Carmel, Pacific Grove and Monterey Unified have teamed up to offer an education forum on the impact of social media in schools and communities, with the presentation of Joe Allen, a police officer with the Glendale Police Department.
Allen helps law enforcement agencies, school districts and parents understand the impact of social media in schools and the community. He will help parents and the community understand the current social media world of blogs sites, messenger sites, photo posting and anonymous self-destructing mobile apps.
Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove officials meet regularly to address issues of mutual concern. Recently, all three districts faced misuse of the social media app Ogle. This forum is an opportunity to educate parents about it.
Two presentations will be held at 7 p.m. on consecutive days:
On Tuesday, April 5, at the Pacific Grove Performing Arts Center, 935 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove.
On Wednesday, April 6, at the Carmel Performing Arts Center, 3600 Ocean Ave., Carmel.
Showing posts with label monterey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label monterey. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Standing room only at Kennedy Center for Monterey County High School All-Star Band
The talented musicians of the Monterey County High School All-Star Band had a standing room only performance on the Fourth of July at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, reports mom extraordinaire Katherine Wenglikowski.
And she sent a photo to prove it. Here it is.
You may remember I wrote a brief story previewing the trip, you can find it here. I watched a portion of the program on Saturday, so I can attest to these kids abilities. So good! But you can check it out yourself in the Kennedy Center's archived performances here.
And they sent a photo holding the story! How awesome's that?
Keep rocking, Monterey cats!
And she sent a photo to prove it. Here it is.
You may remember I wrote a brief story previewing the trip, you can find it here. I watched a portion of the program on Saturday, so I can attest to these kids abilities. So good! But you can check it out yourself in the Kennedy Center's archived performances here.
And they sent a photo holding the story! How awesome's that?
Keep rocking, Monterey cats!
Monday, March 2, 2015
"Thinking Out Loud" students art exhibit opens March
Thinking Out Loud, an exhibit of artwork by Monterey County High School artists opens Saturday, March 7th at the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts.
The artists will have a reception from 3 to 5 on Saturday, March 7. The exhibit is free and open to the public and can be seen Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Student art-work in a wide-range of media--from painting, drawing, ink-relief, sculpture, photography and collage--by students from throughout Monterey County will be on display through April 3rd.
The artists will have a reception from 3 to 5 on Saturday, March 7. The exhibit is free and open to the public and can be seen Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Student art-work in a wide-range of media--from painting, drawing, ink-relief, sculpture, photography and collage--by students from throughout Monterey County will be on display through April 3rd.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Monterey alumna recovers yearbook, diploma
It was her good deed of the year. Monterey High Principal Marcie Plummer delivered Kathleen MacNeill a duplicate high school diploma and a copy of her yearbook, which MacNeill lost in a fire in 1989.
MacNeill, who now lives at The Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Salinas, called Monterey High asking to see about getting a copy of ther yearbook for her senior year. MacNeill was class of 1965 and is hoping to attend the high school reunion -- if one's being planned.
"She contacted us to see if we had a yearbook," said Monterey High Principal Marcie Plummer. "Through conversation we learned that both her yearbook and diploma were lost in the fire years ago."
And now she has them back.
MacNeill, who now lives at The Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Salinas, called Monterey High asking to see about getting a copy of ther yearbook for her senior year. MacNeill was class of 1965 and is hoping to attend the high school reunion -- if one's being planned.
"She contacted us to see if we had a yearbook," said Monterey High Principal Marcie Plummer. "Through conversation we learned that both her yearbook and diploma were lost in the fire years ago."
And now she has them back.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Monterey High senior lands third place in national essay contest
Cathy Hsu, a senior at Monterey High, is the third prize winner of a national essay contest sponsored by the Religious Liberty Council of the Washington, D.C.-based Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty.
The topic for the 2014 Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest asked students to discuss whether or not religious messages, such as Bible verses on “run-through” banners at football games, should be permitted at public school-sponsored events.
