fall 2012 · rowland unified school district: proudly serving students of rowland heights, west...

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www.rowlandSCHoolS.org Fall 2012 Rowland Unified School District 1830 S. Nogales Street Rowland Heights, CA 91748-2993 Become a Fan at Facebook.com/RowlandUSD rowland FutureS Winter Break for RUSD Schools: December 17, 2012 - January 4, 2013 Rowland Unified School District: Proudly serving students of Rowland Heights, West Covina, Walnut, La Puente, and City of Industry Read Inside... 50th Anniversary of Nogales HS Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee Annual Report CSI... Shelyn Style and GATE Bingo Coming Back to Rowland HS! Community Mapping Laptops for Learning Roll Out at Oswalt Academy and Giano Budget Update and More! A NEW ROWLAND HIGH SCHOOL IF MEASURE R BOND PASSES Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID City of Industry, CA Permit No. 5325 On November 6, 2012, community members in the Rowland Unified School District will have the opportunity to vote on Measure R 2012, a school facilities improvement bond. The Bond focuses on new school buildings, critical safety upgrades and new power systems for 21st Century technology needed in classrooms. The major projects for the $158.8 Million Bond would include the construction of permanent classrooms at Rowland High School and Nogales High School to replace aging portable classrooms; and permanent classrooms (multi-purpose/cafeteria, playgrounds, science and technology rooms, and library) at Stanley G. Oswalt Academy to replace the campus' entire temporary facilities. All RUSD schools would benefit from technology and energy efficient upgrades, and repairs to classrooms not previously modernized. Other planned projects include a new pool at Nogales High School, multipurpose/office space at all elementary schools, playground surfaces and equipment, secondary school showers/lockers and bleacher seating systems, concrete/asphalt flatwork, and building (fascia) repair. "We are looking forward with anticipation to having the Measure R Bond issue on the November ballot," said Rowland High School Principal Mitch Brunyer. "If it does pass, it will provide the funding for a much needed and complete modernization of RHS. Students and parents could look forward to a practically brand new school, complete with Visual and Performing Arts facilities, which would also serve our community." For more information on Measure R, visit www.RowlandSchools.org. A snapshot of what a new Rowland High School two-story front entrance and campus could look like if voters approve the Measure R Bond on November 6. Aerial view of new vision of Rowland High School campus with two-story classroom buildings, new library (with underground storage), performing arts, science, technology and athletic facilities, and new student quad. Design would maximize space and tie-in existing modernized areas. We want to hear from you! the ruSd Climate Survey is our opportunity to hear directly from the community we serve on how the district is doing and what you think are the most important issues on which to focus in the future. Please visit www.rowlandSchools.org and click on the Your VoICe icon to take this survey. the survey window will be open from oCtoBer 24 – noVeMBer 9. results will be shared with the public. Computers are available at all school sites. For paper copies of the survey, please contact the Communications office at (626) 854-8352 or visit the district office located at 1830 S. nogales Street, rowland Heights. YOUR VOICE NEEDED – Rowland Unified School District Climate Survey OPEN ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS FOR 2013-14 AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1 The Rowland Unified School District (RUSD) will soon be accepting applications for CHOICE Open Enrollment within the District for all K-12 schools (including Telesis Academy) for the 2013-14 school year from families that live within the District. If you wish for your child to attend another RUSD school, you must complete the application available November 1 for pick up at schools or from the Pupil Services Office located at 1928 S. Nogales Street, Rowland Heights. (One application per child must be submitted.) November 1, 2012 Application available for pick up at all schools and Pupil Services Office. January 18, 2013 Last day to turn in the application to Pupil Services by 4 p.m. NO LATE applications. If you have further questions, please visit www.RowlandSchools.org or call the Pupil Services Office at (626) 935-8204. Want school event news for your personal calendar or high school sports news fast? Now it is even easier to stay connected with schools in the Rowland Unified School District – We’ve got a mobile App! Customize the news from the District and school(s) you care about most and access it on your phone or mobile device. On iOS Go to the App Store and search for Rowland Unified School District. Tap on the FREE button. You may be asked for your Apple ID Password. The app will download onto your home screen. On ANDROID Go the App Store and search for “Rowland USD” Tap the “Install” button. You may be asked for your Google Play password. Thanks to RUSD’s communications tool ParentLink, this is one more way to engage with our school community. Questions? Call the RUSD Communications Office at (626) 854-8352. NEW! Rowland Unified Mobile App

