Volume 5, Issue 7                                                                                                                   May/June 2015
            
Director's Message

   
 
I can't believe it's the end of the school year! I am grateful that we had the opportunity to network and connect with colleagues and friends and to celebrate our many accomplishments at our end-of-year meeting. 

I am very excited that the Diploma Project has been funded, and received additional funding for next school year. Not only will we be able to maintain this program, but also expand services to additional schools. I am also grateful that we will soon rescind all Reduction in Force (RIF) notices, maintaining all staff for the 2015-2016 school year. In fact, we anticipate additional hiring within our unit. We have created a page on the website for all of the new positions and opportunities within Pupil Services and anticipate flying several additional positions very soon.  Log in here to view the current Pupil Services career opportunities. Please check your email and/or the website throughout the summer if you are interested in pursuing a new opportunity within our unit. 

I would like to acknowledge our retirees, Joanna Klein and Neal Geisler and wish them a wonderful and well-deserved retirement.  Also, congratulations again to PSA Counselor, Kendis Wilbourne, recipient of the Rosalio Mu�oz Pupil Services and Attendance Award by Friends of School Mental Health and PSA Counselor, America Alvarenga-Phillips who received an "Outstanding Fieldwork Site Supervisor" Award from Cal State L.A. Charter College of Education. In addition, I would like to congratulate SARB Chairperson, Velma Davis for being recognized as Woman of the Year by the City of South Gate. As the resident of the community, she was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the City and lifetime of volunteer to the community.  Kendis, America and Velma are role models for us all, serving as true assets to the District, our unit, as well as their schools, students and families.  

I wish you all a restful summer and I look forward to seeing you at our Opening Meeting on August 17, 2015 at Cal State L.A.

Respectfully,

Erika Torres
Director 

 

            
Professional Development - May 13, 2015


 

Featured News



Quick Links

Important Dates
June

6/4/15 Last Day of Instruction

6/13/15 Summer School Begins 
 
Truancy Automation
Central Automation of 
Initial NOT Letters

Initial NOT letters are not being generated or mailed to parents by central office at this time. Schools are required to maintain accurate up-to-date enrollment and attendance records, and to update student attendance records and absence reason codes regularly.  When central automation resumes, qualifying students will receive the centrally generated initial Notification of Truancy letter based upon their attendance record since the beginning of this year. For more information please refer to REF 5464.3.

You can access the MS Word versions of the NOT letters by clicking on this link NOT Letter Templates.

SCHOOL BASED PUPIL SERVICES
ESC EAST
School Climate Is Improved By Reducing Bullying
Pupil Services Counselors understand the importance of school climate and its effect on student attendance. Karla Alvarez, PSA Counselor at Wilson High School, decided to coordinate and implement a program to address the school climate. She along with her PSA intern and two PSW interns, facilitated a "Bullying Awareness and Prevention" event on Wednesday, April 15th. The school's magnet counselor assisted in identifying 50 students for the event based on past events of bullying (victims and alleged perpetrators). There was 100% participation from the identified students as well as from 8 Wilson staff members. The event included: a pre-test (to determine perception of bullying and their personal experience), screening of the film, "Bully," focus groups to discuss the impact of the film, and a post-test (to determine if participants' knowledge on the topic increased, etc.).

Ms. Alvarez stated that one of the main goals of the event was to collect feedback from the students regarding how to decrease the occurrences of bullying on campus. She stated that participants eagerly provided feedback and suggestions to improve the bullying culture and decrease incidents at school. Participants also discussed the effects of bullying, such as lowered school attendance, depression, and poor grades. At the conclusion of the event, participants expressed feeling hopeful, empathetic, and inspired to spearhead change in their school. The
outcome and feedback from the event was so positive that the administrators eagerly recommended that this program be implemented on a greater scale beginning next year, to include all incoming 9th graders, and eventually all students on campus! Administrators hope that raising awareness on topic of bullying will continue to boost the emotional well-being and attendance of Wilson students. Way to go Ms. Alvarez!
ESC NORTH

Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide
PSA Counselor Amy Bazikian organized an in-depth educational program at Grant High School to commemorate the Armenian Genocide, which occurred one hundred years ago during World War I. Ms. Bazikian's program, an 80-minute assembly titled "Survival after 1915", was presented to over 500 students and teachers at Grant HS, mostly from World History classes. The principal at Grant, Ms. Damonte, opened the assembly with some introductory remarks in which she stressed the importance of learning about each other's history and culture while living in such a diverse community.