More than 630 students from 48 states and the District of Columbia entered the contest, as well as students from China and Albania.
Hsu received a $250 scholarship for her essay, “Christianity in Cheerleading: The Role of the First Amendment in Public Schools.”
She wrote that “... to exploit the cheerleading squad, a school-sponsored activity, as an outlet in promoting Christian messages would position the school into appearing to endorse religion, an obvious transgression of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.”
Hsu plans to study political science in college. She is the daughter of Tienhui and Huichu Hsu.
The grand prize winner is Daniel Ingham of Ellicott City, Maryland, who received a $2,000 scholarship. Sienna Li of Portland, Oregon, won a $1,000 scholarship for her second prize essay.
The Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest was established in 2006 to engage high school juniors and seniors in church-state issues. A panel of judges issued scores based on the content of each essay and the author’s writing skills. For more information, click here.
The topic for the 2014 Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest asked students to discuss whether or not religious messages, such as Bible verses on “run-through” banners at football games, should be permitted at public school-sponsored events.
More than 630 students from 48 states and the District of Columbia entered the contest, as well as students from China and Albania.
Hsu received a $250 scholarship for her essay, “Christianity in Cheerleading: The Role of the First Amendment in Public Schools.”
She wrote that “... to exploit the cheerleading squad, a school-sponsored activity, as an outlet in promoting Christian messages would position the school into appearing to endorse religion, an obvious transgression of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.”
Hsu plans to study political science in college. She is the daughter of Tienhui and Huichu Hsu.
The grand prize winner is Daniel Ingham of Ellicott City, Maryland, who received a $2,000 scholarship. Sienna Li of Portland, Oregon, won a $1,000 scholarship for her second prize essay.
The Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest was established in 2006 to engage high school juniors and seniors in church-state issues. A panel of judges issued scores based on the content of each essay and the author’s writing skills. For more information, click here.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Hiring of MPUSD new superintendent won't happen until at least May 13
* Note: I've updated the blog to reflect some changes regarding who exactly traveled to Southern California to do a site visit and to clarify what trustees actions could be in each meeting.
If you read my story in today's newspaper, you know already the much anticipated hiring of a new superintendent for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District did not take place during last night regular board meeting. In case you missed it, here it is.
The reason for pulling the approval off the agenda? Trustees wanted more time to discuss what they'd learned in a recent trip to Southern California, home of the candidate, Board President Jon Hill told me on Wednesday.
There were too many items on the closed session agenda, Hill said, and board members wanted more time to discuss their findings and the proposed contract. From the Board of Trustees, only Hill, Tim Chaney and Bettye Lusk went to Southern California. They were accompanied by three community members, including Allyson Schweifler from the Monterey Bay Teachers Association.
Trustees have scheduled a special meeting on May 1 to discuss said findings and the contract. They will not be able to approve said contract until their next regularly scheduled meeting, which happens May 13. But I'm told by Board President Jon Hill they could decide on May 1 whether to offer a contract and perhaps even announce who the candidate is.
Stay tuned.
If you read my story in today's newspaper, you know already the much anticipated hiring of a new superintendent for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District did not take place during last night regular board meeting. In case you missed it, here it is.
The reason for pulling the approval off the agenda? Trustees wanted more time to discuss what they'd learned in a recent trip to Southern California, home of the candidate, Board President Jon Hill told me on Wednesday.
There were too many items on the closed session agenda, Hill said, and board members wanted more time to discuss their findings and the proposed contract. From the Board of Trustees, only Hill, Tim Chaney and Bettye Lusk went to Southern California. They were accompanied by three community members, including Allyson Schweifler from the Monterey Bay Teachers Association.
Trustees have scheduled a special meeting on May 1 to discuss said findings and the contract. They will not be able to approve said contract until their next regularly scheduled meeting, which happens May 13. But I'm told by Board President Jon Hill they could decide on May 1 whether to offer a contract and perhaps even announce who the candidate is.