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Page 1: Fall 2012 · Rowland Unified School District: Proudly serving students of Rowland Heights, West Covina, Walnut, La Puente, and City of Industry Read Inside... • 50th y Coming of

www.rowlandSCHoolS.orgFall 2012

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Rowland Unified School District: Proudly serving students of Rowland Heights, West Covina, Walnut, La Puente, and City of Industry

Read In

side...

•50thAnniversaryofNogalesHS

•Citizens'BondOversightCommittee

AnnualReport

•CSI...ShelynStyleandGATE

•BingoComingBacktoRowlandHS!

•CommunityMapping

•LaptopsforLearningRollOutat

OswaltAcademyandGiano

•BudgetUpdateandMore!

A NEW ROWLAND HIGH SCHOOL IF MEASURE R BOND PASSES

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On November 6, 2012, community members in the Rowland Unified School District will have the opportunity to vote on Measure R 2012, a school facilities improvement bond. The Bond focuses on new school buildings, critical safety upgrades and new power systems for 21st Century technology needed in classrooms. The major projects for the $158.8 Million Bond would include the construction of permanent classrooms at Rowland High School and Nogales High School to replace aging portable classrooms; and permanent classrooms (multi-purpose/cafeteria, playgrounds, science and technology rooms, and library) at Stanley G. Oswalt Academy to replace the campus' entire temporary facilities.

All RUSD schools would benefit from technology and energy efficient upgrades, and repairs to classrooms not previously modernized. Other planned projects include a new pool at Nogales High School, multipurpose/office space at all elementary schools, playground surfaces and equipment, secondary school showers/lockers and bleacher seating systems, concrete/asphalt flatwork, and building (fascia) repair. "We are looking forward with anticipation to having the Measure R Bond issue on the November ballot," said Rowland High School Principal Mitch Brunyer. "If it does pass, it will provide the funding for a much needed and complete modernization of RHS. Students and parents could look forward to a practically brand new school, complete with Visual and Performing Arts facilities, which would also serve our community." For more information on Measure R, visit www.RowlandSchools.org.

A snapshot of what a new Rowland High School two-story front entrance and campus could look like if voters approve the Measure R Bond on November 6.

Aerial view of new vision of Rowland High School campus with two-story classroom buildings, new library (with underground storage), performing arts, science, technology and athletic facilities, and new student quad. Design would maximize space and tie-in existing modernized areas.

We want to hear from you! the ruSd Climate Survey is our opportunity to hear directly from the community we serve on how the district is doing and what you think are the most important issues on which to focus in the future. Please visit www.rowlandSchools.org and click on the Your VoICe icon to take this survey. the survey window will be open from oCtoBer 24 – noVeMBer 9. results will be shared with the public. Computers are available at all school sites. For paper copies of the survey, please contact the Communications office at (626) 854-8352

or visit the district office located at 1830 S. nogales Street, rowland Heights.

YOUR VOICE NEEDED – Rowland Unified School District Climate Survey

OPEN ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS FOR 2013-14 AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1The Rowland Unified School District (RUSD) will soon be accepting applications for CHOICE Open Enrollment within the District for all K-12 schools (including Telesis Academy) for the 2013-14 school year from families that live within the District. If you wish for your child to attend another RUSD school, you must complete the application available November 1 for pick up at schools or from the Pupil Services Office located at 1928 S. Nogales Street, Rowland Heights. (One application per child must be submitted.) November 1, 2012 Application available for pick up at all schools and Pupil Services Office.January 18, 2013 Last day to turn in the application to Pupil Services by 4 p.m. NO LATE applications.If you have further questions, please visit www.RowlandSchools.org or call the Pupil Services Office at (626) 935-8204.