The "Survival after 1915" assembly went on to present a theatrical piece, videos, and PowerPoint presentations to increase and develop students' understanding of the genocide that took place. A sixth-grade student from Madison Middle School, Hayk, played an Armenian musical instrument called a Duduk while students put on a theatrical performance. Throughout the assembly, performers shared dances, singing and music that was common in Armenia and the diaspora after the massacres. The presentation highlighted Armenian inventors who have contributed to the advancement of medicine and technology.

The assembly also featured a keynote speaker, Aram Kouyoumdjian, LAUSD Legal Counsel, and a guest speaker, Medea Kalognamos, retired Glendale USD educator. Mr. Kouyoumdjian spoke about the meaning of Genocide, and discussed the significance of the Armenian Genocide being recognized. He also addressed the survival of Armenians residing in countries outside of Armenia. Ms. Kalognamos shared her story about the life of a survivor.

Ms. Bazikian received many accolades from the History teachers, who were impressed with what their students learned at the "Survival after 1915" assembly. This was an excellent way to engage the community to come together to honor the memory of victims, and to apply lessons from a past tragedy, uniting to make sure such a thing never happens again.

ESC SOUTH
Operation School Bell Prom
On March 5, 2015, PSA Counselor Natalie Torres along with the incredible assistance of Operation School Bell Prom, assisted three awe-inspiring senior girls at Maywood Academy with their very own fairytale "dream come true" prom gown with all of the trimmings that would complete the event. These well-deserving young girls were selected for this honor because they had waded through some pretty rough waters over the past few years but were able to rise above their circumstances and persevere toward a promising, gainful ending - their HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION! These ladies had extreme attendance and psycho-social challenges to overcome, but they arrived at the end of their journey triumphant with the more-than-capable assistance of Mrs. Torres.

The girls' resiliency was rewarded with g
owns that were absolutely "runway" beautiful. Their matching shoes, sparkling jewelry accessories accompanied by a trendy clutch were only upstaged by their modest makeup makeover that accentuated their already beautiful faces. Seeing their transformation caused Mrs. Torres to be moved with emotion, "Seeing the girls smiling faces and having them share their hopes and dreams for the future was a gift and a confirmation that I had selected the perfect career for myself".

The Operation School Bell Prom is an excellent resource for our school community. To qualify for this annual event, the girls had to be high school seniors, as well as designated as either homeless or low-income as well as having to have overcome incredible challenges that they persevered.

ESC WEST
Hand Me Down [Build Me Up] Peer Mentoring Program and Attendance Challenge
PSA Counselor, Asia Dove at Foshay Learning Center implemented a peer mentoring program and attendance challenge to curb student truancy.  Twelve students from varying academic and attendance backgrounds in grades 6-12 were selected as student mentors.  Students were paired with mentees, who are currently facing attendance challenges, for a 10-day period.  The mentors met with Ms. Dove and together devised a plan to improve the attendance of their respective mentee.  

Participating students engaged in student shadowing, small group discussions, career counseling and other activities throughout the 10-day challenge.  Upon the conclusion of the 10-day challenge, the team who displayed the most improvement in attendance was awarded gift cards and food prizes to their favorite restaurants and retail stores.   An additional $100 gift basket will be given to students who continue to improve his/her attendance through the end of the school year.  The program has been very successful that it will continue to operate every ten days until the end of the school year and will resume in August 2015.
ISIC
Student Health and Human Services Teamwork at Contreras School of Social Justice
On March 26, during Parent/Teacher night, PSA Counselor Jaza Williams and PSW Lissette Morales-Santo hosted a booth promoting their services.  Ms. Williams (shown in photo below) created a display board highlighting why attendance mattered and passed out attendance flyers and brochures to parents. To draw attendees to their booth, candy was displayed in a large jar and was given out to students, parents and staff members who told her what the LAUSD attendance goal for the school year was. She also had a sign-in sheet for parents to schedule individual conferences and was able to provide some with strategies on how to get their child to school on time.

The event was a great way to be visible to parents and students as well as informing them about the connection between attendance and academic outcomes. It also showed the importance of 
team work and collaboration within Student Health and Human Services units. The collaboration was so successful that this dynamic duo will repeat this at the upcoming parent/teacher night at Contreras School of Business and Tourism.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
ATTENDANCE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
As the 2014-15 school year is quickly comes to a close, it is important to support our students'
AIP Counselor Kitty McCormick, celebrates the 150th day with students at Knox Elementary School.  
transition to the next grade. The end of the year can be a difficult time for students, regardless of their grade level, as they deal with anxiety of upcoming changes, such as a new grade, new teachers, and new expectations. It is important that we have transitional activities to help students successfully move on to the next year and help ease any worries. We must also take time to reflect on our successes from this school year and look ahead as to how we can continue to grow from what we have learned.