Stay tuned.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Will MPUSD have a new superintendent by tomorrow evening?
Representatives with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District -- including trustees and community members -- traveled last week to an undisclosed location in Southern California to vet their final candidate for the job of superintendent. The contract he or she has been offered is up on the district's website -- minus the name -- for the public to vet. Here's a quick link to it, in case you're interested. Final approval will take place in closed session Tuesday.
There's no red flags in it, except for the amount the superintendent will be paid, but given the conversations I've heard with the consultant, they really aren't.
Trustees have been saying all along they want someone with experience, someone with a proven track record -- and that they're ready to pay the price. If the contract is approved, the new superintendent will earn $226,000 a year, including a $2,000 "doctoral stipend." Salary increases are not embedded in the four-year contract, but could be granted if also given to other employees. He or she will receive the same health benefits given to other employees, no car allowance, and no gym membership.
Board President Jon Hill told me the COSCA group gave trustees data for 17 comparable districts, where superintendents earn between $195,000 and $301,000, and that the salary they'll offer the new trustee is "below mid point."
"It’s competitive with other district and I know it’s a big number for people," he said.
See you mañana at the board meeting!
There's no red flags in it, except for the amount the superintendent will be paid, but given the conversations I've heard with the consultant, they really aren't.
Trustees have been saying all along they want someone with experience, someone with a proven track record -- and that they're ready to pay the price. If the contract is approved, the new superintendent will earn $226,000 a year, including a $2,000 "doctoral stipend." Salary increases are not embedded in the four-year contract, but could be granted if also given to other employees. He or she will receive the same health benefits given to other employees, no car allowance, and no gym membership.
Board President Jon Hill told me the COSCA group gave trustees data for 17 comparable districts, where superintendents earn between $195,000 and $301,000, and that the salary they'll offer the new trustee is "below mid point."
"It’s competitive with other district and I know it’s a big number for people," he said.
See you mañana at the board meeting!
Friday, April 4, 2014
MPUSD getting closer to finding a new superintendent
Trustees with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District will be holed up this weekend at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Seaside interviewing candidates. They're scheduled to interview seven on Saturday -- if all of them show up. On Sunday, they'll do follow up with two or three candidates, depending on how Saturday interviews go.
On Sunday, the candidates will also be interviewed by representatives from the Monterey Bay Teachers Association, by the California State Employees Association, and a representative each from Marina, Monterey and Seaside learning communities.
Trustees will not be hosting community forums to interview candidates, and I doubt they'll tell me who the finalists are. But if you find yourself with nothing to do on Sunday, and want to take a stroll by the Embassy Suites, be sure to let me know what you find. Or who you find. Scuttlebutt, I'm counting on you. You know how curious I am.
On Sunday, the candidates will also be interviewed by representatives from the Monterey Bay Teachers Association, by the California State Employees Association, and a representative each from Marina, Monterey and Seaside learning communities.
Trustees will not be hosting community forums to interview candidates, and I doubt they'll tell me who the finalists are. But if you find yourself with nothing to do on Sunday, and want to take a stroll by the Embassy Suites, be sure to let me know what you find. Or who you find. Scuttlebutt, I'm counting on you. You know how curious I am.
Monday, March 10, 2014
MPUSD to elect interim superintedent Tuesday
The agenda for Tuesday's meeting at the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is as juicy as ever: trustees will appoint an interim superintendent, they'll discuss an agreement to better define Monterey High's relationship with MAOS, and who knows what other items will prove interesting.
The worst part -- I won't be there to watch it!
Yeah. I have a very important date with Gustavo Dudamel that just can't be postponed. Darn it.
So, Scuttlebutt, you're in charge. Keep me posted.
The worst part -- I won't be there to watch it!
Yeah. I have a very important date with Gustavo Dudamel that just can't be postponed. Darn it.
