New Student Member Selected to Hart District School Board
Melissa Morales, a senior at Saugus High School, has been elected as the 2011/12 Student Board Member. She is the school’s Student Body President and holds a 4.23 Grade Point Average. She is involved in various non-profit organizations: Special Olympics, Relay for Life, Diabetes Walk, the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center and her church. Her future plans include studying business management, and she is applying at Pepperdine, Syracuse, and UC Irvine. The Student Communications Council selects the student board member each year, per Board Bylaws. Miss Morales will serve as a non-voting member of the board and will serve through June 2012.

Local High Schools Compete in Annual Band Championships
The Hart School District is known for the quality of its music programs and this year is no exception. All six district comprehensive high schools competed in the Marching Band Championships hosted by the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) earlier this month. Hart High School was going for its 10th straight gold medal in Division 4A, just falling short this year and earning the silver medal. Hart High School is the only school with nine gold medals and one silver. The bands are judged on their music, marching technique and general effectiveness of the music and show design. The Hart School District is the only district to have all of its schools qualify, and they have done so for two consecutive years. Other 2011 SCSBOA Championship results: Division 2A – Saugus High School, 7th place; Division 3A – Canyon High School, 5th place, Valencia High School, 6th place, Golden Valley High School, 7th place and Division 5A – West Ranch High School, 6th place. Congratulations to all student band members on a successful competition!

Academy of the Canyons Celebrates Excellent API Score of 941
Students at Academy of the Canyons were treated to a pizza and cookie party to celebrate the very high Academic Performance Index score of 941. AOC is the highest scoring high school in the Hart School District and this score places AOC in the top echelon of high performing schools in the state. Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Vicki Engbrecht was on hand for the festivities along with Principal Jill Shenberger, teachers and AOC PTSA members, who helped serve the food to students. AOC was previously designated as one of the U.S. News “America’s Best High Schools” in 2010. AOC is a middle college high school serving approximately 400 9th – 12th grade students on the College of the Canyon campus, who take college classes concurrently.

Local Business Leaders Share Knowledge with Students
The Hart School District is working with local businesses to enhance career development of students through internships and guest speaker presentations. Students in the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Virtual Enterprise class are required to complete internship hours at a local business according to their role in their virtual cupcake business. One student acting as the human resources director of the business completed 30 hours in the human resources department at Remo, Inc. while another student, acting as the marketing director, completed his hours in the marketing department at American Family Funding. Also, a couple of local business representatives came into the classroom to speak to students about careers in their industries. Maria Gutzeit, president of Compliance Plus, an environmental consulting company, spoke to Brandon Duran’s chemistry class at Hart High School about careers in chemical and environmental engineering.  At the end, she offered to let a student shadow her when she is out in the field. Hillary Broadwater, president of QM Design Group, a graphic design company, spoke to the graphic design class at Canyon High School and showed samples of her work. The teachers liked having business people explain how students will use their class knowledge and skills in the work world.

Golden Valley Students Join Human Rights Organization
Golden Valley High School’s Human Rights Watch Student Task Force (STF) has joined the family of STF chapters in Santa Clarita this year in the Right to Education Campaign. This campaign is a year-long awareness effort to educate Santa Clarita teens about the lack of educational opportunities children face in either refugee camps or in Third World countries.  Over the last couple of months, the Golden Valley STF Chapter has helped organize a film screening of an internationally acclaimed film, “The First Grader,” at Hart High School, attended a leadership conference at UCLA, developed English language lesson plans to be used by teachers and students within the Darfuri refugee camps of southeastern Chad, and were advocates for children’s right to education at the Human Rights Watch Annual Dinner held in Beverly Hills in November. The STF chapters in Santa Clarita hosted a Right to Education Awareness table and gift wrapping station at the Westfield Valencia Town Center earlier this month. All proceeds raised go to support the development of a mobile library for Darfuri refugee camps, Djabal and Goz Amer in Chad. Learn more about the work these young human rights leaders are doing by visiting the STF website at www.hrwstf.org.

Sequoia Students Participate in the Santa Clarita Literacy & Arts Festival
Students from Sequoia Charter School’s ASB were active participants in the SCV Arts and Literacy Festival earlier this month. Students decorated one of the four reading tents in the Storybook Village, ran the mask-making booth and ran the mosaic booth. The students spent weeks preparing the materials for the event. They cut out hundreds of masks, painted large murals of characters from various action and adventure books and downloaded and printed images of action and adventure book covers. On the morning of the event, students arrived at 7 am to decorate the Adventure tent and set up the mask making and mosaic booths. Students worked with children of all ages to help them create masquerade-style masks and tiles to add to the giant mosaic that was created throughout the day. It was a very exciting event promoting literacy and the arts. ASB students are already planning and looking forward to participating in next year’s event!

Artwork of Four Bowman Students Published in City Calendar
Winners of a calendar art contest were announced in conjunction with the Santa Clarita Literacy & Arts Festival, sponsored by the City of Santa Clarita and the SCV Education Foundation. Four Bowman High School students won a place in the City calendar and each received a check for $100. All Valley Credit Union is the sponsor of the calendar. Along with the $100 for each student, Bowman received a $400 check for its art department. The four Bowman artists are Sam Evans, Elizabeth Johnson, Charlotte Orlove and Katrice Smith. Congratulations to the Bowman students!

Sierra Vista Students Enjoy “Turkey Bowl” Events
Sierra Vista Junior High has a long-standing tradition of hosting a variety of events during “Turkey Week.” Activities include a tug-of-war between the green and white football teams at a kick-off pep rally, the Turkey Trot, where students and staff bring in canned goods for charity as entrance to the Turkey Trot race and the Turkey Bowl football game between the green and white teams. The top 7th and 8th grade students in the Turkey Trot will win a turkey for their families. Students also participate in a door decorating contest every year, and this year’s theme was “Turkey Dinner,” where a team can win $80 towards their team account for having the best decorated door. It’s always a lot of fun and students and staff alike look forward to it every year!

District Schools Participate in Library Snapshot Day
Hart District school libraries participated in Library Snapshot Day in October. The American Library Association encourages libraries of all types to accumulate data, showing all of the services they provide on any given day.  These statistics show the value of libraries and in the case of the Hart District, how they support the curriculum.  At the junior high level, an average of 39% of the students used the library on the day that the data was gathered and  21% to 50% of the high school students used their libraries. Amongst these patrons of the school libraries who responded to written surveys, more than half came to do homework. Others visited the library to read, check out books, use computers, get help from the teacher / librarian, or meet up with friends. According to a 2011 publication adopted by the California Department of Education, edited by Faye Ong, over 60 studies nationwide show that students in schools with good school libraries learn more, get better grades and score higher on standardized tests than their peers in schools without libraries. The Hart District’s strong school libraries contribute to students’ success.

Sequoia Charter Students Treated to Special Thanksgiving Celabration
Staff, teachers, administrators and local businesses stepped up to provide Sequoia students with a traditional Thanksgiving celebration that some students don’t experience with their own families during these tough economic times. Salt Creek Grill was kind enough to provide fully cooked turkeys and Wal-Mart generously donated mashed potatoes, gravy and biscuits. Through the efforts of all those who were able to provide food, drink, decorations, and support, Sequoia was able to offer a day full of blessings and a reason to be thankful for all students.  Through the combined efforts of all teachers, staff, administrators, and other service support providers, along with generous support from the community, all students at Sequoia experienced a special day of celebration.

Saugus High School Hosts Chinese Exchange Students
The seventh exchange group with five students and their teacher are approaching the end of their stay at Saugus High School as part of the Chinese Exchange Program. The five sophomores were selected from the best students at GaoXin No. 1 High School in Xi’an, China. This year they are earning Grade Point Averages of 4.0 in mostly Advanced Placement and Li, who is learning about American teaching methods and supervising her students when they travel. Mrs. Li also assists in teaching the Chinese classes and is offering a beginning Chinese class to Saugus High School staff after school. Each of the students and Mrs. Li live with an American host family who share their homes, their hearts, and their lives with them. The students and their host families are: “Keven” Pan Chang, Burgess Family; “Henry” Duohui Ji, Beaver Family; “Claudia” Xiwen Chen, Ratzky Family; “Jason” Chenyu Cui, Chorpash Family; “Wendy” Yiru Peng, Waschak Family and Mrs. Yanqiu Li has been hosted by the Batchelor Family. The students and host families received recognition, along with Principal Bill Bolde, at the November Board meeting.

Learning Post Student Enjoy Lab Sciences at AOC
Students at Learning Post enjoy the unique opportunity of having the flexibility independent study offers, as well as a structured classroom setting by concurrently enrolling in biology or chemistry at Academy of the Canyons.  AOC Chemistry teacher, Michele Siner welcomes Learning Post students in her classroom and lab. She describes the students as “involved, engaged, and a delightful addition to my class.”  If students choose biology for concurrent enrollment they will see a familiar Learning Post face in Don Musella. Musella divides his time between Learning Post and AOC where he teaches biology. “I enjoy this dual position because it offers the best of both worlds,” Musella said. “I have  the ability to have a specific educational impact through the teaching of specialized classes filled with eager biology students, as well as the opportunity to work one-on-one with individual students covering a broad spectrum of different curriculums ranging from art to mathematics.”  Principal, Jill Shenberger is an advocate of Learning Post students meeting A-G requirements which are required for four-year college admittance and was instrumental in offering this opportunity to students. This flexibility allows students the opportunity for a true lab science experience while meeting their educational goals.

ROP Students Gain Leadership Skills at Workshop
The Hart District Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Student Conference “Marketing YOU for Success” was held On Nov. 4 and Dec. 2 at the City’s Activities Center. Students from the ROP program were invited to earn class hours and walked away from this two-day event having learned skills about entrepreneurship and how to market themselves for their future. Business partner volunteers over the two days included Ted Rafalovich, Businessman; Dan Williams, Founder, DESTINY Leadership Foundation; Karen Hudson, Hollywood Film and Television Costumer; Jim Hoffman, Business Operations Manager, JPL/NASA; Allison Moore, Co-Owner, Moore & Associates; Alan Campos, Owner of SCV iRepair; Muris Mulalic, CEO, Assist My Business and Rob Hall, Human Resources Director, Advanced Bionics. Students from the Hart District Business Professionals of America (BPA) student organization teamed with the College of the Canyons’ TEACH Team and Future Educators to emcee the event as well as facilitate two break-out sessions: an interview simulation workshop and a team building activity. “We had our largest turn-out ever with 90 students participating in the workshop,” Jodie Hoffman, ROP instructor, said. “With the new format of BPA students coordinating and facilitating the workshop, we had double the turnout at the December conference.” Hoffman mentioned that this dynamic created a new energy and more students wanted to come back and also encouraged other students to attend. The Hart District ROP is a public education service that provides practical on-the-job training and career guidance to students in the Santa Clarita Valley who are in 11th and 12th grade.

Golden Oak Adult School is ‘Jazzed Up’
As part of continuing community enrichment and outreach, Golden Oak Adult School is proud to sponsor “Jazz in the Afternoon,” which comprises an 18-piece professional jazz band whose first public appearance was a bona fide hit as they took the stage at the West Ranch High School Theater on Saturday Dec. 10. Under the direction of Bob Babko, retired band director from several Hart District schools, the ensemble treated a crowd of nearly 250 to an eclectic musical array that included such varied hits as Norwegian Wood by Lennon & McCartney, How High the Moon made famous by Les Paul and Mary Ford, Superstition by Stevie Wonder, and Pick Up The Pieces by the Average White Band. Principal Ron Rudzinski and Director Bob Babko put in countless hours and worked tirelessly to make the Golden Oak Jazz Band a reality for the community. For more information about GO JAZZ and future performances, call 661-259-0033 ext. 444 or visit our website at www.goldenoakadultschool.com.

Placerita Students Preview Show at Santa Clarita Literacy & Arts Festival
The Placerita Drama Club performed a preview of Seussical, Jr. at the Santa Clarita Literacy & Arts Festival earlier this month. Fifty junior high drama students, under the direction of Vicki Kennedy, attended and performed throughout the day. Student Bradley Wood said it was a good day to play the “Grinch,” in the warmest costume of the cast, considering a chill in the air with 35-mile per hour winds. In the spirit of the holidays, the Placerita drama students always look forward to the Literacy Festival, which is a great time to serve the community while doing what the kids love and do best and that is to entertain.

Contact for more information: Gail Pinsker, Community Liaison Officer, gpinsker@hartdistrict.org, 661.259.0033 x. 227
William S. Hart Union School District website: www.hartdistrict.org

Twenty classified employees from across the district have been recognized by the Hart School District at its annual Classified Employees of the Year luncheon at Robinson Ranch. The honorees were selected by their colleagues at each site and also received awards from the district’s Governing Board and local government leaders. Honorees include: Joe Garcia, Academy of the Canyons; Phil Rosas, Administrative Center; Kathie Loughlin, Arroyo Seco Junior High School; Heidi Levy, Bowman High School; Valerie Nelson, Canyon High School; Elaine Bingham, Career Visions; Randy Hurst, Golden Oak Adult School; Gilbert Castro, Golden Valley High School; Lorie Pecsi, Hart High School; Ana Valverde, La Mesa Junior High School; Peggy Zemansky,  Learning Post; Janice Dennington, Placerita Junior High School; Mary Lively, Rancho Pico Junior High School; Carol Scholl, Rio Norte Junior High School; Linda Mehl, Saugus High School; Rebecca Cheever, Sequoia Charter School; Debbie Dunn, Sierra Vista Junior High School; Heidi Czerniakowski, Transition Learning Charter; Anne Carpenter, Valencia High School; Christine Smith, West Ranch High School. Classified staff members are non-credentialed employees who provide everyday support to the district’s students, teachers and administrators. They include secretaries and clerical staff, maintenance and custodial staff, computer technicians, campus supervisors, instructional assistants and more. “These honorees were selected by their school or department for their outstanding service, hard work and commitment to the community, students and staff of our district,” explained Terri Shiner, director of classified personnel. “Through their invaluable contributions and specialized services, they provide instructional, technical, and administrative support, as well as a safe and healthy environment in which to work and learn.” (Photos: Principals and Classified of the Year Honorees.)

