Over 400 school and community members gathered in the Watts Community of South Los Angeles on November 29th to celebrate the naming of Alliance Cindy and Bill Simon Technology Academy High School (formerly Alliance CRAHS #11).

 

The Simons, generous long-time supporters of the Alliance and underserved students throughout Los Angeles, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be associated with the school and the Alliance, and pledged to remain committed to ensuring a better future for children in our community.

 

The Huskies newly formed cheer squad wowed guests with their first public performance, and sophomore Jessica Sanchez spoke from the heart about how much the school has meant to her. "This school is new hope that I had abandoned long ago. It's not only hope for me, but also for the community," shared Jessica. She went on to describe the school as a place where she and her classmates can "prove ourselves worthy of making our own destinies."

 

Special guest speakers on hand to recognize the Simons and inspire the students included Reverend Maudine Clark, City Council Speaker Pro Temp Jan Perry, State Assemblymember Isadore Hall, LAUSD Superintendent District B George McKenna, and Alliance board members Ambassador Frank Baxter and Fred Simmons.

 

You can help Alliance schools to realize the full potential of this generous partnership by visiting DonorsChoose.org today. To review projects submitted by Alliance schools: visit their search page, select schools in Los Angeles, and be sure to type in the keyword Alliance. Browse the project requests and give any amount directly to those that inspire you. In return, you will receive photos of the project taking place, a thank-you letter from the teacher, and a cost report showing how each dollar was spent.

On November 17th, 2011,  Alliance College Ready Academy High School #5 (ACRAHS5) hosted their third annual National Honor Society (NHS) induction. 27 new members received their  membership pins, taking the active membership to 44  members. Honored guests, Alliance President Judy Burton and Board Member Gayle Miller, were in attendance. 

Founded in 1921, NHS is more than an honor roll. To be accepted, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA; submit an application listing their service, leadership, and extra curricular activities; and write an essay on how they plan to continue to serve through future volunteering. A panel of five teachers reviews the applications and determines which students will be admitted based on their leadership, character, scholarship and service. 

During the past two years, ACRAHS5's NHS chapter (the largest among Alliance schools) has conducted service projects that have included raising funds for earthquake survivors in Japan, donating cards and funds to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and conducting in-school tutoring programs.

On November 3rd, Alliance William and Carol Ouchi High School was honored to host the ribbon cutting for the Sound Body Sound Mind Foundation's 100th school fitness center!

 

The celebration featured special guests including Olympic weightlifter Cara Heads and Olympic gold medalist and heavy weight boxer Henry Tillman. The students were honored to perform and provide fitness demonstrations for special guests, including SBSM founders Cindy and Bill Simon and their staff.  

 

Made possible by a generous donation from philanthropists Richard and Jackie Hollander, the new fitness center is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and will serve as an essential part of Ouchi High School's commitment to ensuring that all students have the tools they need for a healthy future.

 

Alliance College-Ready Public Schools is grateful to now have SBSM fitness centers in six of our schools. "Research indicates that physical well-being enhances mental acuity and learning," said Judy Burton, Alliance President and CEO. "We are grateful to Sound Body Sound Mind for the opportunity to enhance our rigorous college prep curriculum and the lives of our students with their physical fitness program and state-of-the-art equipment." 

At their October 17th meeting, Mayor Ofelia Hernandez and members of the Huntington Park City Council recognized Alliance Huntington Park College-Ready Academy High School for their success in increasing their Academic Performance Index (API) score and for their contribution to the local community. Since it's founding six years ago, the school's state API score has risen nearly 200 points, placing it in the top 15% of all LAUSD schools!

Principal Laura Galván, together with ASB presidents Marlen Quintero and Anthony Perez, was presented with a Certificate of Recognition by the Mayor and Council Members in honor of the school's achievements.

 

Ms. Galván thanked the council for this honor. "My hope and wish for Huntington Park College-Ready Academy High School is to continue our success in our academic achievements as well as developing a student body that is capable of making a difference - a positive contribution to their community and their world," she stated.

Alliance Technology and Math Science High School Demonstrates Blended Learning Model for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson 

A second-generation teacher, Superintendent Torlakson is a strong advocate for technology and innovation in the classroom. He shared with students that his platform is "leave no child offline." In his 2011 report, A Blueprint for Great Schools, incorporating technology as a key component of teaching, learning, and assessment is included as a critical priority.

 

We were honored to have Superintendent Torlakson on our ATAMS campus and look forward to continuing to contribute to this important goal through the expansion of our BLAST model. Visit the website to learn more about BLAST.  

Hi, Alliance Family!

 

I am currently writing from my home stay in Managua, Nicaragua where I have been studying this semester. Being fluent in Spanish, my study abroad program has allowed me to do things outside of the normal schedule. Recently, I have been conducting research at a Nicaraguan feminist organization called Ocho de Marzo providing legal assistance to women. I have also traveled with my program to El Salvador and the Nicaraguan Autonomous Region of the South Atlantic coast including the Pearl Keys!

 

In my three years that I have been at Vassar, I have seized every opportunity available. I have traveled to Spain, Morocco, Gibraltar, and Mexico. Hopefully, in the summer, I will be able to go to Cuba, Brazil, Chile, or back to Spain. My declared major is Latin American and Latino/a Studies with a minor in Education. I will be graduating with honors when I complete my community project that will target Latino/a youth in the Poughkeepsie area and their access to higher education.

 

I've decided that I am going to go to law school after Vassar, hopefully this time in Los Angeles or at least the Southern California area. This way I can be closer to my family and will not have to deal with New York winter weather.

 

Abrazos,

Angélica Gutiérrez