So, Scuttlebutt, you're in charge. Keep me posted.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Another scholarship available to Monterey-area high school students
The New Millennium Scholarship will be awarded to four Monterey Peninsula public high school students who have a vision for their contribution to the community, who have shown determination and willingness to overcome hardship to achieve their educational goals, and who are striving for excellence on a personal and academic level.
The scholarship is sponsored by The Fishwife and Turtle Bay restaurants.
One $2,000.00 tuition scholarship, and three $1,000.00 tuition scholarships will be awarded in 2014. The recipients will be announced before graduation, in June.
Completed applications must be postmarked-or hand delivered by March 31, 2014. For more information and a complete application, click here.
For more information, call 375-7108 or email fishwife@fishwife.com
To qualify for the 2014 New Millennium Scholarship you must be a graduating Senior currently enrolled at Carmel High, Monterey High, Pacific Grove High, Marina or Seaside High. Student must carry a minimum 3.0 GPA (based on Sophomore and Junior years).
The scholarship is sponsored by The Fishwife and Turtle Bay restaurants.
One $2,000.00 tuition scholarship, and three $1,000.00 tuition scholarships will be awarded in 2014. The recipients will be announced before graduation, in June.
Completed applications must be postmarked-or hand delivered by March 31, 2014. For more information and a complete application, click here.
For more information, call 375-7108 or email fishwife@fishwife.com
To qualify for the 2014 New Millennium Scholarship you must be a graduating Senior currently enrolled at Carmel High, Monterey High, Pacific Grove High, Marina or Seaside High. Student must carry a minimum 3.0 GPA (based on Sophomore and Junior years).
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Is this what MPUSD critics mean when they say "dysfunctional"?
Ever since I began covering the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, I've heard claims that the district's dysfunctional. As proof, people would offer the number of principals that have paraded through the district in the last few years. The teacher turnover. Students fleeing to nearby districts.
The problem is, teacher turnover and student flight it's not just a matter of "push," it can also be of 'pull." Teachers and students are 'pulled' because of better pay, better academic environments nearby.
Dig deeper, I would hear. So I would ask around and get nowhere. I'd ask for proof. If you have evidence of the district's dysfunctionality, send me evidence. Records. Proof.
My prayers were finally answered when I got the high school transcripts of three students in the fall. The records showed the students had the course title for one of their classes, 'Algebra I,' changed for "Algebra Readiness', a class that has not been taught at the district since it was approved in 2009.
The changed had been made to the records of 93 students. And teachers were furious.
For more on the story, you can find my previous reports here and here.
Trustees asked Superintendent of Public Schools Nancy Kotowski to investigate. Tuesday night, she delivered a report that lays the blame squarely on the district's policies and procedures. You can find the complete report here.
Finally, this is what dysfunctionality looks like. Like the board says one thing in its policies, but means another on the high school catalog. Like there's no manual on who gets to change student records. Like students in the 12th grade can get changes done to their records when they were in the 9th grade.
Like any administrator can decide to change the transcripts of 93 students and there are no systems in place to prevent it.
It's nobody's fault, really. We have four relatively new trustees who are probably as surprised to hear this as I am. I suspect these are issues that have been dragging for years but nobody had paid any attention to them.
So how do you get some attention to be paid? Well, I don't know. Maybe by sending records to your local, friendly reporter?
The MCOE report made a lot of noise about the fact that the Herald -- yours truly -- first reported on the issue and publicized the fact that students records were sent to the public. For the record, we never published the names of those students, so no privacy was violated here.
But what I believe is the most important development to surface after we reported on the records was that something ACTUALLY got done. An external, unbiased, knowledgeable party came and looked at the district's internal procedures and was able to pinpoint its flaws. Kotowski and her team gave MPUSD administrators several recommendations on how to improve things at the districts. The trustees, now on a path to make things pretty, seemed ready to comply.
Isn't this grand? Not only did we get a full report on the district's dysfunctionality, but a roadmap on how to fix it.
And all because somebody had the courage to send some transcripts out to the public.