Want school event news for your personal calendar or high school sports news fast? Now it is even easier to stay connected with schools in the Rowland Unified School District – We’ve got a mobile App! Customize the news from the District and school(s) you care about most and access it on your phone or mobile device.On iOS Go to the App Store and search for

Rowland Unified School District. Tap on the FREE button. You may be asked for

your Apple ID Password. The app will download onto your home screen.

On ANDROID Go the App Store and search for “Rowland USD” Tap the “Install” button. You may be asked for your Google Play password.

Thanks to RUSD’s communications tool ParentLink, this is one more way to engage with our school community. Questions? Call the RUSD Communications Office at (626) 854-8352.

NEW! Rowland Unified Mobile App

Page 2: Fall 2012 · Rowland Unified School District: Proudly serving students of Rowland Heights, West Covina, Walnut, La Puente, and City of Industry Read Inside... • 50th y Coming of

www.rowlandSCHoolS.org

APPLE LAPTOPS FOR LEARNINGOswalt Academy and Giano Intermediate

rowland FutureS

Message from Interim Superintendent Ruben Frutos

RUSD COMMUNITY MAPPING PROJECTThe Rowland Unified School District has a long standing tradition of embracing and reaching out to its community. In a mindful effort to deepen the community relationship, RUSD joined forces with the community to develop a strategy to “Establish a Reciprocal Relationship with the Community.” With the support and guidance from both The Ball Foundation and The Cotsen Family Foundation, a small group of committed teachers, parents, and community members began the quest to find resources and tools to build stronger connections with the community — and RUSD’s Community Mapping Project was born. Dr. Rosario Ordonez-Jasis, a professor at Cal State Fullerton, has worked with the Rowland team to guide the process of implementation. RUSD Board Member Dr. Gilbert García has also been a very active member of the project. Community Mapping is a powerful tool, both a process and a product which has supported us in discovering the vast number of assets in our diverse communities. Working side by side with parents and community members, Community Mapping gathers information such as pictures, videos, artifacts, and interviews that serve as a catalyst for powerful conversations. The most profound aspect of this process has been how, in different ways, all participants have changed their thoughts, perceptions, and assumptions about the community we serve. Community members have shared the power of developing a reciprocal relationship with educational institutions.

These changes are a direct result of stepping into each other’s world with genuine curiosity in our minds and a desire to uncover various assets that exist in a given community. Some of the tools include scouting, interviewing and surveying. As educators, we are often accustomed to

the community coming to us. The community mapping process has provided the opportunity to have conversations about issues that matter directly with them. The design team, (led by RUSD Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Rosemary Santos Aguilar, CSUF Professor Dr. Rosie Ordonez-Jasis, Maria De La Torre

(parent), akarla Hernandez (parent)Giano Intermediate Program Specialist George Herrera, and Ybarra Academy Learning Director Carlos Ochoa) has been humbled by the degree of receptiveness that the community has demonstrated during the process. Every organization approached has opened their door wide to embrace this new relationship with the Rowland Unified School District. Last year Community Mapping retreats were held at the Homestead Museum, The Bell Memorial Methodist Church, and Schabarum Park. As a result of this work, Rowland has been presenting its Community Mapping successes at numerous state and national conferences. Other Districts throughout the country have started calling Rowland for implementation guidance. We welcome you!

By George Herrera, Program Specialist at Giano IntermediateThe community is invited to learn more about the FOR US Foundation, the major fundraising organization that supports the students and educators of the Rowland Unified School District. Everyone is invited to the FOR US Open House on November 5 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the District Office, 1830 S. Nogales Street in Rowland Heights.