College of the Canyons Honors Assistant Superintendent Vicki Engbrecht
Vicki Engbrecht, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, was inducted into the College of the Canyons Hall of Fame at a luncheon in October. Over the years, COC has recognized outstanding Alumni and Friends of the community college and included them in this Inaugural Induction Ceremony. The Hall of Fame Induction Wall will be displayed within a new building on campus currently under construction. Vicki was previously honored as a Friend in 2007 and joined 22 others as honorees recognized during this special ceremony. COC stated that “Vicki has been integral in enhancing the partnership between COC and the Hart School District. She is a lifetime member of the COC Alumni and Friends group and enjoys volunteering for a variety of organizations in the community.” Congratulations to Mrs. Engbrecht on this honor!

Hart District Teachers Participate in Educators in Industry Program
Nearly 80 teachers from Hart District schools participated in Educators in Industry, a collaborative program designed to provide teachers and staff with a view of how classroom curriculum can be used in real world applications. This event, held in October, was coordinated jointly by the Hart District and College of the Canyons. It provided the opportunity for teachers to spend time visiting local business and industry and to learn first hand about the skills students will need to be successful in the global economy. Four teachers from each Hart District school started the morning with a welcome and morning address by Ken Pulskamp, City Manager, City of Santa Clarita. Then they were assigned to shuttle buses in groups, for two visits each, to local participating businesses. This rigorous program will require the teachers to discuss their findings and create an action plan to share with their department when back at their school site, so that teaching strategies can be developed which incorporate skills and training that are necessary for the future workforce to master. This program is made possible through a collaborative community college district grant awarded to COC for Career and Technical Education training programs. Local companies and agencies that trained the teachers and provided workplace tours included: AMS Fulfillment, B&B Manufacturing, City of Santa Clarita, Boston Scientific, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, WayForward Technologies, Hyatt Valencia, Facey Medical, Poole & Shaffrey, AMG & Associates, Six Flags Magic Mountain, National Technical Systems, St. Jude Medical and Westfield Valencia Town Center.

Bowman Students Volunteer at Homes for Heroes Project
At the Habitat For Humanity SCV Homes for Heroes event, people from different parts of the community came together to help make improvements to the home belonging to an Iraqi war veteran who suffers from a debilitating case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as a multitude of life-altering injuries sustained in his tour of duty in Iraq. Eleven Bowman students came to help, passing out water, removing sod, and cleaning up after the project. “I was so proud of them,” exclaimed ASB Advisor Jenny Dermody, who commented on the chilly morning temperatures they encountered when they showed up just after sunrise. “Many of the students stuck around in the afternoon, too,” she added.  “Helpers were needed to remove the sod in the front yard, and several of our students jumped right in and took charge of the project until the very end.” Still other Bowman students helped with the tear-down at the end, when all of the tools had to be put away, and the trash needed to be hauled to the dumpster. All in all, it was a rewarding experience for the students and a sobering reality check on the potential side effects of being a soldier. “Several of the kids commented that prior to this experience, they had no idea of the sacrifices that military families make when a mom or dad goes on active duty,” Dermody said.

ROP Virtual Enterprise Students Experience Business Building
Hart District Regional Occupation Program (ROP) Virtual Enterprise class has created a “company” called Acoustic Cakes and Apparel. The virtual business is run by students as part of their curriculum which includes use of “Cause Marketing” as a major marketing tool.  The newest marketing plan to incorporate non-profit marketing is a smart way these students can spread the news about their company and its products as well as give back to their local community. Student Josh Year acting as Chief Financial Officer says, “Living in Santa Clarita where our company Acoustic Cakes and Apparel is located, it is important to volunteer and give our time, services and donations to those in need.” Students have named cupcakes after professional acoustic musicians who support charity groups.  The newest cupcake style, a sugar free cupcake, is named after Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, who is a diabetic. Acoustic Cakes and Apparel employees donated their time and money to the American Diabetes Step-Out Walk held in October at Bridgeport Park. They set up the event on Friday evening and worked, walked and tore down the event on Saturday. They helped raise over $450 for their team and contributed toward the $150,000 raised at the Valencia Step-Out event. The students gain valuable business and community experience through this ROP class.

Sierra Vista Students Raise Funds for Lee National Denim Day
SiViCS Club, Sierra Vista’s community service club, participated in Lee National Denim Day, on Oct. 7th, to raise funds and help find a cure for breast cancer. Many students and staff donated $5 each and wore denim jeans and pink breast cancer pins to school. Sierra Vista raised over $1,200 this year, and has participated for six years. They created a pink ribbon display on the outdoor stage made up of pink paper notes written in honor or in memory of many family and friends affected by breast cancer. Sierra Vista was one of more than 3,000 companies and organizations that supported the day, which was started by Lee Jeans in 1996 with the mantra: one day, one cause, one cure. More than $83 million has been raised since its first year for the fight against breast cancer, and Sierra Vista students are proud to be part of this campaign.

Academy of the Canyons Students Enjoy Halloween Activities
On Halloween, AOC students “got their spook on” as students of all grades celebrated the candy-filled holiday by donning the guises of everything from a giant hot dog to a gold colored dancing robot. During lunch, students participated in a pumpkin weight guessing contest, a candy corn in-a-jar guessing contest and a costume contest. The best costume was decided by the cheers of the student audience. Even the teachers joined in on the fun by dressing up and participating in their own costume contest, which held the centurion Mr. Walker as its victor. Meanwhile, ASB students passed out candy to those costumed characters who dared to utter the iconic Halloween phrase, “trick or treat.”

Golden Oak Adult School Offers Independent Study for Adult Students
Golden Oak Adult School is extremely excited about implementing the latest study option for students.  Independent Study allows adult students working on their high school diploma both greater class-time flexibility and the potential to complete coursework at an accelerated rate with many students completing a five-credit class in as little as eight weeks.  Students have the ability to spend as much or as little time in class as fits their personal schedules while still enjoying the benefit of on-site tutors and credentialed teachers.  More importantly, this new option gives students the added plus of completing their required classes close to home with no need to commute outside the SCV for classes now offered through Golden Oak. More information will be posted on the website in December at www.goldenoakadultschool.com.

Golden Valley Students Beautify Campus on Make a Difference Day
A student group at Golden Valley High School joined in the efforts for the City of Santa Clarita Make a Difference Day last month by working on a school beautification project on their campus. Students with the Octagon Club coordinated the effort under the guidance of The Octagon Club student president, William Oh. More than 30 adults and students pulled weeds and replanted areas of the Golden Valley campus. The City shared a grant generously provided by Home Depot for the project that provided free soil amendments and plants. The Octagon Club is a junior Optimist Club and is chartered with the Santa Clarita Optimist Club. The student club donates time and effort toward numerous charity events.

Rancho Pico Goes Pink to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Pink here. Pink there. Pink everywhere. On Oct. 20th Rancho Pico Junior High students and staff wore the color pink to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They came together to remember all of those who have battled or passed away from this terrible disease. Mustangs wearing pink all met in the quad and formed a pink ribbon, the widely familiar breast cancer symbol. Staff supported this spirit day by hanging pink balloons and pink banners all around the campus.

La Mesa Students Take Over KHTS Radio Station for a Day
The La Mesa Junior High School 8th grade Career & College Club paid a visit to SCV’s hometown radio station, KHTS. As part of their curriculum, they were to visit a business of their choice. Over a three-day period, four students per day went to the radio station with their coach and school counselor Kathy Gorlick. The students sat in the booth with radio personality George Cummings. The students wore headphones and answered questions, gave the weather report, gave the traffic report and announced upcoming songs for the radio station.  Jeri and Carl Goldman, owners of KHTS, welcomed the students and praised them for doing a good job. The students had a great time and were appreciative to everyone at the radio station for their hands-on experience! (Photo by Stephen K. Peeples / KHTS)

Hart Band Students Get in the Holiday Spirit
The Students from Hart High Schools’s award-winning marching band and colorguard, Hart Regiment, gathered to bring joy to the SCV Boys and Girls Club by decorating a tree for the Club’s annual Festival of Trees fundraising program. The tree is a four-foot table top tree decorated with musical instruments and is on display at the Westfield Valencia Town Center until the auction event in mid-November.  It is adorned with unique decorations that are sure to capture the heart of any musician or colorguard. Also included is a CD from Hart’s Award Winning Wind Ensemble, an iPod Shuffle and iTunes gift card. Funds raised from the sale of dozens of decorated trees that have been donated support the local SCV Boys & Girls Club.

Placerita Drama Students Act Out as Part of Earthquake Drill
Placerita Junior High School Drama Club students served as “victims” for the Great California Shake Out Drill held on October 20th. Eighth grade drama students look forward to this activity every year. While they are preparing to look and act dead and injured, students discuss their family plan for an earthquake and review emergency plans at Placerita. Vicki Kennedy, drama director, responded to student questions of what a big earthquake feels like. “I realized that these kids were not even born yet when the Northridge quake hit our area in January 1994,” Kennedy said. All Hart District schools participated in the The Shake Out Drill and staff and students at Placerita had an extra element of realism added with the drama students acting as victims so that administrators could follow their emergency plans during the drill.

West Ranch Students Raise Awareness and Funds for Cancer Groups
West Ranch High School’s Wildcats Against Cancer student club participated in October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month in a variety of ways. In support of Lee Denim Day on October 7th, club members encouraged students and staff to wear denim and pink. In addition to decorating the campus pink, the club sold bright pink tee shirts, awareness ribbons and Circle of Hope bracelets at school and at the football game. All donations were proudly posted in the administration building. Circle of Hope, Lee Denim Day’s Entertainment Industry Foundation and Relay for Life will receive the donations. In November the club will be hosting a lung cancer vigil during the “Shine A Light On Lung Cancer” event and taking part in the Great American Smoke Out on Nov. 17th.

Bowman High Students Celebrate Constitution Day
Bowman High School students celebrated Constitution Day in September. All 18-year-old students were invited to register to vote. Other students lined up to get red, white and blue designs painted on heir faces. The main event was a game of Constitution Jeopardy, where students were asked to identify which constitutional amendments related to different situations. It became clear that all of the contestants were enrolled in American Government classes, based on the heated competition. In the end, the morning student who won Constitution Jeopardy was Mike Maness. He chose a Chipotle’s gift card for his prize. Enrique Miranda won the afternoon competition; he chose a Subway’s gift card for his prize. The questions focused on current events, for example, “Recently, citizens of San Francisco exercised which constitutional amendment, when they gathered to protest what they felt was excessive force on the part of BART security?” (Answer: First Amendment, Freedom of Assembly). It was gratifying to see so many teenagers who were well-educated on one of our country’s most cherished historic documents.

La Mesa Honored at Leukemia & Lymphoma Fundraiser
La Mesa Junior High School was recognized as a top fundraising group at the Light the Night event for participation in the Pennies for Patients program sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. La Mesa has held this fundraiser since 2004 and had raised a little more than $26,500 over that time. This past year, with a goal of raising $3,500, for an even collective total of $30,000, students raised $7,800, more than double the goal! The La Mesa ASB class conducted the fundraiser and in three weeks students rose to the occasion filling classroom jars with their own change and change collected from parents, relatives and neighbors. One student organized an event at a local restaurant to have 25% of the bill donated back to the fundraiser by the owner, which raised more than $300. Many school groups, as well as a Hart District Administrative Office team called the Hart Beats, participated in the event by forming a team and walking, fundraising or volunteering at the event.

Learning Post Students Hold Successful Food Drive
Learning Post families have once again showed generosity by participating in the annual food drive benefiting the SCV Food Pantry.  During the month of October, Learning Post participated in the Food Pantry’s “Scare Away Hunger” food drive. During the three weeks of the food drive, more than 250 cans of food were collected. This year donations also included many items for infants and babies. Staff and students enjoy this food drive, because it directly benefits those in need in the local community.

Rancho Pico Programs Focus On Building Friendships and Anti-Bullyling
In September, all students at Rancho Pico Junior High attended gender and grade level assemblies that introduced Project Friendship in September. The assemblies were presented by Mary McGrath and Chris Jones of Dynamic Interventions. Project Friendship focuses on the bystanders. Every student has been a bystander. Bystanders vastly outnumber bullies and targets. Bystanders, by their shear numbers have all the power. If they would exercise that power, bullying could be a thing of the past. Project Friendship outlines seven bystander rules. These rules are strategies that any child can use to combat bullying. In addition, Rancho Pico is continuing the Safe School Ambassador program. Safe School Ambassadors are students identified as peer leaders from among the various peer groups on campus. These students are trained more intensively on how to properly intervene in bully situations. They discuss situations in regular meetings with adult advisors and how the situations were handled. Rancho Pico and all Hart District schools are safe places where ALL kids can learn and feel comfortable.

Sierra Vista Challenges Students with “Parts of Speech Olympics”
The English department at Sierra Vista Junior High School created the “Parts of Speech Olympics” to help students identify the various parts of speech in a fun and memorable way. The students were put into groups consisting of all the 7th grade English classes, and students worked together as a small team to find certain parts of speech. Each station asked for a different part of speech leading up to biggest and final challenge, diagraming sentences. All the different words the students collected were then used in a Mad Lib as a formative assessment for all of the teachers. The students worked well together to help each other find the answers. Some students excelled in one area but were able to learn from others at more difficult stations. The kids enjoyed using sentences they recognized from the radio and working and learning from each other, and they learned diagraming sentences is not as painful as they originally thought!

Golden Valley Awarded Walmart Foundation Grant
The Walmart Foundation recently selected Golden Valley High School to receive a grant through the Local Community Contribution/Hunger Outreach Grant Program in the amount of $750, to support the school’s Intramurals Program.  The award read, “We believe that your organization is doing important work to the communities you serve, and we are proud that we are able to support you in your efforts.” The Golden Valley program, under the leadership of teacher Wesley Hester, provides activities at lunch that encourage students to engage with each other and be an active participant in the high school experience. The intramurals program, in conjunction with ASB activities, includes and encourages friendly competition between students, staff and sports teams and gives everyone the chance to interact outside the classroom. Special Education students are also included in the intramurals program which encourages all students to engage one another in a positive and unifying way. It is the unification of the campus community and the nurturing of interaction between students and staff that fostered the generous support of the Walmart Foundation. The funds will be used to purchase athletic equipment, a variety of games, awards and help to establish Intramurals as a key part of being a student and staff member at Golden Valley High School.

