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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 5, Issue 3
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December 2014
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With the winter weather upon us and the holiday break approaching, we know that keeping students and staff attending and engaged becomes more challenging. Historically, December and January are lower attendance months for both students and staff. Please continue to communicate clear, positive attendance expectations to all stakeholders, and to engage students, parents, and school staff about the importance of every single school day. We know that your efforts make a difference, as student attendance has continued to improve in schools and across grade-levels throughout the District over the last several school years. Many PSA Counselors, Programs, and ESCs are coordinating gift-giving efforts this month, providing a little extra holiday cheer to some of our families in need. We are reminded during this season of all that we have to be grateful for and all of the work ahead of us.
I am excited to launch the 2014-2015 Pupil Services School Attendance Challenge! Wonderful prizes will be available to support your work with students and families in our schools and programs throughout the District. This wonderful opportunity is made possible through a generous donation and sponsorship by Schools Federal Credit Union.
During your break, please be sure to take care of yourself and spend time doing the things that you love with your friends and family. As we approach a new calendar year, please take time to celebrate and reflect on all that we accomplished in 2014. I am enthusiastic about what we will accomplish in the second semester, and all that awaits us in 2015. I am grateful for your dedication and commitment to serving our students and families toward better outcomes and graduation for all students. Thank you for all that you do, and know, with certainty, that your work truly matters! I wish you Happy Holidays and look forward to catching up with you all in the New Year.
Respectfully,
Erika Torres
Director
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The DSM-V: Implications for School Social Workers and Counselors Workshop was a great success. Dr. Jim Raines received great reviews from the attendees and APSAC is planning to offer additional professional development opportunities during the Spring semester.
APSAC received a total of nineteen applications for the Faith Morales Mini Grants. Many creative ideas to improve school wide attendance were submitted. APSAC was able to fund ten applications for school wide holiday attendance incentive projects. The winners of the ten $100 Faith Morales Mini Grants are: Cristina Hudson from Sylmar Biotech Health Academy, Irma Herrera from Huntington Drive and Weigand Elementary School; Kristi Postema from 93rd Street Elementary; Keisha Shipley from Brockton Avenue Elementary School; Chidimma Obioha from Budlong Avenue Elementary, Edna Martinez from Narbonne High School; Jaime Hernandez from Vermont Elementary School; Marlene Correa from John Liechty Middle School; Rosalba Gonzalez from Diego Rivera Performing Arts High School and Kristal Montoya from Fremont High School.
In addition, the owner of Hazel Dream Hazel Nut Spread Lisa Yi, selected the two winners for the $50 Hazel Dream Mini Grants which were awarded to Irma Herrera from Huntington Drive and Weigand Elementary School and Rosalba Gonzalez from Diego Rivera Performing Arts High School.
Congratulations to all of the winners!
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December
12/22-1/09/15 Winter Recess
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Delay of Central Automation of Initial NOT Letters
Due to errors encountered with the attendance records and submittal in MiSiS, Initial NOT letters are not currently being generated. Until this issue is resolved, school sites will need to send NOT letters to parents/guardians manually. We will provide an update when the central automation of the Initial NOT letters resumes.
**Corrections and updates to attendance data and records are not allowed after the school year has closed. Refer to REF 5464.3
________________________________________ RESOURCES
Free Books to Help Support Students from Military Families
For a limited time, TCPress is proud to offer free  new guides to support students of military families. You can order these books online and they will mail them to you. Click here to access the website. Free Resources from Attendance Works
 Attendance Works has a Tools and T.A. section in their website that offers resources for monitoring, understanding, and addressing chronic absence beginning in the early grades. These strategies can be implemented at the school, district, and state level. Click here to access these tools at the Attendance Works website. Pupil Services Website Remember you can access all Payroll, Personnel, Staff Resource Guide forms and many other resources on the website under the Pupil Services Log-In. Click here to access the website.
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EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTERS
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ESC SOUTH
GREEN Means GO! GO TO SCHOOL!