Yay to the whistleblowers. You deserve a medal, not punishment. I hope you weather the storm -- it was for a good cause, really.
And please, keep my contact information at your fingertips.
The problem is, teacher turnover and student flight it's not just a matter of "push," it can also be of 'pull." Teachers and students are 'pulled' because of better pay, better academic environments nearby.
Dig deeper, I would hear. So I would ask around and get nowhere. I'd ask for proof. If you have evidence of the district's dysfunctionality, send me evidence. Records. Proof.
My prayers were finally answered when I got the high school transcripts of three students in the fall. The records showed the students had the course title for one of their classes, 'Algebra I,' changed for "Algebra Readiness', a class that has not been taught at the district since it was approved in 2009.
The changed had been made to the records of 93 students. And teachers were furious.
For more on the story, you can find my previous reports here and here.
Trustees asked Superintendent of Public Schools Nancy Kotowski to investigate. Tuesday night, she delivered a report that lays the blame squarely on the district's policies and procedures. You can find the complete report here.
Finally, this is what dysfunctionality looks like. Like the board says one thing in its policies, but means another on the high school catalog. Like there's no manual on who gets to change student records. Like students in the 12th grade can get changes done to their records when they were in the 9th grade.
Like any administrator can decide to change the transcripts of 93 students and there are no systems in place to prevent it.
It's nobody's fault, really. We have four relatively new trustees who are probably as surprised to hear this as I am. I suspect these are issues that have been dragging for years but nobody had paid any attention to them.
So how do you get some attention to be paid? Well, I don't know. Maybe by sending records to your local, friendly reporter?
The MCOE report made a lot of noise about the fact that the Herald -- yours truly -- first reported on the issue and publicized the fact that students records were sent to the public. For the record, we never published the names of those students, so no privacy was violated here.
But what I believe is the most important development to surface after we reported on the records was that something ACTUALLY got done. An external, unbiased, knowledgeable party came and looked at the district's internal procedures and was able to pinpoint its flaws. Kotowski and her team gave MPUSD administrators several recommendations on how to improve things at the districts. The trustees, now on a path to make things pretty, seemed ready to comply.
Isn't this grand? Not only did we get a full report on the district's dysfunctionality, but a roadmap on how to fix it.
And all because somebody had the courage to send some transcripts out to the public.
Yay to the whistleblowers. You deserve a medal, not punishment. I hope you weather the storm -- it was for a good cause, really.
And please, keep my contact information at your fingertips.
Of children, families, and the future of MAOS
Once upon a time I had a friend who happened to be blind. She was intelligent, funny, and wise beyond her years. When she was around 10 she contracted some sort of infection that destroyed her optic nerve, and could never see again.
I'll call her Linda. Linda had a younger sister that I'll call Rosa. By the time I met them both, Linda and Rosa had a pretty nasty relationship. Linda needed her mother for practically everything, and Rosa resented all the time their mother spent with Linda: taking her and picking her up from school, to after-school events, what not.
Linda in turn resented Rosa for the monetary support she was getting from their mother. Rosa was entering adulthood and she wanted to go out to dances, wear make up and high heels. Mom was caught in the middle: she gave Linda all the attention she could, and Rosa all the money she could afford, but neither one was happy. Everyone seemed resentful of everyone else.
I began thinking about Linda and her family recently, during one of those long and sometimes strained conversation officials at Monterey Peninsula Unified School District are having about MAOS.
For those of you who don't know the Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science is a very successful program at Monterey High School. Only accomplished, top performing students get in, and the program graduates the cream of the crop in Monterey High. MAOS students are top athletes, top scholars, participate in the student body, you name it. They're the school's super stars.
And for some reason, some people in the district -- including some trustees -- appear to be resentful of the program. They resent the fact that the program seems to have a dearth of minorities participating, they resent the resources they appear to be receiving or demanding to receive.