Career Visions Students Attend “Operation Motivation” Event
Career Visions recently offered a unique career awareness opportunity to Hart District special education students in support of National Disabilities Awareness Month. Heralded as “Operation Motivation,” the event offered participants a fully supported, no cost experience of a lifetime while attending the “Get Motivated! Business Seminar held in October at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The day’s lineup presented a veritable tour de force of motivation, perseverance and optimism including presentations from Actor/Comedian Bill Cosby, Former First Lady Laura Bush, Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Professional Football Legend Joe Montana and many more.  “One of the toughest challenges facing young people today is being able to demonstrate resiliency in the face of failure. This dynamic group of presenters reinforces many of the core values taught in the Career Visions Workforce Preparation Program: self-advocacy, perseverance, motivation, leadership, self-direction, teamwork and personal pride. It was really a phenomenal opportunity for our students,” offered Career Visions’ Transition Advisor Tami Mueller. The mission of the Career Visions program is to provide workforce preparation services to students, with specific barriers to employment who are actively enrolled in the William S. Hart Union High School District.  The Career Visions team also maintains an active role in workforce preparation and community job placement, leading to long term sustainable employment for the students they serve. Learn more about Career Visions at www.cvworks.org , or contact 661-251-3973.

Sierra Vista Students Sign Drug Free Pledge
Sierra Vista students kicked off Red Ribbon Week by pledging to be drug free. When students signed the pledge banner at brunch or lunch, they received a holographic bracelet to wear all week inscribed with, “It’s up to me to be drug free.”  If ASB students or administrators saw a student on campus with the bracelet and/or wearing red all that week, the student was rewarded. The banner will be hung on the outdoor stage for a reminder of the drug free pledge.

Radio Personality Visits West Ranch Students During Lunchtime Contest
Fox Sports Radio Personality and USC Football legend Petros Papadakis visited West Ranch High School on Oct. 25th.  Petros helped Coach Mike Kane with West Ranch’s Dip Contest that was held at lunch. Petros spoke to the students about the merits of doing dips, and he invited students up on stage to see who could do the most dips. One student completed 53 dips. Students had the opportunity to meet Petros and get their picture taken with him. Petros has a daily radio show from 3-7 pm on 570 AM, where he can be heard frequently bragging about his dipping ability. The dip is an exercise used in strength training for the upper body. To perform a dip, the exerciser hangs from a dip bar or from a set of rings with his arms straight and shoulders over his hands, then lowers his body until his arms are bent to a 90 degree angle, and then lifts his body up, returning to the starting position.

Contact for more information: Gail Pinsker, Community Liaison Officer, gpinsker@hartdistrict.org, 661.259.0033 x. 227
William S. Hart Union School District website: www.hartdistrict.org

More Than 91 Percent of Students Pass Exit Exam on First Try
More than 91 percent of tenth graders in the Hart School District passed the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) on their first try, according to figures released last month by the California Department of Education. The performance of Hart District students matches last year’s and far outpaces the performance of their county and state peers. The passage rate includes students who are English language learners and students in special education, according to David LeBarron, the Hart District’s director of curriculum and assessment. Hart District students take the CAHSEE for the first time in March of their tenth grade year, along with all other students needing to pass one or both parts of the test.  The state figures released include results for all students taking the CAHSEE. “We are pleased with the results,” LeBarron commented, “Our pass rate is quite a bit higher than both the state and the county.” For complete information visit: http://hartdistrict.org/index.php/news/691-more-than-91-percent-of-hart-district-students-pass-high-school-exit-exam-on-first-try.

La Mesa Receives Valuing Diversity Award
This year’s Valuing Diversity Award goes to La Mesa Junior High School in honor of the schools’ ambitious effort in creating a school environment where all students feel safe and respected. Each year, the Hart School District selects one school to receive this prestigious award. Through the collaborative efforts of administration, staff, students and parents, La Mesa has developed a host of programs and activities designed to ensure that their students’ emotional and academic needs are met. “There has been a particular emphasis on bullying prevention and on breaking down social barriers between student groups,” Greg Lee, director of human resources and equity services said. “The entire La Mesa school community is actively engaged in making the school a place where all students and staff feel welcome and appreciated.” A few of the many programs and activities that help support La Mesa’s outstanding diversity awareness efforts include: African American Parent Partnership, anti-bullying club, cultural assemblies, Mix-it Up Day, peer mediators, safe school ambassadors and Teen Truth organization assembly presentations. Photo: Principal Pete Fries accepting the award from Greg Lee.

West Ranch Science Teacher Invited to Final NASA Shuttle Launch
West Ranch High School science teacher, Matt Pearce, received an exciting invitation in June from NASA to witness the final Space Shuttle launch. On July 8, 2011 he took his position as one of less than 200 teachers from across the country to witness history being made. With his strong interest in space exploration, Pearce has been involved with the NASA Astronaut and Teacher in Space project (NEAT) for many years, which has provided him with unique experiences that he has been able to share with his students. Pearce was a first year medical student when he decided he wanted to teach. Pearce taught at Valencia High School for a decade then joined the newly opened West Ranch staff in 2004 as the school’s founding science department chair. He teaches a variety of science courses, including anatomy and physiology, which allows him to combine some of his early medical training into his class lessons as well as teaching his students about the effects of space travel on the human body. His love of space exploration started as an elementary school student and never wavered. Evidence of his interest can be found on display around his classroom, as historical objects and mementos adorn the walls and hang from the ceiling, seemingly flying through space. Photos: Matt Pearce, Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Launch.

Golden Oak Adult School Offers Horticulture Certificate Program
Golden Oak Adult School is excited to offer a new class, Introduction to Horticulture, taught by Santa Clarita’s very own plant expert and certified arborist, John Windsor, (pictured). During the eight-session certificate program, students will learn plant identification, care and maintenance, soil preparation, pruning techniques, irrigation, container gardening and much more. This class will benefit not only individuals interested in pursuing a career in horticulture, but also satisfy those with a personal penchant for beautifying their surroundings.  Students will receive a certificate at the end of class confirming their level of competency. For more information visit: www.goldentoakadultschool.com, or call 661-222-7128.

Hart @ Home Orientation Kicks-Off First Year Program
The newly created Hart @ Home home school program offered by the Hart School District is off to a great start with 30 local students enrolled in the program. An orientation was held on Aug 18th, for the students and their parents to pick up their books, meet the principal and teachers and get a computer lesson on accessing online coursework. The students also enjoyed meeting other students in the program. The students enrolled in the program range from grades 7-12 with many working as actors and actresses in the entertainment industry. Families are thrilled with this top quality Hart District program that offers classes online, plus all the books and materials required for each class. “This is a very exciting time for the district and the families in our community,” Principal Pete Getz explained. “These students are finally able to participate in our strong academic program and remain active in outside areas of interest.” Teachers Lisa Craig and John Albert will meet with the students regularly and guide them toward success in this program. In addition to teaching at Hart @ Home, Craig will continue teaching calculus and Albert will continue as the English department chair, both at Canyon High School. Craig is also a national board certified teacher. The District plans to expand the Hart @ Home program and will accept additional students next semester. More information is available at: http://hartdistrict.org/index.php/schools/home-school-program.
Photo: Superintendent Rob Challinor with Principal Pete Getz.

Contact for more information: Gail Pinsker, Community Liaison Officer, gpinsker@hartdistrict.org, 661.259.0033 x. 227
William S. Hart Union School District website: www.hartdistrict.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Left to right: Chad Powell, Melanie Hagman and Sherry Rickenbach

Hart District Partners with Natural Resource Agencies to Move Mountains
The William S. Hart Union High School District’s Career Visions and Regional Occupational Program (ROP) recently combined forces to partner with various federal, state and local resource management authorities, offering a unique and exciting paid work training opportunity to students interested in gaining outdoor work experience during the summer break. During the two week, 60-hour offering, student participants cleared more than five miles of hiking trail maintained by various local resource agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Crest Trails Association, City of Santa Clarita, LA County Parks and Recreation, and California Mountain Recreation Conservation Authority. Training also offered practical exposure to career pathways related to conservation and resource management as well as land management practices including: trail maintenance and construction, wildlife conservation, backcountry navigation and safety awareness, tactical radio communication and environmental stewardship. For more information about Career Visions and ROP Forestry, visit www.cvworks and www.hartrop.com/forestry or contact ROP Forestry Lead Instructor Kevin Sarkissian at ksarkiss@hartdistrict.org Photos: Left - Trailblazers Jessica Carino, Canyon High Grad, 2011, and Golden Valley Senior Stephanie Velazquez with “Alvin,” a baby chipmunk rescued while working in the Angeles National Forest. Right - School of Hard Rocks: Transition Learning Charter’s Royer Patton gives new meaning to working in the trenches.

Two Hart District High Schools Garner National Recognition
Hart High School and Valencia High School have been ranked on the recent Washington Post’s top schools in the country. “The High School Challenge” is based on quality of college-preparatory programs, number of graduating seniors and several other factors. The challenge is meant to rank a high school’s commitment to preparing a student for college and life beyond high school, according to the website. Hart High and Valencia High were ranked 858 and 1209, respectively, on a list of 1,900 schools nationally. The two schools are amongst 300 California high schools that earned a spot on this prestigious list. “We are proud of the work of staff and administrators at all of our schools, and congratulate Hart and Valencia to be named to this list,” Superintendent Rob Challinor, said. “It is quite an achievement to be ranked amongst the highest performing schools in our nation.” Rankings note the percentage of a school’s students whose family incomes are low enough to qualify for federally subsidized lunches and who also apply for that program. The portion of subsidized-lunch applicants is a rough indicator of a school’s poverty level. They also note the Equity and Excellence rate, and the percentage of all seniors who have had at least one score on an Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge test that would qualify them for college credit. The Washington Post previously conducted this research for Washington DC-area public schools and expanded it to a national list this year.

Hart High School Swimming & Diving Celebrated 41 Years of Success
The Hart High School Swimming & Diving 41-year Reunion was on campus earlier this month, with nearly 100 in attendance. Coaches Steve Neale and Becky Cianessi headed up the reunion committee with a group of swim team parents and planned a fabulous event! Alumni from the graduating classes of 1970 through 2011 attended. Food was provided by Rattlers, student DJs played music from all four decades and a silent auction and raffle fundraiser were held. A slideshow and old photos and books of swim results from year’s past, gave alumni a chance to relive moments of their swimming careers at Hart as well as a chance to renew old friendships and make new ones. Alumni came from as far away as Italy. Coach Joel Barr, Hart High Swim Coach from the 70s and 80s, was in attendance, as well as 1999 Hart graduate and two-time Olympic medal winner, Anthony Ervin (pictured here with a group of students). Coach Barr sang his famous rendition of “Sherry Baby” and Anthony Ervin took time out to chat with a group of current Hart High students and swimmers. A great time was had by all!

Placerita Students Enjoy Summer Drama Camp Experience
Placerita Junior High School Theatre Arts Department conducted a Musical Theatre Arts camp in early August providing 40 seventh and eighth graders with the opportunity to learn basic theatre techniques including singing, dancing, acting, costuming and technical skills, lighting and sound design. On the last day of camp the students completed the weeklong program by suiting up into costume and taping a video that will be aired on SCVTV and on the Placerita morning student-run television show. Drama teacher Vicki Kennedy directed the program, and several Hart High School performing arts students volunteered to assist with the camp program. The theatre arts program at Placerita is an after school program on campus that meets three to four days per week to produce three productions per year. The Placerita theatre program is designed to suit any Placerita student on campus who is interested in performing, no matter what their ability. It is a great activity for the students after school and provides them the chance to meet other students who are also interested in performing arts.

Contact for more information: Gail Pinsker, Community Liaison Officer, gpinsker@hartdistrict.org, 661.259.0033 x. 227
William S. Hart Union School District website: www.hartdistrict.org

Placerita Junior High Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence
Former principals, teachers, staff members and students, current administrators and local dignitaries were treated to a trip down memory lane at the Placerita Junior High School 50th Anniversary celebration, held in April. Jim Tanner, retired Placerita principal was the Master of Ceremonies of the event that was attended by more than 150 people in a lovely outdoor garden setting on campus. Band and choir students entertained, awards were bestowed by local government officials and a luncheon reception was enjoyed by all. The celebration included speeches by students and administrators spanning the five decades of the school. Hart Governing Board member Gloria Mercado-Fortine revisited the 60s, when she was a student there. Current Hart Assistant Superintendent Rob Gapper shared great stories from the first decade of the 21st century, recalling his days as principal at Placerita. Current Principal Mike Kuhlman spoke about the success of the students at his school and how proud he is to share this milestone with the community. Superintendent Rob Challinor recognized the accomplishments of the school and expressed positive expectations for a strong and successful future. During the luncheon, a slide show was presented which well documented the rich history of the school. Placerita looks forward to another 50 years of excellence!