Earlier this year, all students, volunteers, teachers and staff at Nueva Vista Elementary School wore green to celebrate ATTENDANCE AWARENESS MONTH. It was quite an experience to walk in the school on Thursday and e-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y wore green.
Nueva Vista already boasts of their impressive attendance percentage during the last school year but this school year Pupil Services and
Attendance Counselor, Ofelia Ryan has her sights perched even higher. She has secured and implemented the Abolish Chronic Truancy Program (ACT) and has wowed her school with amazing attendance incentives every month. She has ready-to-use mini-ipads with Wi-Fi accessibility, LA Dodger Baseball tickets, field trip excursions, In-N-Out Burger coupons, circus tickets and much, much, more.
Ms. Ryan, who is fondly referred to by Nueva Vista Elementary as "Our favorite PSA Counselor", was incredibly able to secure a 52" flat screen T.V. to be raffled off during an up-and-coming perfect attendance extravaganza. "Ms. Ryan has made coming to school fun for the kids. Let's keep the incentives coming!" said Ms. Duron who is the parent representative at Nueva Vista.
In addition, Ms. Ryan and other key members of the school staff have implemented an Attendance Committee that tracks attendance based on the District's statistical data to catch any grade level or classroom that appears to be slipping in the area of attendance.
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ESC North Canoga Park High School Mini Student Recovery Day
The ESC North PSA team have been busy supporting their new PSA Counselors (PSACs) as they acclimate to the dynamic, demanding and fast paced world of school based Pupil Services and Attendance. The new staff members are demonstrating tremendous enthusiasm for our students and eagerness to master the skills and knowledge involved in the work. To support their learning, several of the brand new PSACs were paired up with seasoned PSACs during the ESC North mini Student Recovery Day at Canoga Park High School. The mini SRD gave new PSACs the opportunity to learn how to conduct and participate in home visits and to better understand students who are at-risk. 
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ISIC
Celebrating the 50th Day of School
52nd St. Elementary PSA Counselor, Sharice Sowell, celebrated the 50th Day of School in 1950's attire with a previously SARB'd family, excited about attending school! Jessie,
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PSA Counselor Sharice Sowell and Jessie, Jason and Jonathan Sandoval
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Jason and Jonathan Sandoval are no strangers to Mrs. Sowell. Mrs. Sowell has worked with this family for 3 years to support them in improving their attendance. Some interventions that were implemented for the boys include morning routine charts posted above their beds at home and daily check-ins with Mrs. Sowell at school which have all led to them improving their attendance. The family is now working on improving their tardiness and all 3 boys LOVE coming to school!
Determined to Succeed
James Monroe High School PSA Counselor Karie DeLarme, nominated one of her students who has encountered homelessness and immigration to be interviewed for a news program. Rosie Martinez-Pascacio is a 17 year-old senior who has endured several months of homelessness resulting in transient living situations. She was recently placed in temporary custody with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). An exorbitant amount of mental, emotional and financial difficulties occurred and caused her family to be broken apart, in which now Rosie only gets to see her mom on Saturdays and rarely sees her brothers. Even though transportation is often an issue, she always manages to get to school everyday and on time.
Despite the challenges she is currently getting grades "A" and "B" in all of her classes and is not just meeting minimum graduation requirements but exceeding them. Rosie is far ahead in her credits, involved in multiple extracurricular activities and is on track to go to a 4 year university. Rosie has maintained a positive attitude and outlook on life and is always willing to lend a helping hand to others. She hopes to be a police officer or a lawyer when she grows up and is hoping to attend California State University, Los Angeles next fall. Click here to watch Rosie's interview.
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ATTENDANCE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (AIP)
In order to provide comprehensive services to our students and families, Attendance Improvement Counselors are continuously collaborating with school-based and community partners. From Baby2Baby to Abriendo Puertas, there are many programs and agencies that provide families the tools they need to support their growth. Therefore, by introducing and linking our families to these resources, we want to empower them to accomplish their goals and succeed.
To read more about how Attendance Improvement Counselors are partnering with the community to support students, click here.