In the months of May and June, the Attendance Improvement Program staff incorporated the theme of Celebration. 
To learn more about how AIC's are incorporating celebration into teaching attendance click here for the newsletter.
DIPLOMA PROJECT
Camping into College
Five students from Gage Middle school who work with our Diploma Project Graduation Promotion Counselor, Thanya Acosta-Haro and 65 other LAUSD students have been selected to participate in the C5 Camp Paintrock in Hyattsville, Wyoming. They will be attending two four-week summer programs in a beautiful 7,000 acre camp which introduces students to new surroundings, skills and experiences while creating memories that last a lifetime.

Through a diverse curriculum, students strengthen their leadership skills, build on teamwork, organization and communication skills. They also enhance their confidence, independence, trust and self-esteem, characteristics which they will be able to utilize in school and everyday life. In addition, they will have an opportunity to build on their social and environmental awareness, learn about geology, botany and increase their appreciation about wildlife.

According to Mr. Joseph Collins, Executive Director of C5LA, 90% of the current graduating class has been accepted to colleges in the fall.  Our students will have the same opportunity, as they will be provided support by C5LA staff for the next 5 years. The goal is to empower them to overcome challenges and prepare them for high school graduation and a higher education.  

A heartfelt appreciation to the staff that either nominated our students or supported them through the application and interviewing process. This is not a one-time program, but the beginning of something new, a blank canvas to an opportunity which will set the course for a successful future.
FAMILYSOURCE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Finding Success through the Diversion Referral Program
On March 24, 2015, Jesse, an 11th grade student at Bell High School, presented at the Successful School Climate: Progressive Discipline and Safety Committee meeting about his experiences with the FamilySource Partnership Program. In December 2014, Jesse was referred to the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) FamilySource Center by the Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD) Diversion Program for possession of tobacco products (pipe) and
Shown in picture: WLCAC Case Manager Mayra Espindola, student Jesse, Jesse's mother Ms. Ponce and PSA Counselor Jackie Olivo 
consumption of marijuana. Ms. Olivo, Pupil Services and Attendance (PSA) Counselor conducted a Diversion Referral Intake Assessment and referred Jesse to the Youth Substance Abuse Program within the WLCAC FamilySource Center. Ms. Espindola, WLCAC Case Manager and Ms. Olivo have worked collaboratively together with Jesse and his mother Ms. Ponce, to ensure his behavior, academics, and social skills improve. Today, Jesse is a student free of any substance abuse and is on track to graduation. Both Jesse and his mother presented their story on how impactful this program has been in their lives and recognized how the FamilySource Partnership Program has helped to make a positive difference in Jesse's life, both at home and school. Jesse will be the first one of his siblings to receive his High School Diploma in June 2016.

Shown in picture: Officer William Etue, PSA Counselor, Jackie Olivo, student Valerie, SHHS  Executive Director,     Dr. Debra Duardo, and Assistant Superintendent School Operations, Dr. Earl Perkins
Valerie, an 11th grade student at Maywood Academy presented at the School-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support Task Force Meeting on April 16, 2015. Valerie shared her success story of being referred to the WLCAC FSC through the LASPD Diversion Referral Program. She successfully completed the Youth Substance Abuse Program and also has been clean, attending school more regularly and raising her grades. Through her perseverance and dedication, Valerie will be graduating next year.

Success stories like these are made possible thanks to the FamilySource Partnership Program collaboration between the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District. 
FIELD EDUCATION PROGRAM

California State University, Los Angeles Charter College of Education Recognizes Pupil Services and Field Instructor America-Alvarenga-Phillips
Two years ago, Pupil Services began an expanded relationship with the CSULA Charter College of Education. An affiliation agreement delineating centralized protocols for placing interns with PSA Counselors to complete hours toward a PPSC in School Counseling and/or Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) credential was created and implemented. The relationship has been incredibly successful as many more PSA Counselors have been able to offer interns from CSULA's School-Based Family Counseling Program (SBFC) a unique set of "hands on" learning experiences with a focus on Child Welfare and Attendance.

The Field Education program currently fosters relationships with more than nine university graduate programs, including CSULA to train close to 100 interns per year. While, interns can expect to learn new tasks and acquire new capabilities, PSA Counselors can provide an additional resource to their schools or specialized programs. Experience gained by students is invaluable in future career pursuits and the program also ensures that our unit trains and recruits future qualified PSA Counselors.