Top ROP Students Earn Medals at Annual Recognition Event
Eighteen outstanding students in the Hart District’s Regional Occupational Program came away from the annual ROP awards ceremony, held in late April, with medals attesting to their excellent academic achievement and positive attitudes in the career-oriented ROP classes in which they are enrolled. As a highlight of the program, Florencia Camargo, a Golden Valley High School senior, was named to the ROP Hall of Fame as this year’s top ROP student. Hart District ROP served more than 2,200 students in the 2010-2011 school year. The award ceremony was held at Rio Norte Junior High School MPR. Instructors in all 94 ROP class sections chose the outstanding student in their class, according to criteria established in advance. The selected students were then invited to participate in interviews before a panel of professionals in one of six industry clusters, and to submit an essay about their experience in ROP. Eighteen students were then selected as medalists. Once the gold, silver and bronze medalists were chosen in the six clusters, the gold medalists’ essays were reviewed by Rob Challinor, Hart District Superintendent and Rob Gapper and Vicki Engbrecht, Assistant Superintendents, to determine the Hall of Fame winner. Camargo, the Hall of Fame winner, is the gold medalist from the Public Services sector. As the gold medal winner, she went on to be considered for Hall of Fame status. Camargo was selected by teacher Sgt. Michael Waldman as the outstanding student in the ROP Law Enforcement class. “Florencia possesses excellent communication skills, outstanding writing abilities, and presents a positive self image,” Sgt Waldman noted. All six gold medalists will be recognized by the Olympic Chapter of the California Association of Regional Occupational Centers/Programs (CAROCP) and will be given a $100 scholarship on May 24. Hall of Fame winner, Camargo will have her name engraved on a perpetual plaque proudly displayed for one year at her school.  Golden Valley High School Principal Sal Frias attended the awards ceremony and is very proud of Camargo’s accomplishments. She will receive an additional $100 scholarship from CAROCP. The awards ceremony carried an ocean theme, “Let ROP Put YOU in the Captain’s Seat of Your Future,” with tropical themed entertainment by students in the ROP Entertainment Performance class. The show was co-written and directed by Valencia High School junior Bree Lopez and class instructor John Moskal. The winning poster was designed by the ROP Virtual Enterprise class, depicting a sail boat with a ROP logo sail charting the ocean. Kaitlin Boka from Saugus High School and Cole Barker from West Ranch High School were mistress and master of ceremonies. For the complete list of winners, visit: http://www.hartdistrict.org/index.php/news/603-top-rop-students-earn-medals-at-annual-recognition-event .
Photo left to right: Superintendent Challinor, Florencia Camargo, Golden Valley Principal Sal Frias. Photo, student show.
Photos by ROP Photography student: Joseph Abesamis.

Super Jazz at the Ranch Celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month
Jazz Appreciation Month was observed in a big way on April 16 at West Ranch High School as Southern California jazz lovers and students of jazz spent a day filled with music performed by students ranging from junior high through university levels. Professional jazz musicians also provided inspiration to those aspiring to improve their musical abilities. Local schools that participated were Hart High, Valencia High, Golden Valley High, West Ranch High, La Mesa Junior High, and Rancho Pico Junior High. Eight other high schools competed, as did Moorpark College and Riverside City College. Cal State Northridge sent three groups including its Latin Jazz Ensemble and two other jazz ensembles. Also participating were the UCLA Jazz Orchestra and the CSU Long Beach Concert Jazz Orchestra. Adjudicators for the day included seasoned jazz educators and professional musicians including Emmy and Grammy winner, arranger and recording artist Patrick Williams. June and Dave Downs headed the music boosters who organized all of the day’s activities along with Bob Babko, jazz band director at West Ranch. This was the 12th Super Jazz, and the last one for Babko, who will retire from West Ranch in May. 

Canyon High Seniors Participate in International Economic Summit
Canyon seniors enrolled in Economics this semester participated in an International Economic Summit, in April, through a program provided by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Under the direction of Economics and Government teacher, Maria Cooper, approximately 140 students have been part of a 13-lesson program designed around core high school economic content that focuses on the complexities of trade and globalization. The students worked in groups of three or four for this world trade simulation and each had stations with a poster depicting the country they were representing for this event, cultural items and some had traditional food displayed, as well. Students dressed in customary dress of their country and spent time trading and buying resources for their country, making bank loans and participating in other interactive business activities. Students won prizes for costume and display. The students had a wonderful time and learned a great deal about the global world in which we live. This program is sponsored in part by local businesses and community supporters. For more information on the program, please visit: http://www.frbsf.org/education/teachers/ies/index.cfm or contact Maria Cooper at Canyon High. Superintendent Challinor in the photo with students.

District Recognizes Outstanding Business Partners and Parent Volunteers
The Hart District held its annual reception to honor 65 business partners and 80 parent volunteers nominated for outstanding service to schools in the District. Governing Board President Robert Jensen, Jr. spoke about the importance of maintaining strong connections between parent volunteers and local business people and how their support is critical to the maintain the high quality education and opportunities provided by the District. Local businesses support the schools by donating time, talent, products and food at low or no cost, and many support restaurant fundraising opportunities, reduced cost services and other programs that tremendously benefit students throughout the District. The Hart District appreciates parent volunteers who spend countless hours helping on campus, coordinating events and fundraisers and maintaining open communications with all parents at the school. The evening kicked off with Valencia High School JROTC presenting the colors and the Golden Valley High School Women’s choir sharing a few songs with the attendees. The District’s caterer, Chartwell’s, provided a lovely display of light hors d’oeuvres and desserts. The community is encouraged to support local businesses that support public education. This event is sponsored by the District Advisory Committee.

Sierra Vista Physical Education Teacher Presents to U.S. Congress
Sierra Vista Junior High Physical Education Teacher, George Velarde, was invited to speak to U.S. Congress in Washington D.C., in March, about the innovative PE program at Sierra Vista that he established. The program called No Child Left On Their Behinds, has gained international attention. His talk included details of how assessment is done through the use of heart rate monitors for the objectively graded cardiovascular assessment and by charting how many minutes students stay in their Healthy Fitness Zone. Velarde spoke about how PE is incorporated with academics through the use of large screens in the fitness center that students can view while exercising that contain review for benchmark tests, vocabulary, standards and other key concepts while exercising. Velarde received a positive response to this new PE philosophy which focusing on fitness and wellness. Sierra Vista offers ongoing variety in its program theme weeks like: game weeks, survivor weeks, fitness weeks and Sierra Vista weeks.  Velarde shared impressive results of how their National Federal Grant awarded in 2008 has been so successful.  He was able to share data that linked fitness test scores to Sierra Vista’s improved API scores over the past eight years.

Rio Norte Band Students Compete at the Happiest Place on Earth
The Rio Norte Junior High Band traveled to Orange County and competed in the Music in the Parks Music festival, in mid-April. The band played against four other junior high / middle schools from as far away as Utah and Washington states. They came away from the weekend with a Superior rating as well as a first place trophy. After the festival the band enjoyed a lengthy dinner at their favorite restaurant in Anaheim, Bubba Gump, stayed for two nights at Disney Paradise Pier hotel and enjoyed Disneyland. All in all it was a great weekend experience for the band members from Rio Norte. While there, the group displayed tremendous professionalism and good behavior that hosts as well as other music directors congratulated them on their etiquette and behavior. These 7th and 8th graders represented Rio Norte and the community well.

Golden Valley Theatre Students Perform for Elementary School Children
The Golden Valley High School Children’s Theatre Tour traveled to Rio Vista and Golden Oak Elementary Schools in April, with their production of  “Jungle Book.”  This lively musical was presented by a cast of 35 high school performers to more than 700 Kindergarten through 3rd grade students. The Golden Valley Children’s Theatre program is in its sixth year and is proud of having delighted young audiences with 22 productions to date.

Arroyo Seco Art Students Create Art for School Conference Room
Students in the Advanced Art class from Arroyo Seco Junior High proudly stand before their linoleum block print self portraits which are now on display in the school’s conference room. After studying Andy Warhol, color theory and portraiture, the students created collages of multiple prints and mounted them together to gaze down on the many meetings held in the conference room.

Students Throughout the District Join Global Effort to Help Japan
Students at Arroyo Seco Junior High, La Mesa Junior High and Golden Valley High School all stepped up with programs to support Japan. At Arroyo Seco, students spent a day folding cranes to show their support and good wishes for the survivors of the earthquake and tsunami. The story of a Thousand Cranes is one of hope and recovery that emerged after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki when a 13-year-old girl dying of radiation sickness had a personal goal to fold 1,000 origami cranes which symbolize peace. Students from La Mesa Junior High also folded paper cranes to support the rebuilding efforts in Japan. The paper folding began in the library when Mrs. Leavitt introduced a small group of math enrichment students to Paper Cranes for Japan. This project sponsored by Students Rebuild and The Bezos Family Foundation promised to donate $200,000 to Japan disaster relief in exchange for 100,000 paper cranes folded by students from around the world. These cranes will represent 1,000 good luck wishes for the people of Japan and be a part of an art installment that will be given to the city of Sendai. What began as a small project on campus quickly spread to other teams and departments. To read more about this project, the million cranes folded by students from around the world, and the donors who have stepped in to add to the original monetary donation, visit the Students Rebuild website http://studentsrebuild.org/japan/. Also interested in supporting relief efforts, Golden Valley High School Bank & Color Guard Boosters held a restaurant fundraiser at Route 66 with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross Japan Disaster Relief Fund. The group raised $350 in three hours!

ROP Students Gain Valuable Insight at Workshop
The Hart District ROP Student Conference “Marketing YOU for Success” Workshop was held April 22 and April 29 at the Activities Center. Students from the ROP program were invited to earn class hours and walk away from this two-day event having learned skills about how to market themselves for their future. Presenters over the two days included Ted Rafalovich, Businessman; Jim Mulholland, Businessman and Educator; Alan Lewis, Principal, Stonecutter Group; Janis Fiock, Career Advisor; Wendy Saunders, Executive Director of Operations; East, West, and West Valley Y’s; Grace Lee, Author, Speaker, Trainer; Karen Hudson, Hollywood Film and Television Costumer; Jim Hoffman, Business Operations Mgr, JPL/NASA; TEACH Team, College of the Canyons Future Educators, Mitch Krayton, The Magic of CCV Speaker, Coach, Author, Consultant; Dan Williams, Founder, DESTINY Leadership Foundation. Student Sonia Sanchez, a senior at Golden Valley High School and CEO of Acoustic Cakes and Apparel, her virtual company, which is part of the Virtual Enterprise ROP class, has attended both the fall and spring workshops. She says that this opportunity has taught her so much about herself. “These workshops have taught me how to better prepare myself for the business world,” Sanchez said. “It is a great opportunity for students to gain this experience.” The Hart District ROP is a public education service that provides practical on-the-job training and career guidance to students in the Santa Clarita Valley who are in 11th and 12th grade.

Students Honored for Leadership Qualities in Hero of the Week Program
The Santa Clarita Anti-Gang Task Force honored 13 local students who were selected by their schools for showing leadership qualities and for overcoming obstacles in their lives. These Heroes of the Week received special recognition from Jim Ventress, Director of the Boys and Girls Club and a founding member of the Anti-Gang Task Force Steering Committee. He praised them for their “focus” and for “never giving up on their dreams.” Ventress also shared stories about his own father who worked several jobs to ensure that all four of his children would graduate from college, which they did. Bowman Senior Chelsea Freeman was one of the featured speakers who spoke movingly about the death of her mother from breast cancer when Chelsea was four years old, and the effect this tragedy had on her life. Chelsea is proud of the amazingly accomplished young woman she has become and knows that her mother would be proud of her, too. Chelsea is graduating this month and plans to attend the Academy of Art University in San Francisco for a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, specializing in interior architecture and design. The other Heroes of the Week honored included: Kortney Eurton and Juan Carlos Vargas also from Bowman High School; Dante Belardinelli and Daniel Garcia from Canyon High School; Jaime Alcaraz-De La Cruz, another inspirational speaker at the event from Golden Valley High School; Stacy Chavez from Hart High School; Jacob Tuttle from La Mesa Junior High School; Ismar Tovar from Mission View Public School; Rafael Hernandez, from the Newhall Community Center; Sam Strader from Rio Norte Junior High School; and Juan Aguilera and Eddie Bicakci from Saugus High School. City and government officials, law enforcement representatives and educators were on hand for the event. Student’s honored received special gift bags containing gifts and gift cards from local businesses.

Valencia High Art Students Showcase Work at Cal Arts
Talented Valencia High School National Honor Society students exhibited work in the Cal Arts Library, for a week in April. This is the first time for a collaborative effort and it was truly a success. Cal Arts Dean Jeff Gatten and Brena Smith were responsible for creating this opportunity for the high school art students. About 50 pieces were on display and the exhibition was open to the local community. Marissa Lowenberg, vice-president of the National Art Honor Society and an upcoming artist, came up with the suggestion for the group and then helped contact the appropriate people to create this exhibit. Heaven Roskilly, vice-president of NAHS, Samantha Gardner, president, and other NAHS members organized the event, with the support of Valencia High fine arts instructor, Cindy Betzer Pharis. 

Rio Norte Drum Line Completes Successful Competition Season
The Rio Norte Junior High School drum line traveled to San Marcos in April to compete in the state finals for the American Drum Line Association. The competition had been fierce all semester as the drum line received first, second and sixth place in their competitions. At the finals, the Rio Norte Drum Line competed against the top nine lines and came away victorious with a fourth place finish. Jeffrey Gilbert, Music Director at Rio Norte said it was a really special weekend for the participating students. “We fundraised and hired a fancy coach bus to take us there and the parents brought along barbecues, pop-ups and chairs and held a tail gate party for the drum line,” Gilbert said. “We really had the look of a professional organization as we created a buzz of excitement for the Rio Norte drum line and the Hart School District.”

Career Visions Student Finds Sweet Success in New Job
Through a community work training partnership forged between the Hart District’s Career Visions program and the co-owners of Sabor Latino, a student is living her dream of becoming a pastry chef. Hart High School Senior and aspiring pastry chef Tiffany McGraw became a recent addition to the bakery department at Sabor Latino, a family owned supermarket celebrating their grand opening in Canyon Country. “Tiffany really made an impression on all of us from the very beginning. She came to the interview polished and ready to go. Since she started working, she has consistently demonstrated the level of motivation and reliability that we expect from all of our employees,” commented store co-owner Deborah Roknipour. Under the agreement, Career Visions agreed to pay Tiffany’s training wages for a specified term, and Sabor Latino made a commitment to hire Tiffany if she was able to demonstrate consistent progress and reliability. Tiffany officially became a Sabor Latino bakery employee in early April and continues to excel. “It’s a great job because I get to bake pastries and decorate cakes, the two things I love the most. I really like the people here and the customers are great. I want to thank everyone for giving me this opportunity to follow my dream of becoming a pastry chef,” McGraw said. Tiffany plans to continue working for Sabor Latino while attending the Culinary Arts program at College of the Canyons this fall. Career Visions is seeking local companies that would like to provide a work training opportunity to high school students. For more information visit www.cvworks.org or contact 661-259-0033 X 525.