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ESC WEST
Anti-Bullying Campaign
In recognition of Bullying Awareness, University High School's PSA Counselor, Tanya Mercado led their signature Anti-Bullying Week Campaign during the week of November 17 -21, 2014. Students received information to increase their awareness on different types of bullying and how its effects cause harm.
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PSA Counselor Tanya Mercado presenting to students and faculty.
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Students and faculty were encouraged to show their support by wearing different colors each day during the week to represent anti-bullying messages. On Monday, students and faculty wore White kicking off Anti-Bullying Week; Tuesday, students and faculty wore Red in support of anti-cyber bullying; Wednesday, students and faculty wore Blue in support of those with disabilities, Thursday, students and faculty wore Purple in support of sexual orientation. At the end on the week, Friday, students and faculty wore Yellow to show support in honor of friendship and forgiveness.
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ESC EAST
Dancing to Great Attendance
Bushnell Way Elementary PSA Counselor Tasha Busch-Arriata, implemented a fun attendance incentive on Halloween. Ms. Busch-Arriata wanted to organize an activity to thwart high absences that the school historically accumulated on or around October 31st- so she decided to coordinate a dance for all grade levels! All staff were excited and very supportive of the idea. Ms. Busch-Arriata promoted the dance by sending a flyer home with each student as well as providing posters to every teacher to post in their classroom. The week of the event, Ms. Busch-Arriata carefully reviewed the attendance data to identify students with 96% or better attendance. She then cross referenced her data with teachers and created dance passes for every student who qualified for the event.
Each teacher was given a list and the passes
for the qualifying students. The grades were grouped and then assigned 20-minute time slots to report to the cafeteria. Teachers escorted their students at the designated time to the cafeteria and provided each of them with red licorice and their entrance ticket. Fun and child-friendly music was bumped in the cafeteria and the room was lit by a disco ball and fun flashing lights. The students had a ball dancing and the teachers and the principal also joined in on the fun- smiles were seen all around! The students and staff alike expressed their gratitude and hope for upcoming dance events.
The principal, Ms. Terrenal, reported that this was the first event of its kind at the school and there were 80 fewer students absent on Halloween in comparison to last year. The dance was such a hit that another dance will take place in December for students who had perfect attendance in November. Way to go Bushnell Way Elementary!
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YOUTHSOURCE CENTER
CITY PARTNERSHIP
Active Participation Pays Off!
Carlos Carmona was referred by a friend to the Para Los Ninos (PLN) Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program.
He left Lincoln High School with 180 credits and had passed the CAHSEE with high scores.
The Student shared that at the time of him leaving, his head was not in school due to personal problems. He had enrolled at ELA Occupational Center Alternative Education Work Center (AEWC) but had not completed the course work and was eventually dropped from the program. After an educational assessment occurred with the PSA Counselor Griselda Hernandez, it was recommended that the student complete the Diploma Plus program which would require him to take the GED.
Carlos was assigned to his Career Advisor, Fabiola Del Toro to enroll into the program. Carlos went from being completely disengaged to immersing himself with the program activities, participating in Work Readiness, paid internship, and InnerSight career assessment tool. Ms. Del Toro mentored Carlos and made sure he was taking the time to study for his GED test. In May 2014, after re-enrolling in the AEWC program and studying, Carlos took the test and passed it.
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Carlos Carmona shown here in his High School graduation cap and gown.
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Carlos had been such an active participant with PLN that he was recommended to intern at Bank of America. He applied and interviewed and was one of four students chosen to intern for Bank of America. Since graduating with his High School Diploma Carlos is now attending Pasadena City College and majoring in Criminal Justice. At times, Carlos can still be found in the center's computer lab studying for his college classes.
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The Diploma Project is excited to share the following events which were implemented at our schools to promote student success:
Bethune Middle School: Tommy "Tiny" Lister, a well-known actor and multimillionaire with a passion to help youth motivated our students to stay in school and graduate from middle school, high school and college. The actor from the movies/sitcoms including "The Fifth Element", "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and "Friday" focused on letting students know that through hard work and dedication, they can overcome many obstacles and have a successful life. Mr. Lister shared about his own hardships growing up and the challenges he had to overcome to be successful. The students seemed receptive and motivated by his story.