The FOR US Foundation’s biggest event of the year is the western-themed “Casino Night” that raises funds for Classroom Grants and High School Scholarships. FOR US has awarded more than $320,000 in classroom grants to RUSD teachers since the program began. Grants help teachers provide innovative learning experiences for their students. Mark Your Calendar! “Casino Night” will be held March 15, 2013 at 6 p.m. at a new location, the STC Center (Third Floor) between Nogales and Fullerton Road at 18558 Gale Avenue in Rowland Heights. Call (626) 935-8432 or www.rowlandschoolsfoundation.org.

Taking Care of Our

Community: RUSD

teamed with the East

Valley Community Health

Center to open a School-

Based Clinic at Villacorta

Elementary School.

It will be EXPANDING HOURS

currently from Tuesday & Wednesday

(9 AM to 6 PM) and Friday (1 to 5 PM) to Monday -

Saturday! Services offered are for the whole family

and many people qualify for free or low-cost care.

Medi-Cal & Healthy Families are welcome! Please

call (626) 919-4333 to schedule an appointment,

or walk-in if you have questions. Located next door to

Villacorta Elementary (17840 E. Villacorta Street, La Puente)

For the past two years, there has been a new focus on technology and improving literacy skills at Giano Intermediate. Giano Principal Helen Benavides has brought a powerful tool that both students and teachers love – the Apple Laptops for Learning Program. On Thursday, September 13, Apple laptop computers were “rolled out” from the carts into the hands of 750 7th and 8th graders to be used in all English classes on campus.

“This year we have extended this program to Ms. Hemer and Ms. Quintanilla’s History classes as well,” said Benavides. “This means that every day, all students have access and the opportunity to learn with the use of this exciting technology.” Giano has already seen a growth in writing scores. The state CST 7th grade writing scores for Giano students increased to 92% proficiency. “I attribute a large portion of this to the way students are now fully engaged using writing strategies daily on the laptops,” said Benavides. “They create their own KeyNote writing presentations; there are more collaborative and cooperative student groups. We also have the helpful My Access writing online program that provides instant feedback on how students can improve their writing skills. These tools are really helping our students.” Benavides hopes to purchase more laptops next school year, budget permitting, to increase the number of students participating and expand technology into other subject areas.

The excitement could be felt as 130 5th grade families at Oswalt Academy gathered for the Oswalt Apple Laptop Learning Roll Out Night on September 12. This was the night that students received their Apple laptop computers, providing them and their families with access to software and educational tools for 24/7 learning. Oswalt has more than 500 one-to-one laptops in grades 5-8 that are parent-funded and in use daily. The school has continued to expand its technology rich learning in grades K-4 with the use of more than 200 iPod Touches in the classrooms. This year Oswalt Academy had the prestigious honor of being named an “Apple Distinguished School” for the third year in a row – one of only two schools in California with this achievement – that recognizes outstanding innovation and a school that creates a successful 21st Century teaching and learning environment. “The infusion of technology has transformed the way our students learn and teachers teach and has had remarkable results in closing the achievement gap in math and literacy,” said Oswalt Principal Kevin Despard. “Achievement is at an all-time high at Oswalt, with our official API score soaring to 922! Our innovative use of technology is one of the main reasons.” Each MacBook Air laptop computer is pre-loaded with grade level textbooks and digital authoring applications, including iPhoto, iMovie, iWeb, GarageBand, iDVD, and ComicLife. Each computer also has wireless connectivity and a built-in video camera and accessibility features like text-to-voice. Teachers also have ProScopes (a hand-held microscope) for science use. For more information, contact Oswalt Principal Kevin Despard at (626) 810-4109.