Artistic Students Create Mural at Sierra Vista Library
Talented art students from Sierra Vista Junior High and Canyon High School worked together to create a mural at the entrance of the recently modernized library at Sierra Vista. Library staff hosted a reception to honor the students and teachers who worked together to create the beautiful mural depicting a view of Sierra mountains, representing Sierra Vista’s name. Guided by art teachers Darcy Frandsen of Sierra Vista and Phil Shaheen of Canyon, 22 students from both campuses met various days after school hours to create this masterpiece. “The recently modernized library now feels complete with this work of art prominently displayed as visitors enter,” Teacher Librarian Lorraine Fulleman said. In addition to the student participants and family members, Superintendent Rob Challinor and administrators of Sierra Vista JHS attended to thank and congratulate the students.

La Mesa Identified as a National Champion for Anti-bullying Programs
La Mesa Junior High has been recognized nationally for its anti-bullying programs and has been designated as a Champion by the National Bullying Prevention Center. This is a project of PACER, the Minnesota Parent Training and Information Center funded by the U.S. Dept of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. At La Mesa, bully prevention is taken very seriously. A bully prevention club with 58 members meets every other week and distributes bully prevention tags as one of their projects. Counselors visit all classrooms at the beginning of each semester and discuss the program. The Teen Truth Organization conducts a powerful interactive assembly each year and thanks to a suggestion on the Dr. Phil show, a “bully box” has been established as a way for students to report bullying incidents, anonymously.

Rio Norte Students Raise $23,000 in River Hawk Walk Event
This year’s River Hawk Walk was another huge success. The students raised over $23,000 to help the PE program at Rio Norte. The event ran for two days just before Spring break during PE classes. Special music was played during the 50-minute run / walk, while helpful parent volunteers cheered on the students. The money raised helped to run the event, replenish equipment and fund the intramural program. T-shirts and prizes are also a big part of the success of this event. Donations from the local community provided healthy snacks and water at the end. The River Hawk Walk is a wonderful celebration for the students, staff and families, who look forward to it every year.

Seventy Hart District Educators Attend Contextual Teaching Workshop
Seventy teachers, a team from each Hart District high school, attended an all day training offered by the Career Tech Education Consortium (CTEC). The training held at College of the Canyons provided an opportunity for teachers interested in improving their skills of making their instruction more relevant and meaningful for all students. CTEC partnered with the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD) to provide the workshop on Contextual Teaching and Learning. The core elements of Contextual Teaching include: Relating new content to previous learning and experience; experiencing by learning through doing, including problem solving, questioning, and investigating; applying new knowledge to real-world, meaningful uses; cooperating by learning in teams and through the rich experiences of structured cooperative learning; and transferring the application of critical content to solve problems that are outside the context of school. Educators from each school worked together throughout the day using the strategies presented by the workshop facilitator, Dr. Sandra Harwell. The workshop was an excellent opportunity for teams of educators to work together and learn teaching strategies that will improve student learning and engagement and help prepare students for a changing workplace and economy.

Business / Technology Pathway Created for High School Students
Business teachers from West Ranch High School, Saugus High School, ROP and College of the Canyons have been working to create a District-wide Business and Computer Technology Pathway for students pursuing careers in Business and Technology. The teacher team has been led by an advisory panel of business members: Ken Wiseman, CEO AMS Fulfillment; Alan Lewis, Principal Stonecutter Group; and Bruce Fortine, Trustee, COC Board, all who provided valuable input, direction, and feedback. The outcome of the meetings include plans for new and revised courses, new software, and possible articulation agreements so students can receive college credit for high school work. The Team plans to roll out the Business/Technology Pathway District-wide in the fall of 2011. The Business/Technology Pathway gives students new options and direction to be better prepare for entry-level jobs and for pursuing further education in career choices of Business, Technology and related fields.

West Ranch Student Business Leaders Compete in State Events
Future Business Leaders of America, is a nationally recognized organization that began in 1937 that helps to prepare high school students for careers in business and business-related fields. FBLA also emphasizes giving back to the community and actively supports the March of Dimes. West Ranch hosted the Gold Coast Sectional in March with over 1,200 high school students competing in events from public speaking to website development to interviewing to hospitality to accounting. A month after Sectional, four West Ranch High School students represented West Ranch at the FBLA State Competition. Nicole Lowry, Jessica Meyer, Christina Miller, and Anisa Siddiqui competed at the State level in Community Service Project, Hospitality Management, Business Math, and Client Service. Anisa Siddiqui and Nicole Lowry entered their Project Prom work in the Community Service Project category. Though they did not make it to the finals, we all know what a great job they did and how their hard work has been so important to the students in our community. Additionally, first year FBLA member Jessica Meyer, placed 8th at State in San Jose for her knowledge in Hospitality Management. The team’s adviser, Tanja Brosche, was recognized with the “Director’s Choice” award presented by the Gold Coast Section Directors, due to her involvement in helping the Sectional competition come to fruition. It was a great year for West Ranch’s FBLA team and the team is looking forward to next year’s competition!

Photos from the recent visit of California State Governor Jerry Brown to Hart High School.

(Left) Visiting a science classroom, Governor Brown on right with Assemblyman Smith, Superintendent Challinor, Principal Dr. Nielson, State School Superintendent, Tom Torlakson. (Right) Superintendent Challinor addressing Governor Brown.

Contact for more information: Gail Pinsker, Community Liaison Officer, gpinsker@hartdistrict.org, 661.259.0033 x. 227
William S. Hart Union School District website: www.hartdistrict.org

Special Education Students Compete and Enjoy Hart Games 2011
Nearly 300 Hart District students with special needs competed in the 2nd Annual Hart Games last month at Valencia High School. Throughout the track and field area, calls of “On your mark, get ready, set, go!” could be heard as students participated in a variety of events including 4 x 100 relay, 200 meter dash, 100 yard dash, long jump, high jump, shot put and softball throw. The event started with a traditional Olympic-style opening ceremony and the students enjoyed receiving ribbons for their efforts during the awards ceremony for each event. The clouds lingered on what later became a very rainy afternoon, but all during the events the beautiful weather matched the beautiful smiles on the faces of the participants. Cheers of “Go, go, go!” echoed from the stands as volunteers and family members ran alongside athletes, cheering them to victory. Proud athletes shouted “Did you see me?” as they crossed the finish line and high fives were ongoing in support of each other. Special Olympics provided athletics with T-Shirts in each student’s school colors, as these students basked in the attention usually reserved for the physically gifted. Hart District Adaptive Physical Education Department coordinated the event, and had tremendous help and support by family members, volunteers and students from the schools involved.

Golden Valley Students Attend National College Fair
Golden Valley High School Freshman and Sophomores had the unique opportunity to visit a national college fair held in Pasadena last month. One hundred and forty students were able to speak to admission representatives from more than 300 colleges, ask questions and pick up information on various programs available. Under the supervision of Kimberly Jimenez, Patrick Geary and Elizabeth Flynn, the students strolled up and down the rows of booths set up at the Pasadena Convention Center and asked questions about GPA, the significance of weighted and unweighted averages, tuition, financial aid and student housing. Several workshops were available on topics: Getting ready for the ACT and SAT, writing the college application essay and how to find the right college. As the students boarded the buses for the ride home, they were very enthusiastic about their bags full of college brochures and promotional items. Some had found the college they want to attend and others had additional questions to research on certain schools. Students could be heard chattering the next few days at school about their college goals and what was needed to achieve them.

Bowman Students Explore COC Medical Lab Tech Program
More than 100 Bowman High School students had the opportunity to meet with the Program Director for the new COC Medical Laboratory Technology Program to learn about different career paths students have open to them following completion of the program. Program Director Hanzel Salva-Cruz outlined the two-year program which results in an Associate in Sciences Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. The program prepares students for employment in clinical labs, industry and biotechnology. Salva-Cruz explained that this new job area is experiencing increasing demand in both hospitals and biotechnical labs, particularly pharmaceutical labs conducting research studies. The Bowman students were excited to learn that graduates can expect to earn approximately $40,000 a year to start.

Arroyo Seco Students Participate in America’s Battle of the Books
Twenty-five students at Arroyo Seco Junior High participated in the America’s Battle of the Books competition last month. The program began in the fall under former Seco librarian Lori Hermelin and concluded in March with new Seco librarian Sarah Goodwin.  The students formed teams of five to seven and, throughout the year, read from a list of 30 books. At the competition the teams were quizzed on the books and worked together to answer the questions and compete for points. There were five rounds of questions, a lunch provided by Jersey Mike’s, and a Grand Battle between the two highest scoring teams. The competition was neck- in-neck for several rounds and a mere three points separated the two final teams. The participating teams were: the Beast Book Buddies, the Book Warriors, the Death Eaters (finalists) and the Page Turners (champions). The Page Turners enjoyed a Big Papa’s pizza donated by Big Mama’s and Papa’s Pizza.  Parents and teachers came out to volunteer and watch the competition. It was a fun day full of students being excited about books and reading!  Congratulations to all participants!

Placerita Students Welcome Guest Speakers for Career Day
All Placerita Junior High students had the opportunity to each select six different guest speakers of 50 distinguished guests participating in Career Day last month. Students heard 30 minute presentations on movie production, journalism, animation, medical doctor, marine biology, fitness, aerospace, law, law enforcement, armed forces and more. Placerita alumni and California State Assemblyman Cameron Smyth was on hand to talk about his career in local politics as a City of Santa Clarita City Council member to his current position as an Assemblyman. Students enjoyed the visual presentation by Pixar Animator Teddy Newton and learned about the importance of attending a good college for certain careers. Following each presentation, students were able to ask the guests questions and learn more about specific career paths. School administrators were pleased with the list of presenters, many who were contacted and arranged by teachers and staff.

Hart High School Dance Team Captures National Title
The Hart Dance Team earned its first National Championship Dance Title at the USA National Dance and Cheer Championship on March 26th in Anaheim. The 16-member team was awarded the prize for Character Dance, a Broadway style performance which earned them high marks throughout their dance season. Hart shared top honors with other outstanding Hart District school dance teams. Valencia, Saugus, West Ranch, and Canyon, each took home prestigious awards in multiple categories. Local pride was evident with signs and buttons that read “SCV dancers support each other.” Local dance teams and studio performances will be included in Hart’s upcoming show. Hart looks forward to performing the Championship dance and more in its Spring Show, “Moulin Rouge” in mid-April.  

Golden Oak Students Test English Skills Aboard Air Force One
Recently, 18 Adult English as a Second Language (ESL) students put to practice what they have learned in their ESL class aboard Air Force One. José E. Malavé, ESL instructor and Gerardo Nuñez, Computer Science instructor at Golden Oak Adult School, decided to give their students a unique experience by taking them to the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley. This was the first time most of these students had been out of Santa Clarita after arriving in the United States. After learning and researching about the presidents of the United States, specifically former President Ronald Reagan, students decided to go and see first hand how much English they have acquired as well as learning about the history of the United States and its landmarks. The field trip was a huge success as students used their new-found English skills in a public setting.

Los Angeles Kings Hockey Players Visit Sierra Vista
The LA Kings visited Sierra Vista Junior High PE classes one day in March to teach students the fundamentals of hockey, and to talk about the importance of maintaining a healthy life style everyday. The Kings crew brought their “chariot” filled with hockey equipment, and students were given time to play a quick game and ask questions about hockey and professional sports in general. Kings Alumni player, Daryl Evans, who is now the radio broadcaster, stopped by to answer questions, sign autographs, and speak to students about how the choices one makes now can effect his/her future. This program is just another way in which the LA Kings reach out to local communities, and the students had a truly wonderful experience. 

SOAR Takes Flight at Los Angeles Marathon
Enduring one of the worst winter storms in recent memory, 17 students, many from the Hart District, successfully completed the grueling 26.2 mile “Stadium to Sea” Los Angeles Marathon last month. Sponsored by Students Off And Running (SOAR), a division of the Santa Clarita Track Club, this program dedicates itself to offering Santa Clarita Valley youth the opportunity to participate in a fully supported, 24-week 380-mile marathon training program while challenging themselves to accomplish something truly extraordinary in a non-competitive arena. Smiling and looking more than a little soggy, team co-founder and Head Coach Kevin Sarkissian reflected on the day’s events, “I couldn’t be more proud of the level of determination these kids showed today.” Less than 1% of Americans ever complete a full marathon. SOAR is not about recruiting seasoned high school athletes, the program looks for any kid with heart, kids that are willing to commit to a truly life changing experience. Now completing its fourth year of operation, the results continue to be impressive. Parents, teachers, and participating students alike report better focus in school, increased positive social interaction, and dramatic improvement in overall physical health. Donations of new running equipment, gift cards to athletic retailers, and monetary donations are appreciated. Donors should visit www.soar-sc.org or contact Kevin Sarkissian at 661-877-7024 for more information.  

 Contact for more information: Gail Pinsker, Community Liaison Officer, gpinsker@hartdistrict.org, 661.259.0033 x. 227
William S. Hart Union School District website: www.hartdistrict.org

Talented Students Perform at 30th Annual Honor Band Concert
One hundred and eighty junior high and high school students showcased their amazing musical talents at the Hart School District Honor Band Concert, earlier this month. Students representing all Hart School District comprehensive schools, along with students from Castaic Middle School, performed to a packed house of parents and community supporters in the 800-seat Hart High School Auditorium. This program saw 900 highly talented students audition for one of the 85 junior high positions and 85 high school positions. Students had the unique opportunity to perform under the direction of guest conductors, who are highly regarded in their field. Both bands performed difficult musical pieces with precision, maturity and grace. Performing arts are an integral program in the District. Schools offer students the opportunity to try their hand at a variety of classes, including theater arts, choir, music appreciation, marching band, drum line, jazz band, orchestra, dance, color guard, cheerleading and more. The Governing Board recently approved building Performing Arts Centers at Saugus and Canyon High Schools, with Measure SA funds earmarked for these projects. 