Gage Middle School: On October 28th, 2014, 5 students won 3 pack tickets to the Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at the Staples Center for perfect attendance and 2 students won 3 pack tickets to the game for submitting their Family Income Survey. A total of 21 tickets were raffled. A huge congratulation goes out to these students for a job well done!
Dorsey High School: On October 27th, the Diploma Project sponsored a field trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific. The participants were 55--10th grade students from the 400 Club, which is a group that was formed upon the Superintendent's mandate to target at-risk African American teens.
Fremont HS, Belmont HS and San Fernando HS: Held their own Credit Recovery/ Resource Fair; 11th and 12th grade students who are credit deficient attended an assembly with their parents. Information was provided regarding various credit recovery, alternative educational programs and community resources available within their communities. Altogether, approximately 370 students and 43 credit recovery/alternative educational programs and community organizations participated in these events.
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NEGLECTED / DELINQUENT PROGRAM
 Johnston CDS in San Pedro
This is the season of giving thanks, praise, gratitude and FOOD! Johnston CDS hosted their 7th annual Thanksgiving Feast this November. All members of the Johnston Family: Students, Staff, Parents, & Community Folks have gathered to share a meal and stories of appreciation. This event helps to promote a shared sense of community among students and staff. The turkey plus trimmings were provided by teachers, staff, and Rolling Hills Covenant Church. In addition to all of the delicious food, planned activities included: flag football, basketball, and games.
William J. Johnston Community Day School (formally known as James Fenimore Cooper CDS) was built in 1961 and has undergone a number of changes over the years. At one time it was an Opportunity School, then a Continuation School, and in 2003 converted to a Community Day School (CDS). While the type of school has changed, one thing has remained the same as the school has always worked with students at risk. Johnston serves an at-risk population of 7th-12th graders who typically come from: Banning H.S., San Pedro H.S., and Carson H.S. but can include numerous other schools.
One hundred percent of Johnston's students have experienced one or more of the following: had 2-5 years of failing grades, have had multiple school placements, have come from boot camp and/or juvenile detention or adult jail placements. Many are currently on or have been on probation, and/or house arrest, and some arrive here because they are sometimes one to four years behind on credits.
Click here to find out more information about Johnston CDS's mission statement, teaching philosophies, student demographics, community partners, and upcoming events.
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FAMILYSOURCE PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAM
El Nido Family Centers "Cash For College"
On Wednesday, November 5th, 2014 El Nido Family Centers represented at the Annual "Cash for College Family Night" event at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce provided a bus to transport students and families from El Nido Family Centers to the event. Lorena Vazquez, PSA Counselor at El Nido Family Centers in Pacoima, conducted outreach at local schools to recruit families who were interested in attending this wonderful event. The families were able to attend the Financial Aid and Scholarship workshops and attend exhibits which promoted resources and access to college.
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PSA Counselor Lorena Vazquez with students and their families from El Nido Family Centers
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Additionally, the FamilySource Partnership Program would like to congratulate student, Arely Garcia from Cesar Chavez High School -Teacher Preparatory Academy, who won one of the $1000 scholarships raffled off at the end of the night. Arely was one of the students from El Nido Family Centers. As an extra incentive, El Nido Family Centers provided Areli with a gift card as an incentive for attending the event. Congratulations Arely and keep up the good work!
Youth Policy Institute's Halloween Community Event
October 24, 2014 marked a "fang-tastic" day at Youth Policy Institute's Hollywood FamilySource Center, chocked full of good times, frightfully fun activities, candy and Halloween-themed trinkets. YPI Hollywood FamilySource Center opened its doors to all
the children in the surrounding community to attend its annual Halloween event.The event celebrated students and families in the community. Activities included the Cemetery Cinema (playing Monster's University), Arts & Witch Crafts, the Thrilling Loteria, Phantom Face Painting and a Photo Boo-th! YPI staff including the agency's Promotoras and PSA Counselor, Jade Jennings helped to spread the word and the party ended up exceeding expectations with an estimated 300 participants showing up!