Pictured left to right: Puente Hills Toyota General Manager Nicholas Cardin with FOR US President Dana Sykes, Fritz Hitchcock, Chairman/CEO of Hitchcock Automotive Resources, presenting a $10,000 check to FOR US. Also pictured is FOR US volunteer Lynne Ebenkamp with Dr. David Hall, Senior VP of Hitchcock Automotive Resources.

Giano Parents are invited to learn about the Laptops for Learning Program on Thursday, November 1 at 6:30 pm in the Gladiator Library. For more information, contact Giano Principal Helen Benavides at (626) 965-2461.

Dear Rowland Unified Community: I am very pleased to inform you that our District continues to advance academically while carefully managing our resources in these difficult times. While we wait for the outcome of the November election, our students continue their hard work and the District continues to build and modernize facilities that can enhance our academic programs. We are finishing the last projects in our current construction plan, within budget and on time. We have built good partnerships with companies that also want to complete our projects within budget and on time. As we look forward to schools that still need additional reconstruction or that have not been part of the projects funded in the past, we are hopeful that our community will see the value in our modernized facilities. We strive to provide well-designed buildings that will provide the environment and technology infrastructure that our students need for 21st Century learning; facilities that will enhance our progressive educational programs, and facilities that can adapt to the constantly changing innovations in the field of education. Public education continues to be at risk. Our students need your support to alleviate the impact of reduced revenues while we maintain the high professional standards of our academic programs. We will continue to share information with you to ensure that you have the knowledge to make an informed decision when you vote on November 6, 2012. Please visit the District’s website at www.RowlandSchools.org to receive the latest budget and bond information. Thank you for your continued support of Rowland Unified and public education.

Ruben Frutos,RUSD Interim Superintendent

Nogales Wins Close to 200 Awards at LA County Fair

Noble students brought home close to 200 awards in photography, ceramics and mixed media from the Los Angeles County Fair. Congratulations to Teachers Mr. James Ellison, Mrs. Cherie Parker-Carri and Mr. Skelly Miller. Pictured above are just a few of the Nogales Art winners:Center Back: Jarius Fabian; Best of Show in VideoBack row left: Itzel Islas; 2nd in Pastel Chalk, 2nd in Acrylic Paint & 3rd in SilkscreenBack row next to Itzel: Abraham DeAvila; Best of Show in SculptureBack row next to Abraham: William Blancas; 2nd in InkBack row right: Amy Troung; 1st in Pencil, 1st in Pastel Chalk & 1st in Conte CrayonFront row left: Song Han; 1st in Ink & 2nd in Oil PastelFront row center: Jessica Romero; 2nd in Ink and in Block PrintingFront row right: Esmeralda Barajas; 2nd in Block Printing, 2nd in Pastel Chalk & 2nd in Tempera Paint

Photo by NHS Student Paul Maldanado

Photography student winners (4 of 26 students): Left to RightJasmine Ye, Stacey Medina, Maria Ortiz, and Fernando Hernandez.

Did You Know?

Alvarado Parent Anita Tam shares history of Schabarum Park with RUSD parents and teachers at retreat.

Please contact Giano Program Specialist George Herrera for more information at (626) 965-2461.

Page 3: Fall 2012 · Rowland Unified School District: Proudly serving students of Rowland Heights, West Covina, Walnut, La Puente, and City of Industry Read Inside... • 50th y Coming of

rowland FutureS

CoMMunItY InVIted to HelP HIgH SCHool StudentS learn BuSIneSS SKIllS

Connections to the Future November 15

Coming Soon!BINGO RETURNS TO ROWLAND HIGH

RUSD HITS 800!

Shelyn GATE students analyze clues and learn about the world of forensic science.