Shakespeare Festival Showcases Student Talent
Students from all six Hart District comprehensive high schools participated in the 8th Annual Theater Festival, in February. Two hundred students were involved in the festival, which featured two dramatic and hilarious days of costumes, scenes and monologues. The event, which brings students together from across the Santa Clarita Valley, is unique and has not been done in any other California school district. Students were judged by theater professionals from College of the Canyons and professional actors. Students enjoyed morning workshops in Shakespeare, fencing, movement and mask work. The festival took place at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at COC and Golden Valley High School.

KHTS Upcoming Home and Garden Show Benefits Project Prom
Hart District Project Prom will receive a portion of every paid admission ticket to the KHTS Home and Garden Show, March 26-27 at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. The event will feature more than 80 local home and garden businesses and organizations and will offer various demonstrations throughout the two days. The Hart District will have a booth at the show featuring Regional Occupation Programs (ROP) that fit the theme. ROP displays on plumbing, interior design, construction and culinary programs will be on hand at different times throughout the weekend. Project Prom’s Mandy Quinn and her entourage will be there to talk about this great program, and donations will be accepted at the booth. Coupons for $2 off the $5 general admission are available on the District’s website, on the Events / Fundraisers page: http://www.hartdistrict.org/index.php/events-fundraisers. Show hours: Sat., Mar. 26, 9 am – 5 pm and Sun., Mar. 27, 10 am – 4 pm. Shop local and support a great cause all at the same time!

West Ranch ASB Director Presented with Prestigious Award
Todd Arrowsmith, West Ranch High School Associated Student Body Director, received the prestigious Bob Burton Spirit Award, presented at the California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA) annual convention, earlier this month. The Bob Burton Spirit Award is presented to a person who makes Spirit Work, who makes a positive difference and who emphasizes inclusion with all students and members. The award is given in memory of Bob Burton, the Fallbrook High School Activities Director for 30 years, to the Activities Director who is considered to be one of the best in their area of the state. Arrowsmith received the award for Area E, which represents all of Los Angeles County.

Youth Project Provides Interactive Assembly for Canyon Students
The Santa Clarita Youth Project took over Canyon High School’s gym and brought with them a veritable cornucopia of city resources. Each student that participated was assigned a mock scenario and had to navigate a labyrinth of choices before identifying the proper resource for their respective problems. The event included City of Santa Clarita, The Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, The SCV Pregnancy Center, The Boys & Girls Club, and more. School counselors believe that it’s absolutely critical for students to be aware of the resources they have at their disposal, and events like this are a wonderful way of communicating that message.

Bowman Students Tackle Societal Labeling Assignment
Bowman High School students in a Contemporary American Problems class completed a project called “The Labeled Body.” Students tackled the following questions: What constitutes normalcy in society? What deems an individual beautiful? What deems an individual ugly? What or who is accepted in society and what or who is unaccepted? How does society label an individual a “normate” (normal) or “the other” (abnormal)? Students were given a cardboard cut out of the “unlabeled body,” and through in-class discussions about advertising, media and by reading academic journals about high school identity and social clicks, students discovered ways in which individuals ostracize and marginalize the individual body. Students drew a line down the center of the body and labeled one side “normate” and the opposite side “the other.” Students then cut out words, pictures, and wrote poems that portrayed the societal labeling of each side. In addition, they looked at literary otherness, The Hunchback of Notre Dame’s Quasimodo, To Kill a Mockingbird’s Boo Radley & Scout, Of Mice and Men’s Lenny and Disney’s villains Scar, Captain Hook, Ursula, etc., who are all portrayed as deformed and/or grotesque individuals that have been “marked” or labeled “different” by society. A general consensus discovered by students found that it was easier to label “the other” than the “normate” side of the body. That negative opinion/perception dominated acceptance. They also found that what constitutes normalcy (plastic surgery, big muscles, flawless skin) were abnormal by products of “the other.” Ultimately, the students learned the idea that normalcy is in the eye of the beholder, and that everyone is equal.

ROP Students Host Special Sheriff’s Department Visitors
Deputy Jonn Eidem from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department K-9 detail for the Custody Operations Division, visited the Regional Occupation Program’s Law Enforcement students, earlier this month.  Deputy Eidem’s partner, “Gunner,” a K-9 trained to detect drugs and alcohol, performed several demonstrations for the students. Students were able to see firsthand, not only how friendly these dogs are, but the importance of using specially trained dogs to better search persons and vehicles for contraband.

West Ranch ASB Hosts Elementary School Leadership Day
West Ranch High School Associated Student Body hosted more than 120 elementary school student council members from Stevenson Ranch, Oak Hills, and Pico Canyon Elementary Schools. Students learned about reaching out and including all students on their campus and how to make all students feel a part of their school. Later, students participated in team building activities organized by West Ranch ASB students. After watching a live broadcast of West Ranch Television (WRTV), students were grouped by grade level and worked with West Ranch ASB students on coming up with lunch activities that could be organized by their student council leaders at their schools. The elementary students enjoyed spending time with the high school student leaders, and the high school students enjoyed sharing their knowledge with the future ASB leaders.

SOAR Students Benefit from “Mardi Gras Madness” Fundraiser
Nearly 300 runners and walkers donned a battalion of beads in a dash to complete the inaugural Mardi Gras Madness 5K at Bridgeport Marketplace, earlier this month. Organized by members of the Santa Clarita Track Club, this annual race benefits Hart District students participating in the club’s Students Off And Running (SOAR) program, whose mission is to provide fully supported LA Marathon training experience to local youth in need at no cost to student participants or their families. SOAR students will participate in the LA Marathon on March 20, 2011 and have spent many months training and participating in shorter races to prepare for the big marathon. SOAR is not about recruiting seasoned high school athletes; the program seeks any high school student who is willing to commit to a truly life-changing experience. For more info on SOAR, visit www.soar-sc.org or contact Program Director Kevin Sarkissian at 661.877.7024.

Placerita Students Ballroom Dance to First Place
Placerita Junior High School students competed at the High Desert Dance Classic in the Dancing Feet Youth Ballroom program held at Antelope Valley College, earlier this month.  The Placerita Ballroom Team placed 1st in the competition. The Dancing Feet Program is a youth ballroom program designed to teach 7th grade students ballroom and Latin dances. This was Placerita’s third year in the competition joining the group of Antelope Valley schools participating in the program and competition. Professional ballroom teachers provided dance instruction to the teachers at each participating school. The teachers were then responsible to teach their students the five ballroom and Latin dances. Teachers Tammi Sucheck and Kristin Burrill instructed the team of 12 students.  The team consisted of Sydney Allen and Corey Burrill dancing the Waltz, Megan Mekelburg and Evan Murray dancing the Tango, Kimberly Gonzalez and Luke Peckham dancing the Merengue, Paulina Lopez and Kris Walters dancing the Samba, and Claira Speight and Mauricio Ledesma dancing the Cha Cha; alternates were Kristiana Adrian and Ryan Shouldice.

Television / Video Production Students Earn Top Honors at Convention
Students from West Ranch High School, Valencia High School and Placerita Junior High competed in the 8th Annual Student Television Network (STN) Convention, earlier this month. More than 1,400 students representing 128 schools from around the U.S. attended this year’s convention, held in Orlando FL. Students from all three Hart District schools came home with top honors and enjoyed the opportunity to compete against their peers. This year the 21 West Ranch students who participated did an amazing job, and according to TV / Video Production teacher Jennifer Overdevest, the students conducted themselves professionally and took the competition very seriously. West Ranch awards: 1st Place in Stand Up Broadcasting, Angelo Gepiga and Nathan Holdridge; 2nd Place in Convention Recap, Kalie Ihrig and Matt Love. Valencia High School awards: 3rd Place in Public Service Announcement; 4th place in Weather Reporting, Sports Highlight and Short Story. Valencia also earned film nominations for “Positive,” for Best Score and “Paper Dolls,” for Best Screenplay. Placerita competed in the junior high division and did well, placing 1st in the Middle School Hurley Commercial Contest. Students Luke Brody, Tanner Husman, Rachel Bates and Zoe Weiman each received a $250 Hurley gift certificate and their entry will be forwarded to the national level Hurley competition. Placerita students also competed in the Sweet 16, Anchoring and Movie Trailer contests. (Photos: Left, Placerita;  right, WRTV.)

Local Restaurant Celebrates Anniversary with Donations to Rancho Pico
Jersey Mike’s in Stevenson Ranch recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. They offered a free sub to every customer that came into the store, with a request that a small donation be made. Rancho Pico Junior High School was chosen as the group to receive the donations. $1,775 was presented to Rancho Pico Junior High Principal Michele Krantz, for the school. “We are using the money for our emergency supplies,” Krantz said. “Jersey Mike’s has been extremely generous to the schools in our community, as well as the Hart School District.” Jersey Mike’s has been a past recipient of an annual “Business Super Star” recognition award and has been nominated again this year, with winners being announced in late April.

Student Athletes Honored at Newsmaker Awards Gala
The Saugus High School Girls’ Cross Country Team earned the Sports Team of the Year Award at this annual event, held earlier this month. Team members and their parents, along with Principal Bill Bolde, attended and were excited to win this distinguished award. This team recently won its 5th consecutive CIF Championship. Other winners were Steven Manfro for Sports Male of the Year. Manfro played football for Valencia High School and has signed a National Letter of Intent with UCLA. The Sports Female of the Year award went to Taylor Lilley, a former Hart High School basketball record-setter and current WNBA Phoenix player. This 14th annual event also recognizes community leaders in the areas in the areas of Friend of the Press, Business Person of the Year, Behind the Scenes, Most Controversial, Community Service, Business of the Year, Organization of the Year and the Newsmaker of the Year, which went to Dr. Judy Fish, Superintendent of Saugus Union School District. The event also honors Randy Wicks, the nationally recognized cartoonist for The Signal, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 41 in 1996. The awards dinner raises scholarship funds for college students in journalism, education and other First Amendment-related fields.

La Mesa Student Selected as National Filmmaking Finalist
Eighth grade La Mesa Junior High student Alyssa Piper was selected as a finalist in the Teen Truth Film Festival, a nationwide contest. Alyssa and her family will be going to Stockton in mid-March to view her film at the Stockton Empire Theater. Teenagers from across the country have the chance to showcase their filmmaking talents as well as their strong beliefs in treating other people with respect. This gives students a rare and extraordinary opportunity to show their work at a distinguished film festival. La Mesa Junior High recently featured the Teen Truth assembly for all students to learn about anti-bullying and respect for differences.  Alyssa has also been awarded the Difference Maker Award for the 2010/11 school year from La Mesa Junior High and the Teen Truth Agency for her work as a valuable member of the Bully Prevention Club at La Mesa and other community service efforts. “Alyssa is someone who makes a difference and will continue to make a difference in people’s lives throughout her life,” stated Steve Patterson, La Mesa counselor. (Pictured on left, with Alyssa and Principal Pete Fries.)

Rio Norte Student Earns 2nd Place in Art Exhibit
Megan Schneider from Rio Norte Junior High submitted two landscape photos to exhibit at the California Art Education Association Southern Area Youth Art Month Show. Students from all over Southern California participated in the show. Her photographs are landscapes and are very strong compositionally, according to Art Instructor Daryl Bibicoff. Included in the submission was an artist statement about the photograph. The winning photograph was is an ant’s view of a beautiful area of boulders and trees. The exhibit titled “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Art” was at the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. The show ran from March 3rd through March 13th. Her photograph goes on to the next level which includes additional regions of the California Art Education Association.

Contact for more information: Gail Pinsker, Community Liaison Officer, gpinsker@hartdistrict.org, 661.259.0033 x. 227
William S. Hart Union School District website: www.hartdistrict.org

Project Prom Collection Drive Under Way
The Hart School District, has partnered with the Assistance League of Santa Clarita to help students in need make the dream of attending prom, a reality. Project Prom, now in its second year, is a District-wide program that will serve up to 1,000 students this year by providing prom dresses, suits or a tux rental, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. A collection drive is under way with a need for additional prom dresses to be donated. The community is encouraged to support this wonderful program in several ways: Donate “gently-used” formal attire, shoes or accessories, for both girls and boys. All Hart District junior high and high schools are serving as drop-off points for donations. Write a check to Hart District Project Prom, Tax deductible ID #95-6001532, and drop it off or mail it to the Hart District or make a donation through PayPal at www.HartDistrictProjectProm.com. Students invited to participate are on the free and reduced lunch program at school and would otherwise not have the financial means necessary to enjoy this special event. Project Prom is staffed by volunteers that include District staff members, parents and community members. For additional information please contact Terry Deloria, Hart District Administrative Center, at 661-259-0033 x.242 or dmiller@hartdistrict.org.

Rancho Pico Students Place High in Regional Math Competition
Rancho Pico Junior High students finished in third place overall in the San Fernando Valley Math Counts competition held last month. Sixteen teams competed, with more than 120 students, including teams from La Mesa, Sierra Vista, Rio Norte and Placerita Junior High Schools. Many of the schools that competed were private and magnet schools. Three Rancho Pico students finished in the top 10; Michael Park, Ino Chough, and Jayson Tan Say, with Michael finishing second, overall. The students competed individually for two rounds, and as a team of four for the third round, solving very complicated math problems. Math Counts inspires excellence, confidence and curiosity in middle school students throughout the country through fun and challenging math programs. This program provides today’s students with the foundation for success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers.

Canyon Students Enjoy and Learn During “Career in the Arts” Week
The Fine Arts Department at Canyon High School presented its first annual “Career in the Arts” week, in February, for students currently taking art classes or interested in the arts. Students had the opportunity to listen to successful professionals from various art fields including television and movie composers, songwriters and music producers, sound engineers, musicians, graphic designers, a museum curator, landscaping artist, animator and actor. Canyon students had their eyes opened to many areas of the arts that they had never had considered before. Hard work, passion for the craft, and perseverance were themes throughout the week. Administration was proud of the amazing event planned by the Fine Arts Department and how this offered students a glimpse into careers in the arts and raised awareness of opportunities for students.