What's fascinating is that there appears to be resentment too from MAOS students and other supporters as well. Why should only poor-performing students get resources? Why should they be forced to sit along students who are not there to study but just to kill time?
Yep, that's the gist of what's been discussed in some of those sessions. It gets hurtful at times.
Like the times when I would watch Linda rebel against her mother for giving Rosa money for an eyeliner. Like watching Rosa fuming against her mother for not having dinner ready on time.
Bottom line is, at MPUSD there are not many resources, and they have to be stretched thin for all the students, not just for the ones who're struggling academically, but the top performers.
So what gives? And how do you handle it? Do you tell the top performers 'Sorry, we have no more to give you'? Or do you try to find a way to accommodate them?
One way or another, MPUSD has accommodated MAOS for the past 19 years. It hasn't been easy, it seems, but the relationship is there. And it appears that trustees are trying to find a way to keep MAOS a part of Monterey High.
Tuesday night, trustees gave direction to administrators on hammering out some sort of agreement that will spell out how the district will help MAOS. The areas to be included are facilities, master scheduling and staff. A completed document it's supposed to be approved by trustees in the next few weeks.
I do hope everyone finds a way to work together, for the sake of all the students. I'm sure MAOS students would get the benefit of greater focus if they managed to be completely on their own, but I'm afraid the school at large would lose a lot: it would lose a segment of the population that's inspiring and can serve as a catalyst for change. MAOS students would also lose by not being in touch with the "real world."
Somehow in society we have to find a way to serve everyone's needs, and finding a way to serve MAOS and non-MAOS kids is a way to start. And if we can do that without resentments, much better. There are too many Lindas and Rosas in the world already.
I'll call her Linda. Linda had a younger sister that I'll call Rosa. By the time I met them both, Linda and Rosa had a pretty nasty relationship. Linda needed her mother for practically everything, and Rosa resented all the time their mother spent with Linda: taking her and picking her up from school, to after-school events, what not.
Linda in turn resented Rosa for the monetary support she was getting from their mother. Rosa was entering adulthood and she wanted to go out to dances, wear make up and high heels. Mom was caught in the middle: she gave Linda all the attention she could, and Rosa all the money she could afford, but neither one was happy. Everyone seemed resentful of everyone else.
I began thinking about Linda and her family recently, during one of those long and sometimes strained conversation officials at Monterey Peninsula Unified School District are having about MAOS.
For those of you who don't know the Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science is a very successful program at Monterey High School. Only accomplished, top performing students get in, and the program graduates the cream of the crop in Monterey High. MAOS students are top athletes, top scholars, participate in the student body, you name it. They're the school's super stars.
And for some reason, some people in the district -- including some trustees -- appear to be resentful of the program. They resent the fact that the program seems to have a dearth of minorities participating, they resent the resources they appear to be receiving or demanding to receive.
What's fascinating is that there appears to be resentment too from MAOS students and other supporters as well. Why should only poor-performing students get resources? Why should they be forced to sit along students who are not there to study but just to kill time?
Yep, that's the gist of what's been discussed in some of those sessions. It gets hurtful at times.
Like the times when I would watch Linda rebel against her mother for giving Rosa money for an eyeliner. Like watching Rosa fuming against her mother for not having dinner ready on time.
Bottom line is, at MPUSD there are not many resources, and they have to be stretched thin for all the students, not just for the ones who're struggling academically, but the top performers.
So what gives? And how do you handle it? Do you tell the top performers 'Sorry, we have no more to give you'? Or do you try to find a way to accommodate them?
One way or another, MPUSD has accommodated MAOS for the past 19 years. It hasn't been easy, it seems, but the relationship is there. And it appears that trustees are trying to find a way to keep MAOS a part of Monterey High.
Tuesday night, trustees gave direction to administrators on hammering out some sort of agreement that will spell out how the district will help MAOS. The areas to be included are facilities, master scheduling and staff. A completed document it's supposed to be approved by trustees in the next few weeks.