Nogales High School will celebrate its 50th Anniversary (1962-2012) this year and is preparing events to include the entire community. A special Homecoming Week is planned, beginning with a Back to the Future — Passport Through the Decades Social at the school on Thursday, October 18, 2012. The evening will begin with tours of the campus at 5:30 p.m. Visitors will be able to see the construction and modernization of the buildings accomplished by previous Bond Measure R. The Social is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., where guests will celebrate in the Mack Pace Pavilion with music, refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and activities that will celebrate 50

years of traditions, memories, and reflections for the future. Alumni have been actively courted for participation at this event, which will be open to the public for a $15 admission fee. More information can be found on www.nogaleshs.org or at www.facebook.com/nogaleshighschool orwww.twitter.com/nogalesnobles. All guests are encouraged to RSVP on the Facebook Event set up for the celebration, and share the news with others. On Friday, October 19, 2012, all guests are welcome to the Homecoming Game vs. Pomona High School. It will feature a special half-time show, including an open invitation for all past homecoming queens to participate. Nogales is also preparing for the first of an annual event: the Nogales High School Walk-a-Thon, benefitting Nogales Athletics. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 7, 2012. Physical Education classes and clubs will participate throughout the day beginning at 7 a.m., while athletes take part after school from 2:50 p.m. until 4 p.m. The goal for this year’s Walk-a-Thon is to raise $44,000 for a new scoreboard for the Mack Pace Pavilion. Sponsorships are welcome, as well as donations from the community.

The Rowland Unified School District continues to outperform the state average on state academic assessments. The State Academic Performance Index (API) scores that were just released show that RUSD reached 800 (the statewide goal) this year, which is a 9-point jump from last year. Approximately 12,000 students participated in the 2012 Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program, with continued gains in the number of students scoring proficient or above both in English-language arts and mathematics. Thanks to the hard work and focus of Rowland Unified students, parents, and teachers, we look forward to another year of increased student achievement for all students. Several RUSD schools received API scores above 800 and three above 900! Official API results by the California Department of Education for the District and schools can be viewed at www.RowlandSchools.org.

“We are very proud of our students and their continued academic excellence. Our increase in our API score is due to the dedication and focus of both our students and teachers,” said Principal Mitch Brunyer. On Friday, September 7, students were

given extra time during lunch as a way of congratulating them on the excellence of their state testing results. All students were able to participate in a variety of fun events that included “dunking” Principal Mitch Brunyer and Vice Principal Mike Ward in a dunk tank. Preliminary results indicated they surpassed their API target and grew 9 points – but final results just released were even higher, with an 11 point growth and a final API score of 835.

Rowland High School Celebrates Academic Achievement

Students make a splash with Vice Principal Mike Ward.“We are excited about bringing back Bingo to Rowland High

School and the Grand Opening Date will soon be set," said Rowland HS Principal Mitch Brunyer. "It will not only help in

providing resources for our instructional and extra-curricular programs, but will also serve as a fun way to unite our community.”

Early bird games will begin at 3:30 p.m. The cost will be $35 for Bingo cards to play until 10 p.m.! Call (626) 965-3437 for opening date or visit www.rowlandhs.org.

The crime tape was up… the body removed and evidence ready to be observed by the CSI unit. But wait! This is no ordinary crime scene, Shelyn Elementary GATE students gather around as teams with note cards and magnifying glasses are ready to observe and problem solve. Shelyn GATE Coordinator and Teacher Pam Hessom prepares students for this five week after-school class where students analyze clues and solve the crime together, while delving into the world of forensic science. “This is the kind of learning that students love – interactive, creative experiences that use critical thinking skills,” said Hessom. “The labs are very involved so each week they go deeper and deeper into analyzing the evidence.” Stepping around the yellow caution tape to get a better look, students are instructed to draw the evidence in their “grid” and carefully observe and record everything they see. Hessom asks, “What are you looking at? If you see liquid, what direction was it splattered? As a scientist, any experiment you do, you can’t decide the outcome of the experiment before

CSI... SHELYN STYLE

you do it, right? Your hypothesis is to test it in a factual, observational way.” As part of the class, students get to collect fingerprints and hair samples, compare footprints, look at DNA for each suspect, do pH testing, … and these are only 4th - 6th graders!