Animation is Alive at Rio Norte Junior High
Rio Norte art teacher Daryl Bibicoff has teamed up with Jeff Baker, who runs the animation program at COC, to give students a jump start on animation. Through generous training by Baker and much appreciated assistance from the Rio Norte PTSA, the visual arts program has students creating full color animation that can be seen on a large 40 inch color monitor. Students are creating their own unique characters and incorporating them into the 12 principles of animation. Amanda Braun, a student at Rio Norte, kicked off the program with her personally designed anime character standing on top of a wall blinking its eyes and then falling to the ground.  “It is imperative that we keep our students drawing and creating conceptually today. Thinking creatively and conceptually is an invaluable life skill, not to mention a great start for future animators,” Bibicoff said. Currently, animation is part of an elective course, “Art and Animation” program, at Rio Norte.

Hart High Show Choir Entertains with Cabaret Pops Concert
Hart High School’s nationally awarded Show Choir presented its annual Cabaret Pops Concert at various venues the past two months. Under the direction of choir director Gail Hart, choir students delivered an amazingly entertaining show showcasing pop music to Broadway tunes. The show was conceived, directed, choreographed, and performed entirely by the students who worked extremely hard, even during winter break to create an outstanding show. All four choir groups, Sound Vibrations, Hartbreakers, Hart ‘n Soul, and Sweethearts unveiled their upcoming spring competition sets. The concert also featured many talented students performing small group and solo acts.  A lively dance ensemble number closed the first act. Cabaret is a kick-off to choir’s competition season which will span the next few months of spring semester. Hart Show Choir is one of the top show choirs in California and will perform and compete against other high school choirs throughout Southern California.

Bowman Students Take Test to Identify Career Interests
Thirty-three Bowman students took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, in February. For the past 10 years interested Bowman students have had the opportunity to take this test on campus. This test is part of a comprehensive career exploration and planning program that includes the test and an interest inventory that helps students explore possible career options. The test is military based and used by the armed services to help select jobs for the enlisted men and women. Additionally, it is one of the most accurate and informative measures of aptitudes and abilities for any student to gain valuable insight for potential options after high school. Of the 33 students who took the test, about half were interested in military opportunities and the other half want to make an informed decision for their post secondary options. Bowman student Kyle Lomont said “I enjoyed taking the ASVAB test because I am interested in joining the Marines. I wanted to challenge myself by taking the test.” The results will be available to students in mid-March and a military representative will be available to give advice and suggestions based on the scores in the eight test areas. Bowman administrators are confident that this experience will pay dividends in the future for the students. Sgt. Gonzalez of the Marines was very impressed with the effort the students put into doing their best on this exercise.

Golden Valley Environmental Club Beautifies Campus
The Golden Valley High School Environmental Club recently planted a flowerbed, after testing the soil and researching what types of plants require less water and would do best in the winds and temperature fluctuations experienced at Golden Valley. The plants, soil amendments and equipment were paid for through the club’s fundraising efforts. The flowerbed, which is outside of a science classroom, should require little to no maintenance. The club plans to plant one or two more flowerbeds this year. In addition to the club’s plan for “greener” planting on campus, the 30+ member student group participates regularly in beach clean-ups and is currently planning activities for Earth Day in April, including several short and long term recycling campus wide programs.

Academy of the Canyons Students Gear Up for the Start of COC classes
Academy of the Canyons held a Daytime Dance Rally at lunchtime to celebrate the last Friday before COC classes started. The campus was decorated with multi-colored streamers and balloons, making the school look fantastic. Each class was assigned a color to show their class pride. The seniors wore yellow, juniors wore blue, sophomores were dressed in purple and the freshman got to show off their pride in red. At this event, music was played and students were able to dance and enjoy their lunch with others. Overall, the school was able to host another fabulous event in which everyone had a fun and memorable time. AOC students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to complete high school graduation requirements while attending college. Acceptance to AOC is by application. Fall 2011 recruitment meetings are being held this month. Visit http://www.hartdistrict.org/aoc/ for prospective student information packets and meeting dates, or contact the school office at 661.362.3056.

78-Year-Old Student Enjoys Golden Oak Adult School Classes
Peggy Whitney is a true life-long learner!  Peggy signed up recently for two Introduction to Computer classes, and while in the office, informed staff that she participated in test prep classes and passed the GED at Golden Oak back in 1979.  She was motivated to instill the importance of education in her five children and be a positive role model for them.  After earning her GED, she studied for a time at College of the Canyons. Peggy, who is 78 years young, said she is thankful that Golden Oak is still here to serve the educational needs of our community’s adults and says she never intends to stop learning.  Principal Ron Rudzinski was so impressed with Peggy’s story, that he interviewed her on video which will be made available through our local public access television station, SCVTV, and is also available online at www.scvtv.com.

Placerita Drama Students and Families Enjoy the Show
The Placerita Junior High after school Drama Club just completed their production of Into the Woods, Jr. with great success. This production included two shows and an additional show for the Girl Scouts of Santa Clarita Valley. The drama students are already preparing for their auditions for the spring play, a comedy murder mystery chosen by the students called Are You Dying to be a Millionaire? The kids begin preparing for an audition by studying the script, working on acting techniques, character development and the ability to improv. It is great fun for the students and helps foster creativity so the kids can be at their best for their audition.

Local Lions Clubs Announce Student Speaker Winners
The Santa Clarita and Castaic Lions Clubs recently announced winners for their Student Speaker contests. This year’s topic was “Enforcing Our Borders; State vs. Federal Rights.” Yash Shah and William Oh from Golden Valley High School participated, along with Gayne Kalustian from Hart High School, who was selected as the winner from the Santa Clarita Lions Club. The students receive $25 each, with the winner receiving $75 and a chance to compete at various levels of the program, with scholarships and prizes valued at more than $21,000. The winner of the Castaic Lions Club contest was Alex Patel from Valencia High School. The Lions Clubs appreciate the efforts of teachers Dana Bobek from Golden Valley High School and Eleanor Nishioka from Hart High and look forward to increased participation next year.

Contact for more information: Gail Pinsker, Community Liaison Officer, gpinsker@hartdistrict.org, 661.259.0033 x. 227
William S. Hart Union School District website: www.hartdistrict.org

http://www.hartdistrict.org/index.php/community/enotify. (Photo left to right, Flo Lawrence, Thomas Cole, Robert Challinor, James Gibson, Bob Vincent, Paul Priesz.)

Principals and Administrators Participate in Principal for a Day Event
Principals and administrators from throughout the five local school districts participated in the 19^th annual Principal for a Day event, sponsored by the SCV Education Foundation. Local business and community leaders, as well as a few involved parents, had the unique opportunity to spend a few hours shadowing a school administrator to learn about the challenges and accomplishments faced at each school today. The purpose of this annual event is to create and enhance partnerships between the community and educators. Funds raised are used for various programs at local traditional public schools, including Student Enrichment Awards for classroom materials requested by teachers, student scholarships and other programs. Following the shadowing portion of the event, all participants and educators gathered at the City of Santa Clarita Activities Center for a luncheon, featuring a panel of all five local district superintendents. (Photo: Superintendents: Top row, left to right, Marc Winger, Newhall School District, Robert Nolet, Sulphur Springs School District. Seated, left to right, Judy Fish, Saugus School District, Robert Challinor, Hart School District, James Gibson, Castaic School District) For more info on this program visit: www.scveducationfoundation.org.

La Mesa Celebrates Chinese New Year 2011 - Year of the Rabbit
La Mesa Junior High students continued to celebrate diversity on campus, by enjoying a special program that taught them about the Chinese New Year, 2011, Year of the Rabbit. Mrs. Maria Chee, a Chinese-American bilingual instructional assistant at La Mesa taught students the many traditions and celebrations that this festivity brings to the Chinese community in the United States. This activity was sponsored by Panda Express, Corp.

Sierra Vista Students Enjoy Special Japanese Tea Ceremony
Madame Fumi Akutagawa, teacher and professional consultant of Japanese culture, performed an interactive Japanese Tea Ceremony at Sierra Vista Junior High, in early February. This marks the 10^th year that she has come to Sierra Vista with this program that provides students the opportunity to participate in Japanese traditions that they read about in their history class. Students learn about the culture and enjoy tasting the tea and sweets that are part of the tradition. To celebrate this special visit, Mr. Julian Ely, Information and Culture Advisor of the Japanese Consul of Los Angeles, attended. This event is part of Sierra Vista’s monthly “Brown Bag Presentations,” where once a month during lunch, a guest speaker presents a topic that pertains to curriculum in an entertaining or hands-on way. Lorraine Fulleman is the school’s teacher librarian who coordinates this successful program. “The goal of this program is to enrich the curriculum and encourage library book circulation,” Fulleman said. Seventy-five tickets are given to students by their teacher of the appropriate topic i.e., science, social studies, etc. These students and the staff are invited to attend. Teachers may offer the incentive of extra credit to encourage attendance. Students work hard to be selected as participants in the various presentations each month and look forward to the interactive aspect of the presentations.

West Ranch Music Students Selected for Prestigious Jazz Band
Two West Ranch High School students have been selected as members of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra (SCSBOA) Jazz All-Stars. Rachel Cantrell was chosen to be the piano player in the band, and Brandon Canada has been selected for the second year as the bassist. This band is chosen by a competitive audition process with students from all high schools from Santa Barbara to San Diego eligible to try out. Of the two honor jazz bands sponsored by SCSBOA, this 19-member group is the highest level, and this year 16 different schools will be represented. According to West Ranch jazz director Bob Babko, to be selected as a member of this all-star band is one of the most prestigious honors to which a Southern California high school jazz musician can aspire. The band plays at various venues, including Disneyland and the Grove in Anaheim.

Bowman Students, Teachers and Staff Hold Annual Blood Drive
Sixty Bowman High School students, staff members and Hart District employees donated blood earlier this month for the annual UCLA Blood Drive. Some Bowman students were nervous about donating blood for their first time, but the knowledge that their donation could save lives helped them to overcome their fears. A special thank you goes out to all the Bowman students who donated, for making this the highest percentage of students who have ever donated blood for UCLA Medical. Student Wendy Escalante was hesitant to donate but was determined to overcome her fears. “I know that my donation will save lives and even though I’m scared, I know that this is something I should do.” Students who asked the medical personnel where their blood would go were gratified by the answers. Their blood will go to anyone who needs it: from preemie babies needing heart transplants to adults needing full blood transfusions and to cancer patients. Many students had such a positive experience that they are committed to donating blood more regularly. “This is my first time donating blood, and it went so well that I will definitely donate again,” said student Jonathan Garcia.

Rio Norte Special Guest Teaches Students the Art of Poetry Writing
The College of the Canyons SCV Arts Education Consortium Outreach are partners and members of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partnership, which assists partnership teams from local school districts in developing arts education programs, provides information, and classroom demonstrations as part of the ongoing partnership program. As part of this arts education program, Glenis Gale Redmond author of Writing: Poetry Off The Page visited an eighth grade classroom at Rio Norte Junior High School and challenged students to complete a poem full of imagery, rhythm, and feelings. Together Ms. Redmond and students brainstormed such subjects as favorite animal, favorite gem, favorite bird, favorite item in nature outside of the animal kingdom and favorite flower to create a poem. Students then went on to create their own personal poems entitled “Daybreak Poem.”

Career Visions Offers “Reaching Hire” Program to Special Ed Students
Hart District’s Career Visions announced plans to continue offering the successful Reaching Hire employment readiness program to any special education student seeking a community-based work experience. Each of the two sessions currently planned will specifically target the steps and methods involved with finding a job, working successfully, and retaining employment. In addition the workshop offers participants a “Certificate of Employment Readiness” which can be submitted with job applications to give participants an edge in the selection process. Instructor and program founder Lesa Evans is a staffing/recruiting professional with more than 15 years of recruiting experience from small entrepreneurial shops to large corporate enterprises including Disney, ABC, Wells Fargo, Citysearch, Safeway Stores, Countrywide/Bank of America and Pixar. Visit www.cvworks.org, or call the Career Visions Office at 661-259-0033 X 525 for details.

Sierra Vista Teachers Treated to Special ASB Brunch and Activities
Sierra Vista Junior High ASB students hosted a brunch activity that focused on teacher participation, in January. All teachers were invited to come out and show their school spirit and promote their academic subjects during a relay obstacle race and a look-a-like contest. In the race, teachers had to balance a book from their subject on their heads while hopping through tires and weaving in and out of cones. In the look-a-like contest, students dressed like teachers to see who could look the most alike, which fostered stronger student-teacher relationships. The activities definitely brought the school spirit out in all the students and teachers who participated.

“Jewel Rio” Designed by Rio Norte Students an Instant Success
The Visual Arts program at Rio Norte Junior High is creating and designing jewelry and it is being branded as “Jewel Rio.” A special line of earrings and bracelets were designed and created by Megan Schneider for Valentine’s Day. The sale took place as a fundraiser from February 9^th through the 11^th for the Visual Arts department at Rio Norte and was an instant success. Students getting involved with this aspect of the Visual Arts program will receive professional quality training in designing and creating high-end fashionable craft jewelry.

West Ranch Welcomes Speaker Keith Hawkins
Nationally known student speaker Keith Hawkins came to West Ranch to speak to students and parents about the challenges that students face in their lives. He spoke to students about comparing themselves to other peers and “knowing who you are.” One students commented that “This is the best day ever at West Ranch.” Later that night Keith spoke to over 100 West Ranch parents about building stronger relations with their teens.

Students Set Sights on LA Marathon XXVI
Nineteen students successfully completed the 13.1 mile Surf City Half Marathon on Super Bowl Sunday as a second qualifying stage in their quest to take on the 26.2 mile “Stadium to Sea” Los Angeles Marathon slated for March 20, 2011. Now, more than 18 weeks and 250 miles into their training season, students participating in Students Off And Running (SOAR), a Santa Clarita Track Club program, have transformed into running machines. Recent results continued to lend testament to the power of the SOAR program, with each of the team’s participants placing high in their respective divisions in a field of more than 20,000 runners. SOAR is not about recruiting seasoned high school athletes; the program seeks any high school aged student who is willing to commit to a truly life changing experience. Join the team Saturday March 5^th as the Santa Clarita Track Club and Bridgeport Marketplace present “Mardi Gras Madness” at Bridgeport Marketplace in Santa Clarita. This flat, fast, fun 5K and Mini 1K will be a family favorite! All proceeds from the event benefit the students of SOAR. Visit www.soar-sc.org or contact Event Chair Alan Bingham at 661-755-6197 for more information. (Photos: Sequoia Charter’s Alex Mendez kicks in the afterburners at Mile 12. AOC’s Carolyn Thio and Jazmin Gonzalez celebrate victory with the finish line in sight.)