I do hope everyone finds a way to work together, for the sake of all the students. I'm sure MAOS students would get the benefit of greater focus if they managed to be completely on their own, but I'm afraid the school at large would lose a lot: it would lose a segment of the population that's inspiring and can serve as a catalyst for change. MAOS students would also lose by not being in touch with the "real world."
Somehow in society we have to find a way to serve everyone's needs, and finding a way to serve MAOS and non-MAOS kids is a way to start. And if we can do that without resentments, much better. There are too many Lindas and Rosas in the world already.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Monterey High to host information night for prospective students
Attention Monterey area parents. If you're interested in your middle school child attending Monterey High, here's your chance to hear more about what's happening there.
The incoming 9th grade parent information night will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Monterey Cafe at Monterey High.
(I hear the food there's pretty yummy. I'm going to have to check it out)
Monterey High Principal Marcie Plummer says she's been receiving many phone calls from Monterey residents whose children are now attending private schools wanting to find out about Monterey High programs. She wants publicity, so here it is, Ms. Plummer.
I'll be by to collect my veggie burger next week. ;)
The incoming 9th grade parent information night will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 19 at the Monterey Cafe at Monterey High.
(I hear the food there's pretty yummy. I'm going to have to check it out)
Monterey High Principal Marcie Plummer says she's been receiving many phone calls from Monterey residents whose children are now attending private schools wanting to find out about Monterey High programs. She wants publicity, so here it is, Ms. Plummer.
I'll be by to collect my veggie burger next week. ;)
Thursday, November 7, 2013
MAOS Mom extraordinaire chimes in controversy
Joanna Greenshields, reader extraordinaire and another keen observer of MPUSD, added her two cents in the ongoing dialogue the district's having about the future of MAOS. You can find it here.
But because she addresses a very important point that could be missed in the conversation (something that I've already alluded to in previous posts) I'll highlight it here. It revolves around the issue of people coming forward with credible information when they want me to write a story.
This is an excerpt from Ms. Greenshields' comments:
One of the difficulties for Ms Melendez has been getting accurate information on the underlying story of why MAOS would be seeking autonomy from the current administration.
People with accurate knowledge and an understanding of the complexities currently facing MAOS and MPUSD, are either unable or unwilling to have an open, honest dialog with her about how we got to the point of charter exploration.
And there you have it. I'm asked all the time: do a story about this or that. Half of the time I'm chasing my tail because I'm trying to get information and people won't talk to me. Mr. Jensen writes to me: don't write until you get all the answers. Well, I'm not getting any answers, but hopefully, if I write what happens at a board meeting -- all on the record, thank goodness -- something else can pop up.
So, if you have a story for me, you know where to find me. I'm waiting patiently.
But because she addresses a very important point that could be missed in the conversation (something that I've already alluded to in previous posts) I'll highlight it here. It revolves around the issue of people coming forward with credible information when they want me to write a story.
This is an excerpt from Ms. Greenshields' comments:
One of the difficulties for Ms Melendez has been getting accurate information on the underlying story of why MAOS would be seeking autonomy from the current administration.
People with accurate knowledge and an understanding of the complexities currently facing MAOS and MPUSD, are either unable or unwilling to have an open, honest dialog with her about how we got to the point of charter exploration.
And there you have it. I'm asked all the time: do a story about this or that. Half of the time I'm chasing my tail because I'm trying to get information and people won't talk to me. Mr. Jensen writes to me: don't write until you get all the answers. Well, I'm not getting any answers, but hopefully, if I write what happens at a board meeting -- all on the record, thank goodness -- something else can pop up.
So, if you have a story for me, you know where to find me. I'm waiting patiently.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
The biggest takeaway from the MPUSD election
MPUSD trustees, this message's for you.
And it's a message that I was going to send later in the month, as you come closer to select a new superintendent -- but I reserve the right to re-send the message later in the year ;)
The community has spoken. And the community really wants a leader they know and trust.
