credited their discipline, resiliency and work ethic with the training they received from this camp. Current staffers are also upset about the loss of a program that they built for years serving as both coaches and mentors. Chief Probation Officer Jerry Powers believes that the new therapeutic treatment model will provide the same features of the camp style program but in a more structured, lab-tested format. State wide studies show that the new approach reduces recidivism rates, a big problem in Los Angeles County which for years hovers at just over 50%. If camp sports programs are a casualty of reform, there is no question that the current minors and their mentors will suffer a great loss. There is still hope for the sport advocates--probation is waiting for the results of a study on Camp Kilpatrick's recidivism rate. ___________________________________________________ RESOURCES  Anti-Defamation League Spring has come to Southern California and the Anti-Defamation League's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute has some new resources for you. ADL's Institute offers anti-bias, anti-bullying, and diversity training and materials for students, educators, administrators, families, and community members. Interactive, cutting edge programs rooted in research equip participants to counter prejudice and bigotry as well as promote positive human relations through increased knowledge and understanding. Click here for a link to the website. UTLA Scholarship $2000 scholarship for seniors! Entries must be submitted by April 10, 2014. Click here to find out more.
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RESOURCES
Pupil Services Website
On April 11th, the Pupil Services Website will move to the new website at achieve.lausd.net. At that time, ITD will begin the process of ensuring all department websites are accessible to the public. In the weeks thereafter, a
campaign will be launched to our schools letting them know about the new website and preparing for a grand unveiling (date to be determined).
ITD is also getting close to integrating the single sign-on (SSO) system with Centricity, which will enable LAUSD staff to use their SSO account to log in and navigate the website. More information to come. If you have any questions in the mean time, please contact our Web Services team anytime at itdweb@lausd.net.
Resources for Military Families
The UCLA Nathanson Family Resilience Center is offering the FOCUS - Early Childhood program for Veteran, National Guard, and Reserve families with young children (ages 3-6), who live in LA or Orange County area. See the flyer for more information.
Military Connected Children Resources
Attendance Works
Count Us In (Again)! Preparing for Attendance Awareness  Month 2014. Join this free webinar and officially launch the second year of the nationwide Attendance Awareness Campaign, which designates September as Attendance Awareness month. We hope you will join this year in this exciting effort!
Click here to register for the Webinar.
Grants Headquarters
The LA Fund is offering free grants writing workshops exclusive to LAUSD educators. Grant writing professional Andrea Kobliner will walk you through the steps of seeking and preparing grants. You will leave with a template in hand, and ready to access our new Grants HQ website where you will find a database of current grants and personalized, ongoing support. Click here to register and for more information http://lafund.org/grants-hq
Free Teen Depression Webinar
Learn to recognize signs of depression in teens and how to get them the support they need. For parents, teachers, and other caring adults who work with youth
Wednesday, April 30 at 7:00pm ET / 4:00 PT
Expert presenter is Bev Cobain, R.N., C., author on teen depression and suicide prevention and registered psychiatric nurse. Click here to get more information.
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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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