La Mesa Students Experience a Powerful Assembly with a Strong Message
La Mesa Junior High students and faculty witnessed the incredible presentation of Teen Truth Live. Teen Truth Live is a unique student assembly that tackles issues such as bullying, school violence, drugs and alcohol and body image and self esteem. The program is an interactive multi-media assembly experience that combines motivational presentations with a 22-minute film that was created by students. The award winning film, focuses on social issues that can lead to serious consequences while the presentation challenges students to think about how their reactions to these issues impact the lives of those around them. Using storytelling, humor, real world examples and audience participation, Teen Truth Live teaches students to identify the different forms of bullying, understand how bullying can lead to serious consequences, and motivate students to stop bullying from happening in their school.

Board Welcomes Student Trustee
The Hart District Governing Board welcomed newly elected Student Board Member Jade Lico, a senior at Valencia High School. Jade was elected by members of the Student Communications Council, which represents student leaders from all Hart District schools, this past fall. Jade has been active with Associated Student Body (student government) at Valencia, having recently served as ASB President. She is also part of the VHS Hip-Hop Team, Viking Nation, Christian Pathfinders and serves on the District Advisory Council. Jade has volunteered with Congressman McKeon’s office and is involved with community service for local organizations including the SCV Senior Center. She is looking forward to being accepted to college and is interested in a career in law and politics. Jade will present the student point of view at Governing Board meetings, casting an advisory vote on all issues before the Board. She will also carry Board issues back to the schools through her reports to the Student Communications Council.

Valencia High Students Support International Organization
What started as a textbook lesson in government for about 100 students in teacher Greg Hayes’ government classes turned into a very successful fundraising campaign directed toward Food for the Poor. Students stepped up and decided to put action to what they were learning and raised nearly $4,000 through various drives, recycling collections and donation requests. Ultimately, they raised enough funds to build a two-room home for a family of five in Haiti, displaced by the earthquake, and provided clothes, school supplies, food for a year, and helped the family start a business. Part of the funds went toward providing 20 chickens, three pigs and a goat to the family. The purpose of the assignment, in relation to the government class, was to experience what it meant to raise money for important causes that need support locally, nationally and globally. The students worked hard together on this project, exceeded their goals, enjoyed a huge sense of accomplishment and learned something about government along the way.

All-State Honor Band Selects 10 Junior High Students
Ten junior high students, including six from Rancho Pico, three from Placerita and one from Rio Norte, have been selected to the very prestigious California All-State Honor Band. Students must be an active participant in their school band program and audition by submitting a CD recording to the California Band Directors Association, to qualify as a candidate for consideration. The CBDA received more than 1,500 auditions this year. Students will perform a concert with guest conductors, usually university directors or well-known band composers, in conjunction with the annual CBDA conference at the Fresno Convention Center in February. Students selected for this honor include: Michael Brown, Katherine Noble, Rachel Park, Hannah Chong, Steven Griggs, and Ann Yoo from Rancho Pico; Alexio Cardia, William Freet, and Gilbert Bryce from Placerita, and Alex Kim from Rio Norte. Having six students selected from Rancho Pico is a high honor. Statewide, only seven other junior high schools had more than six students selected for the all-state band. District Honor Band, featuring top student musicians from District schools, will perform on March 5, at 7 pm, in the Hart High School Auditorium. Admission: $10. The high school students will perform under guest conductor Dr. Lawrence Stoffel from CSUN, and junior high students with conductor Jill Geist-Ruhnke.

Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Offers Forestry Class
Basics in Forestry and Trail Construction is being offered as a 10 credit class through the District’s Regional Occupational Training Program as a collaborative training venture between the Hart District, United States Forest Service, Pacific Crest Trail Association, and Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.  In addition to high school credit, participating students may be offered a paid work experience internship while gaining practical exposure to land management practices and career pathways related to conservation and resource management including trail maintenance and construction, wildlife conservation, backcountry navigation, environmental stewardship, and search and rescue response. Visit www.hartrop.com/forestry for more information.

Career Visions Assists Special Education Students
The Hart District’s Career Visions program has launched an intensive recruitment and community outreach campaign targeting local employers, special education students, and their families, to assist special education students with a desire to work. The launch of this campaign supports a renewed statewide interest to bring proven workforce preparation fundamentals into the classroom and offers the added incentive of a paid work training experience intent on embracing a direct hire and long term employment philosophy. The program helps student participants to become productive, gainfully employed members of the local community. Career Visions is seeking additional local companies that would like to provide a work training opportunity to special education high school students. For more information about participating in the Career Visions program visit www.cvworks.org. Photo: West Ranch High School’s Oscar Machorro, Career Visions newest “spokes” person participates in a CV sponsored work experience opportunity at Performance Cyclery.

Hart High Dance Team Show Raises Funds for Local Organization
The Hart High Dance Team hosted the Hart of the Holidays variety show in December, with proceeds supporting Help the Children of Santa Clarita. With the additional support from local dance studios, performers and the audience, the group presented the organization with a $1,000 donation. The Dance Team also offered free gift wrapping in front of Best Buy during the holiday season, encouraging donations that will be used toward covering 2011 competition season expenses. Dancers expressed appreciation for the great community support and attendance at their show.

Student Groups Go Green with E-Waste Recycling Events
Hart District students care about the environment and want to help protect it for future generations. Several Hart District schools have held free Electronic Waste Recycling events as school fundraisers and to support a reduction in E-Waste that is currently a major contributor to landfills. Several schools have events planned for the coming weeks, including Hart High on Jan. 22-23 and Golden Valley High on Jan. 22. Certified E-Waste recyclers have been contracted to assist students with the collection process. Electronic Waste is any consumer electronic equipment that has reached its “end-of-life” or “end-of-usage”, whether in full or non-working condition. It includes most electronics or electric appliances with a cord or circuit board such as listed above. Currently, 56% of American households have functional e-products that they no longer use. Seventy percent of heavy metals and 40% of lead and mercury contents found in today’s landfills come from E-Waste. Additionally, recent federal mandates require that television stations switch from analog format to digital format, which makes many televisions obsolete. With two E-Waste events scheduled in the next few weeks and more on the way, local residents have the opportunity to properly dispose of electronic waste, while supporting many excellent school programs.

Bowman Staff and Students Rally Around Student Who Lost His Bike
Bowman student Javier Sanchez relied on his precious bicycle to go back and forth to school every day. Unfortunately, it was stolen last year, off campus. Bowman staff members John McCarthy, Jose Rosales and Deanna Eldridge spearheaded a fundraising campaign for Javier and raised enough funds to present him a new bike, just in time for the holidays. The new bike is even better than his old bike! Additionally, he was presented with a new bike helmet and two locks. Javier is thrilled with his new bike and appreciates what everyone at Bowman did for him.

Golden Oak Adult School Offers Masonry Class
Students at Golden Oak have the option to add yet another skill to their repertoire: basic masonry.  Skilled craftsmanship in a trade requires both instruction and practice, and this course is designed to provide both.  It will cover basic techniques in masonry skills including history and origin, tools and equipment, safety, basic fundamentals of mortar preparation and application, and the use of various masonry products.  It will prepare students for possible entry level positions as well as the personal use of these skills.  Classes begin Feb. 1. Visit www.goldenoakadultschool.com for more information.

West Ranch Students Bring Holiday Cheer to SCV Senior Center
Local seniors enjoyed an afternoon of holiday cheer and camaraderie by West Ranch High School students. The students transformed the Senior Center into a Winter Wonderland, assisted serving lunch, interacted with the seniors and the jazz combo and choir performed. A bond was formed, and there are plans to integrate West Ranch musicians into the Senior Center’s swing jazz performances. A representative from the Senior Center noted that many in the audience commented that they now have a renewed faith in youth and that they were impressed to hear the level of talent demonstrated by the students. The Senior Center congratulated the school faculty on doing a wonderful job of instilling values and character into their students. Photo: Senior Center trumpet player with Shogi Hayes, West Ranch trumpet player.

Sierra Vista Dance Enjoyed by Students
Sierra Vista’s ASB coordinated a fantastic Winter Wonderland Dance, prior to winter break in December.  As students arrived, they had their picture taken by the Yearbook staff in front of a balloon arch. Students enjoyed dancing, eating dinner catered by Stone Fire Grill, choosing between chocolate fountain goodies or Dippin’ Dots ice cream for dessert, or socializing in front of the holiday lighting in the back of the MPR.  Finally, when the 8th grade King and Queen and 7th grade Prince and Princess were announced, a group of student musicians from Sierra Vista performed a song for them to dance to. All-in-all, the night was a memorable one.

Bowman High Celebrates Dr. King’s Accomplishments
Bowman High School recently celebrated the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with music and classroom activities.  ASB students cut out hundreds of white doves and delivered them to each classroom, where students were encouraged to think about what freedom meant to them, and then write their thoughts on the paper doves. “There are events happening in the country and the world right now that are causing our students to consider how they define freedom, so this was a very meaningful activity for many of them,” Jenny Dermody, Bowman ASB Director, said.  The doves were then displayed in the quad trees, where students were invited to read what their peers wrote while listening to clips of King’s speeches recorded with music playing in the background.

Transitional Learning Center Student Gains Employment with COC
Robert Betancourt, Telecom Coordinator for College of the Canyons, has been working with Chase Nalier, a student at Transitional Learning Charter Program at College of the Canyons (TLC/COC).  Chase is majoring in Electrical Engineering and was introduced to Mr. Betancourt by TLC/COC teacher, Cathy Brown, after she learned there was a need for help in the Telecommunications Department. Chase enrolled in Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE), providing an internship allowing Chase to earn work experience and college credits simultaneously. Through the help of Mr. Betancourt and others at COC, Chase was enrolled in the Federal Work Study Program and is now working as a College Assistant at College of the Canyons, a paid position. Mr. Betancourt stated that he has been very impressed with the TLC/COC Program and has a desire to work with the students in this program. He knew upon meeting Chase that he would be a perfect fit in the Telecommunications Department.  Mr. Betancourt has further stated that Chase has proven to be a valuable employee, has earned the respect of many at COC, and is well liked across campus.  He continues to expand his knowledge and experience daily and has been an integral part of many upgrade and improvement projects to the Campus Voice and Data Infrastructure. TLC is a Hart District program that offers students opportunities to learn basic life skills, take classes, job training and pursue a college degree or certificate, in order to meet the challenges of the future as lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

Computer Basics Class for Limited English Speakers at Golden Oak
Staff and students at Golden Oak Adult School are very excited about this first-time class offering for limited English speaking adult students. Students will have the opportunity to learn the basics of computer operation and software applications such as Windows and Word, as well as learning to surf the web and manage email.  Instructor Gerardo Nunez has taught English as a Second Language and computer classes at Golden Oak for the past four years, and teaches Math/Computer Applications to junior high school students in the L.A. Unified District. Classes will be held at Golden Oak on Saturday afternoons and certificates will be provided upon completion.

Retired Hart District Teacher Now an Award-Winning Novelist
After spending 33 years as a teacher, including 31 years with the Hart District, Eileen Granfors retired five years ago, immediately enrolling in UCLA’s Writer’s Program to learn to write fiction. Her first novel, “Some Rivers End on the Day of the Dead,” has been published and is available online. In her few short years of retirement, Granfors has been named a finalist in the Writer’s Advice short fiction contest, has been awarded Honorable Mention by WOW Online in flash fiction, has published a tribute piece on Bark Online, and has written two short memoirs in the 2008 Cup of Anthology Series, and has published poems in several magazines. While at the Hart District, Granfors taught at Sierra Vista for two years, then moved to Saugus High for 28 years. She was the Yearbook advisor for 25 years, English Department Chair for five years, and taught a variety of English classes, including honors, AP, Shakespeare, Mythology, Reading Lab and English composition. Also, in her spare time, since retiring, she works for Columbia University as a judge for their scholastic yearbook competition, reviewing school yearbooks from across the nation. “I miss the daily laughs with students and staff,” Granfors said. “But, I’m enjoying having the time to follow my passion and continue learning!”

Students SOAR at Second Annual 13.1 LA Half Marathon
Students from Hart District Schools and COC tackled the 2nd annual 13.1 LA Half Marathon in Santa Monica, earlier this month, in preparation for the grueling 26.2 mile Los Angeles Marathon slated for March 20, 2011.  Sponsored by Students Off And Running (SOAR), a division of the Santa Clarita Track Club, this program dedicates itself to offering SCV youth the opportunity to participate in a fully supported, 24-week, 350-mile marathon training program while challenging themselves to accomplish something truly extraordinary in a non-competitive arena. Results were nothing less than impressive, witnessing each of the team’s 38 registered participants crossing the finish with a smile, and three students placing for their age division in a field of close to 3,000 runners. SOAR is not about recruiting seasoned high school athletes; the program seeks any high school aged student who is willing to commit to a truly life changing experience. Join the team Sat. March 5, as the Santa Clarita Track Club and Bridgeport Marketplace presents “Mardi Gras Madness” at Bridgeport Marketplace in Valencia. This flat, fast, fun 5K and Mini 1K will be fun for the entire family!  All proceeds from the event benefit the students of SOAR. Visit www.soar-sc.org or contact Event Chair Alan Bingham at 661-755-6197 for more information.

Bowman High – A Small School with a Big Heart
Bowman High students collected canned goods and personal care items, during December, and presented them to the SCV Food Pantry. The items collected were valued at $1,750 and filled a car to the roof! “Many of our students are feeling the pinch of the economy, and yet, they have generously donated to help less fortunate people in our community,” Principal Robin Geissler said. The three top collection classes were: Mary Gaskin’s 4th period class; Stacey Killinger’s 8th period class; and Kathleen Watson’s 8th period class. All three classes received a well-deserved pizza party hosted by Bowman’s ASB.