Hessom has more than 16 years of experience coordinating GATE pro-grams in the Rowland Unified School District and is excited about offering the CSI Mystery Class for the first time. The content was created at Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley as part of their Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS).

“This is what real learning is, the teacher is monitoring, supporting and answering questions as the students dig deep into the subject matter, discussing and discovering the learning by themselves.” — Shelyn Teacher Pam Hessom

Visit www.ShelynSchool.org.

Rowland Unified School District offers the GATE Program (Gifted and Talented Education) with the goal to ensure that students who demonstrate outstanding ability or potential are helped to make the most of their unique talents and capabilities. GATE ScreeningGATE screenings of students enrolled in grade 3 and above take place in February of every year. Screening begins by reviewing CST scores in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Teachers complete a GATE characteristic survey for potential GATE candidates and assign students a GATE-Watch project to complete. Students are referred to take the OLSAT, a test that has 21 subtests, organized into five areas, with an equal number of verbal and non-verbal items included in each area. Clustering: Grades 4-8GATE students are clustered together in the regular classroom and provided an appropriate differentiated curriculum. IB classes are available at Ybarra Academy and Oswalt Academy.Enrichment: Grades 4-8GATE students have opportunities to extend the core curriculum or explore a topic not usually offered. This may occur before, during or after school. Honors: Grades 7-8Honors classes are available to all 7th-8th grade students who have a 3.0 GPA or higher. International, thematic approaches to learning are across eight disciplines.Honors: Grades 9-12Honors, AP, and IB classes are available to all students in 9th-12th grade who have a 3.0 GPA in pre-requisite courses and a teacher recommendation to take those courses.For more information, call the Special Projects Office at (626) 935-8392.

Rowland's GATE Program

The award-winning Career Certification Program in RUSD offers students at both Nogales and Rowland High Schools the opportunity to earn a certificate at graduation in one of six career pathways: Arts & Communications, Business, Family & Consumer Science, Health & Medical Services, Public & Human Services, and Technology. Connections to the Future is an annual

event coordinated by the School to Career Program. Senior seminar students interact with business and community leaders to learn professional employment skills. The entire event is coordinated by student leaders. You are invited to join us on November 15 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Rowland High School! Business and community leaders are encouraged to share their experiences with our students! A complimentary lunch is provided and there will be a special guest speaker, Richard Hight. Please R.S.V.P. to Lee Cavanaugh in the RUSD Superintendent's Office (626) 854-8303.

Page 4: Fall 2012 · Rowland Unified School District: Proudly serving students of Rowland Heights, West Covina, Walnut, La Puente, and City of Industry Read Inside... • 50th y Coming of

Modernization of Nogales High School's library is top to bottom, including a new floor, roof, storefront entry windows, new ceiling with skylights, new wall finishes, and much more:• Technology Stations for Research and Reference• New Book Shelves for Fiction, Non-Fiction, Reference, and Primary Books• Pre-school and Kindergarten “Storytelling” Room• Student Information and Exchange Center• Numerous Reading Areas• Continued Community Access and Use• Librarian Control Desk and Workroom• Movable Book Storage Shelves• Textbook Distribution and Storage Center

building Futures 2011-12 AnnuAl rePOrt

Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee Annual Report to The Community

building Futures MEASURE R 2006 BOND MODERNIZATION PROJECTS COMPLETED IN FISCAL YEAR 2011-12

Killian and Yorbita Elementary Schools

Nogales HS Anatomy & Physiology Teacher Ron Hill in his new Science Lab.

ABOVE: Alvarado features a new student quad area, front entrance, modernized classrooms and six new science classrooms with new sinks and lab preparation area, chemical resistant countertops and furniture, storage cabinets for microscopes and science equipment, fume hoods, and upgraded electrical and technology systems.

Measure R Financial SummaryFrom July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012

Beginning Fund BalanceJuly 1, 2011 $62,747,615.