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FOSTER YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (FYAP)
Pupil Services Symposium
Karla Perez, a former senior at East Valley High School, received her high school diploma with the support and advocacy of Megan Brown, former Lead Counselor (currently Interim Specialist) of the Foster Youth Achievement Program (FYAP). Karla was honored as a special guest at the Pupil Services "Strengthening Alliances to Promote School Attendance and Support Foster Youth" Symposium, which took place on October 30, 2014.
At the symposium, Karla sat on a panel that consisted of an additional student, Pupil Services Directors from nearby school districts and our very own Executive Director of Student Health and Human Services, Dr. Debra Duardo. After participating in the panel, Karla was presented with her high school diploma by Board Member, Steve Zimmer. This surprise brought Karla to tears.
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Board Member Steve Zimmer, High School Graduate Karla Perez and FYAP Interim Specialist Megan Brown.
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Karla is a great example of a student who despite her circumstances, overcame obstacles and showed great resiliency. Karla experienced several hardships early on in life. As a young child, her family emigrated from Guatemala to the United States. Due to family difficulties, Karla lived with various family members and in foster homes. Karla was eventually placed in foster care placement with her aunt and uncle. With all of the challenges that Karla continued to face, she decided to drop out of high school during her senior year (with only two classes remaining) and get a job. Thanks to the support and advocacy of Megan Brown, then Lead Counselor; Karla was encouraged to return to school and obtain her high school diploma. Next semester, Karla plans to enroll in Santa Monica City College and pursue a degree in Business Administration.
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FYAP Lead Counselors Katrina Taylor, April Jones, Jennifer Rios Zambrano, Francisco Vasquez, Karla Perez and FYAP Interim Specialist Megan Brown.
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FOREIGN STUDENT ADMISSIONS
OFFICE (FSAO)
The Foreign Student Admissions Office (FSAO) was pleased to recognize November 17th through November 21st as International Education Week. This week provided an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
The FSAO PSA Counselors are currently working collaboratively with the fifteen LAUSD high schools that currently have foreign students at their respective schools. These students are being recognized through poster campaigns, PA announcements, and lunch time activities. School-based PSA Counselors and organizations such as Adventures Abroad and Leadership assisted with the promotion
of International Education Week. We are excited to recognize our foreign students studying in LAUSD; particularly during this week that honored the importance of studying abroad and having a new cultural and educational experience.
 | | University High School PSA Counselor Tanya Mercado (on left) and FSAO PSA Counselor Maureen Greeley (on right) with current LAUSD Foreign students. |
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HOMELESS EDUCATION PROGRAM
A Day of Giving
The Homeless Education Program in partnership with the Southern California Assistance League and Universal Studios hosted 'A Day of Giving' on November 13, 2014. Los Angeles Unified School District employees throughout the district brought over 200 students who received brand new school uniforms, shoes,  backpacks, hygiene kits and books. When they arrived, the children were greeted by Universal Studios employees who helped size them for new clothes and shoes and helped them select their favorite book to take home. Universal Studios Characters like Curious George and Scooby-Doo took pictures with the children and brought smiles to their faces. The fun continued when school staff and students entered the amusement park escorted by a Universal Studios chaperone that had front of the line passes. Thank you to our community partners and school district support staff who make this all possible! 
To read on these events and other exciting upcoming events please click on this link to access the newest program newsletter.
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GRAD VAN
The Grad Van attended the following locations to provide academic, attendance and college information:
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| | December 12th | Winter Health Festival | ELC Wellness Center | | December 13th | Pacoima Parade | City of Pacoima |
If you would like to request the Grad Van for an upcomin g school event, click here to access the flyer and the request 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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PSA Counselors Steve Blustajn, Laura Baca, Sonia Solis and Yvette Zavala with students attendees at the Cash for College Event at the LA Convention Center
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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 Yvette Zavala at yvette.zavala@lausd.net or Maricela Velis at maricela.serrano@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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