This year, Pupil Services will be receiving an "Outstanding School Partner" Award from CSULA's Charter College of Education for the expansion of the Field Education Program in the area of School Counseling. In addition, PSA Counselor, America Alvarenga-Phillips, placed at South Gate High School received the "Outstanding Fieldwork Site Supervisor" Award. Nominated by her current intern, Denise Pineda, America has shown an incredible amount of leadership and inspiration in her role as a CWA Preceptor. Ms. Pineda states, "As a former South Gate High School student with desire to give back to the community, I was very fortunate to have America Alvarenga-Phillips as my Preceptor. She is a great mentor, teacher, expert clinician, and a true pioneer in counseling."
FOREIGN STUDENTS ADMISSIONS PROGRAM
Instilling a Positive Attendance Culture
During the 2014-2015 school year, the Foreign Student Admissions Office (FSAO) worked with the international students on monitoring their attendance, and ensuring they were in school regularly. Out of the 36 foreign students in LAUSD, 7 have perfect attendance and 17 have proficient attendance. FSAO PSA Counselor Maureen Greeley will be rewarding these students with certificates, incentives, and an end of the year celebration held at their various high schools. Four of the international students will be receiving a diploma from LAUSD and attending college in the United States. Congratulations to all of our international students for taking a chance on a new experience. 

 

FOSTER YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

National Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month. It is a time to recognize those individuals who make a difference in the lives of foster youth; including caregivers, social workers, teachers, principals, PSWs, and PSA Counselors. In addition to recognizing these individuals, Foster Care Month also sheds light on the challenges faced by foster youth. Currently there are estimated to be over 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. Many of these children will be reunited with their families, some will remain with their relative caregivers through the kin-gap system, and others will be adopted into new families.

However, the children who remain in the foster care system, are often bouncing from one foster home to another. Home and school instability have negative impacts on foster youth socially, emotionally, and educationally. On average, foster youth change placements one to two times during any given school year, resulting in decreased attendance and poorer academic outcomes.  The Foster Youth Achievement Program (FYAP) is working hard to meet the educational needs of students in foster care and to promote school stability. FYAP Counselors collaborate with caregivers, social workers, and school staff to identify barriers to learning, and provided direct supports and services that foster academic success.   

 

HOMELESS EDUCATION PROGRAM

A Year in Review
The 2014-2015 school year was filled with many events to support homeless students in the District. A Collaborative Meeting was held on August 18th and hosted representatives from the district's Wellness Centers. The presenters spoke on the extensive services available to LAUSD families and community members. The second Collaborative Meeting occurred on October 15th and the FamilySource Partnership program gave an overview of the services they provide to the community. November was National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. During this month the Homeless Education Program (HEP) partnered with United Way of Southern California to host a screening of the documentary "Inocente". December held the program's most popular event, Sponsor A Family, which provides gifts for the holidays to some of our neediest homeless families. 

The second semester began with Operation School Bell Prom, where homeless senior girls were
HEP Staff at the Senior Graduation Luncheon
treated to a day of glamour and selected their prom dress and accessories. This event was followed by Sponsor A Graduate, which pairs a graduating homeless senior with a sponsor who covered their graduation expenses. Sponsor A Graduate matched 43 seniors this year and we thank all of the sponsors who made this possible. In April, the HEP hosted the second annual Homeless Education Symposium. The event featured Opal Singleton, President and CEO of Million Kids a non-profit organization, who spoke on Human Sex Trafficking. The symposium had four breakout sessions that covered topics such as legal resources and trauma-informed therapy. The end of the school year will culminate with the Senior Graduation Luncheon, which took place at Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on May 21, 2015. There is no better way to end the year than to recognize the homeless seniors of LAUSD.  

For more information on the HEP program and to read our latest newsletter please click here

JUVENILE HALL/CAMP RETURNEE PROGRAM
Sylmar Juvenile Drug Court Graduation
Juvenile Hall/Camp Returnee Program PSA Counselor Marcela Tarquino-Klossner and the Juvenile Drug Court Team, which includes: Judge Fred Fujioka, District Attorney Mr. Herring, Defense Attorneys Mr. Siegel and Ms. Brackelmanns, Ms. Gerson, Deputy Probation Officer Partida, and Tarzana Treatment Center Supervisor David Katz, held the Spring 2015 Sylmar Juvenile Drug Court Graduation on April 15, 2015.  Los Angeles County District Attorney, Jackie Lacey was the keynote speaker and gave an outstanding speech recognizing the five deserving young men and women who were being honored for completing and graduating from the Drug Court Program. These youth chose to participate voluntarily in Drug Court in order to work on their recovery and to have their juvenile court records dismissed and sealed.