Revenue Interest – July 1, 2011To June 30, 2012 $765,304.

Proceeds Sale of Bond $25,557,451.

Less: Total of all ExpendituresJuly 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 $20,341,002.Fund Balance as of June 30, 2012Measure R 2006 $68,729,368.

2006 Bond Modernization Projects - StatusAlvarado Intermediate School Under ConstructionBlandford Elementary School CompletedGiano Intermediate School CompletedHollingworth Elementary School Under ConstructionHurley Elementary School CompletedJellick Elementary School CompletedKillian Elementary School CompletedNortham Elementary School CompletedNogales High School Campus and Library Under ConstructionCareer Tech Education (CTE) Buildings - Autoshop Completed (CTE) Business & Info Technology Under ConstructionOswalt Academy New Classroom Building Under ConstructionRowland Elementary School Construction January 2013Rowland High School Partial Modernization Under Construction (CTE) Culinary Arts/J.A.R. Buildings Completed (CTE) Business & Info Technology Under ConstructionRorimer Elementary School Under ConstructionShelyn Elementary School Under Construction Telesis Academy (formerly Rincon IS) CompletedVillacorta Elementary School CompletedYbarra Academy CompletedYorbita Elementary School Completed

2011 – 2012 Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee Members

Dr. Kimo Morris - Committee Chairperson (RUSD Parent)Dr. Theodore Ebenkamp - Committee Vice Chairperson (Seniors’ Organization)Dr. Nimesh Ladhawala – (Member of a Bonafied Tax Payer Association)Ms. Josefina Baello – (Business Community)Mrs. Connie Miranda – (Community Member/PTA)Mr. Ron Moreno – (Community Member)Mr. Robert Padilla – (RUSD Parent)

The Committee met three times between September 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012 to review and discuss the following: Program Status Updates, Program Financial Reports, Project Status Reports, Bid Status of Various Projects, Construction Delivery Methods, and Bid and Construction Climate for 2012 Bond Measure.

The Committee also met for a tour of some of the modernization projects that were recently completed and under construction.

Alvarado Intermediate

S.G. Oswalt Academy

Telesis Academy of Science & Math

Nogales will have a state-of-the-art Media Center and Classroom.

Nogales High School

The Culinary Arts and Fashion Design classrooms were also modernized.

Telesis Academy modernization (Phase 2) included an upgrade to the front entry with new student drop off and parking areas. A new kindergarten facility with classrooms and new playground area was completed.

Oswalt's New Classroom Building will feature:• Nine Instructional Classrooms for Upper Grades• A new Science Laboratory Classroom with ateacher’s demonstration table, chemical-resistant furniture and countertops, experiment preparation area, microscope cabinets and other science equipment storage.• Natural Lighting and Ventilation• Power and Data Outlets• Learning Walls for multimedia technology/ projection screen, white boards, and teacher storage area.• Recycling Room

Stretching Dollars... RUSD has aggressively maximized savings for taxpayers on the 2006 Measure R Bond in a variety of ways:• Construction Savings to Date = $24 MillionRUSD shortened construction schedules by using two temporary campuses during modernization, AND it saved through competitive construction bidding and costs. This means more projects completed on budget and on time!• Community saves significantly on reduced interest on $25 Million

ABOVE: Killian Principal Jason Gass in one of the new modernized classrooms that feature the Learning Wall System, with space for multimedia technology/projection screen, white boards and teacher storage areas.

Yorbita Elementary is proud of their new computer lab (shown below), just one of the modernized classrooms throughout the school. Each classroom features the District standard Learning Walls, new power and data outlets, lighting and ceiling repair/replacement.

All RUSD modernized schools received infrastructure improvements to sewer, water, gas, electrical, data, and ADA enhancements.

Oswalt's new building features interior corridors and "exposed" ceilings with building pipes and beams open and viewable from classrooms to be used as learning tools.