Ganesha running back racks up 160 yards in team's hunt to end losing streak
The Ganesha Giants are going to get that elusive win this year and end their record-breaking losing streak. It will happen. It just didn't happen in their first game. But Ganesha's match-up with Azusa High at McCracken Stadium was not without its bright spots. Running back Julian Garcia tallied 160 yards on 24 carries and even threw a 33-yard TD pass! Here, Garcia finds a hole in Azusa's line and breaks free for more yards. Read more about the Giants' first outing in
The Daily Bulletin
. Go, Giants!
Elementary schools welcome families back to school early
Families are used to the routine of coming to their schools the week before classes resume to look at the posted classroom assignments. This year, however, they were invited back to meet teachers and principals and get to know each other, as well. Here Superintendent Meléndez checks class assignments at Roosevelt Elementary with parents and students. "This is the Reaching part of Reaching, Teaching, and Learning," she explained. "We want students -- especially new students -- to feel comfortable and at home when they come to school the first day. Giving them a chance to meet their teacher with their parents the week before, instead of just reading a class assignment on a list, can make a very big difference for a child. It also establishes a connection between teachers and parents even before the school year starts."
Schools honored for their improved API scores
The 2008-09 school year is off to a good start with news from the state that PUSD students improved their API scores again this year. Principals of schools that made the greatest API gains were honored with their own Olympic gold (paper!) medals recently. In 2007-08, 24 schools showed API growth; 16 grew their APIs by 10 points or more; and 24 met or exceeded their API growth targets. Eight of our schools are now at or above the state API target of 800. Congratulations, students and staff!
School Board appoints former member Steve Lustro to vacant seat
Citing the need for experience at a time when the district is taking on a variety of new initiatives designed to improve student academic achievement while also facing continuing state funding cuts, the School Board on July 31 voted to appoint Mr. Steve Lustro to the seat vacated by the late Candelario Mendoza. Here he's pictured taking the oath of office. Mr. Mendoza passed away June 24. Mr. Lustro served as a School Board member from 1997 to 2005. He is also the parent of two former PUSD students. He works as Community Development Director for the City of Montclair. His seat on the School Board will be up for election in November, 2009.
Debra Duarte of Pomona High: PUSD's 2008-09 Teacher of the Year
No one was more surprised than Pomona High's Debra Duarte when Superintendent Meléndez walked into her classroom unannounced recently carrying a bouquet of flowers. She was there to let Debra know that she had been nominated by her peers and chosen by a committee as Pomona Unified Teacher of the Year for 2008-09. Debra currently teaches World History and honors classes at PHS, but also has extensive experience teaching special education classes at middle and high school. As one of her nominators wrote, "Debra is unbelievably dedicated to her profession. She spends an inordinate amount of time at work on weekdays and weekends planning lessons, correcting and editing student work, designing student-based projects, and creating alternative ways to assess her students. She is the model for differentiated instruction." Debra is now eligible to be considered for Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, Debra, and thank you for everything you do for PHS students!