Recovery included time, effort, dedication and discipline to attend treatment three times a week. Since regular school attendance, passing grades and satisfactory behavior is vital, the primary focus of the program was on school. Their behaviors at home, school, and in the community were also accounted for. The Drug Court Probation Officer made routine home and school visits and detained those who presented a danger to themselves or others. At times, the minors were locked-up and often sent to suitable placements and/or residential treatment. These youth were also praised and encouraged for their victories along the way and as a result, they learned to believe in themselves and make healthier choices.

These graduates shared how grateful they were with their parents, the Tarzana Treatment staff and the Drug Court Team. They acknowledged all of the patience, support, and encouragement they received throughout the often difficult process. The ceremony culminated with the Judge Fujioka handing each youth their original criminal citations, and with a big smile on their faces and cheers from the audience, they proceeded to rip them to shreds, signifying a new beginning.
LAUSD GRAD VAN SERVICES
Pupil Services utilizes the Grad Van as part of outreach efforts to engage students, parents and the
Central District PSA Counselors, Maricela Velis and Yvette Tortorici and PSA Counselor, Lora Palacios at Belvedere Middle School's Arts/Music Fair in ESC East held on May 16, 2015. 
community. The Grad Van provides a unique means of support and information to families across the district that face logistical barriers in accessing school and community resources. Resources provided include attendance information, high school graduation requirements, college information as well as Financial Aid. 


If you would like to request the Grad Van for an upcoming 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 van staffing and availability.
NEGLECTED/DELINQUENT OR AT-RISK YOUTH 
Benefits of a Collaboration
One of the benefits of the Pupil Services and Attendance Unit is the unit's multifaceted approach to meeting the needs of students within LAUSD. This approach allows counselors within the program to collaborate to meet the varied needs of our students. During the 2014-2015 school year, counselors and students within the Neglected/ Delinquent, or At- Risk Youth Program benefited from collaboration.     

An example of collaboration is when students who are at risk of dropping out, in need of credit recovery and/or in need of employment are referred to the YouthSource Centers. Additionally, Pupil Services has a partnership with Baby2Baby, which provide PSA Counselors with access to donated clothing, diapers, wipes etc., for pregnant and parenting teens. Overall, the success of the Neglected/Delinquent or At-Risk Youth Program during the 2014-2015 school year is a product of the dedicated staff within the unit.  The support and collaboration of our colleagues within the Pupil Services and Attendance unit is continuously needed and much appreciated.  

YOUTHSOURCE CITY PARTNERSHIP

Archdiocesan Youth Employment: South YouthSource Center

Carla is an 18 year old youth that has struggled academically throughout her high school years, repeating the 9th grade for three years.  During her high school years, Carla also struggled with truancy issues, with each year becoming progressively worse.  Carla had a total of three school changes during her high school years, having limited progress at each.  PSA Counselor, Belinda Barragan worked with Carla while she was at Maya Angelou Community High School, trying to encourage the student to improve her attendance and graduate  from high school.


This school year, Carla was referred to the Archdiocesan Youth Employment Office in the South by her academic counselor for assistance with finding an alternative school setting that would help Carla graduate high school.  This time around, Carla had a much more positive outlook and was motivated and eager to complete her high school diploma.  She even brought four of her friends to also get assistance from the PSA Counselor at AYE South.  Carla was referred to both 5 Keys Charter School and to the WIA (Workforce Investment Act) program. She is now enrolled at 5 Keys Charter School and is on her way to obtaining her high school diploma before June 2015.
 

Carla has also been accepted into WIA, the work readiness program, and will begin her internship within a month.  This is an exciting time for Carla as she moves forward academically and starts building valuable work experiences that will assist her in her future endeavors.

BABY2BABY PARTNERSHIP

LAUSD Partner Sponsors a Mother's Day Playdate Event!

On April 29th LAUSD, Pupil Services partnered with Baby2Baby to give 35 mothers the opportunity to share a wonderful interactive playdate experience with their Kindergarten children.  The Attendance Improvement Program picked 35 students from 5 kindergarten classes from Flournoy Elementary School who met the superintendent's attendance performance meter of 96%.  Sponsored by Tiny Prints, parents and their children were transported to the Baby2Baby headquarters, which was transformed into a playground to provide participants an opportunity to interact in many ways. 

Activities included children and their mothers planting a portable vegetable garden they decorated and were able to take home; children had the opportunity to play with animals in a petting zoo; mothers enjoyed being pampered by having their hair and nails done while their children picked flowers from an indoor flower market; children also enjoyed balloon making; dancing on the dance floor; and had lunch with a coffee and milk bar.  Finally, parents and their children had a chance to rub elbows with film and television celebrities as they received tote bags filled with gifts for both mothers and children!