Isn't that what teachers and other people have been telling you for years?
So Mr. Tim Chaney ran a good, hard campaign, but he's a newcomer to the community. To his credit, he's very close to winning a seat on the board, and perhaps we won't know until Friday whether he actually makes it.
And here's Carole Dawson, a respected community leader who's voluntereed for several organization over the more than two decades she's lived among us.
She practically didn't lift a finger for the campaign, and she's close to nabbing that seat.
If you count the votes cast for Richard Gold, who has lived in the community also for over two decades, you can tell Monterey residents decidedly voted for trust.
It's not just the election that's making me write this. It's what's happening in your district, from MAOS on down.
You need a leader who can be trusted. And trust does not just blow in from the bay like the summer fog. It's built over time, it's earned.
And unfortunately, given the current circumstances, it can easily be shattered. Think about that.
And it's a message that I was going to send later in the month, as you come closer to select a new superintendent -- but I reserve the right to re-send the message later in the year ;)
The community has spoken. And the community really wants a leader they know and trust.
Isn't that what teachers and other people have been telling you for years?
So Mr. Tim Chaney ran a good, hard campaign, but he's a newcomer to the community. To his credit, he's very close to winning a seat on the board, and perhaps we won't know until Friday whether he actually makes it.
And here's Carole Dawson, a respected community leader who's voluntereed for several organization over the more than two decades she's lived among us.
She practically didn't lift a finger for the campaign, and she's close to nabbing that seat.
If you count the votes cast for Richard Gold, who has lived in the community also for over two decades, you can tell Monterey residents decidedly voted for trust.
It's not just the election that's making me write this. It's what's happening in your district, from MAOS on down.
You need a leader who can be trusted. And trust does not just blow in from the bay like the summer fog. It's built over time, it's earned.
And unfortunately, given the current circumstances, it can easily be shattered. Think about that.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Monterey Peninsula students, here's a chance to earn $10,000
Applications for the $10,000 Investment in Community Graduate Fellowship by the Willis W. and Ethel M. Clark Foundation will be accepted through Jan. 31.
The Investment in Community Fellowship is awarded each year to a deserving graduate student who was born, raised or lived on the Monterey Peninsula and who intends to return to the area and be of service to the local community after completing his/her graduate degree.
The award can be used to cover the ordinary costs of graduate school including tuition, books, room, and board.
Students have to be enrolled full-time in an advanced program of study. They have to prove they are receiving above average grades. They have to demonstrate commitment to volunteerism and public service. They need to have intention to remain connected to the Monterey Peninsula through work or residence.
Fellowship to be awarded Spring 2014. For more information about the Clark Foundation and the fellowship click here.
The Investment in Community Fellowship is awarded each year to a deserving graduate student who was born, raised or lived on the Monterey Peninsula and who intends to return to the area and be of service to the local community after completing his/her graduate degree.
The award can be used to cover the ordinary costs of graduate school including tuition, books, room, and board.
Students have to be enrolled full-time in an advanced program of study. They have to prove they are receiving above average grades. They have to demonstrate commitment to volunteerism and public service. They need to have intention to remain connected to the Monterey Peninsula through work or residence.
Fellowship to be awarded Spring 2014. For more information about the Clark Foundation and the fellowship click here.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Monterey High School Music Boosters wants your old, usable instruments
Do you have a used but playable musical instrument that you don't want anymore? Donate it to the Monterey High School Music Boosters! Donations of good quality instruments are tax deductible under our 501(c)(3) non-profit tax ID.
Your donations will help to ensure continued success for the instrumental Music Students at Monterey High School.
Email Lara Levy for more information! llevy@mpusd.k12.ca.us
or call 650-823-9706
Your donations will help to ensure continued success for the instrumental Music Students at Monterey High School.
Email Lara Levy for more information! llevy@mpusd.k12.ca.us
or call 650-823-9706
More on graduation requirements at MPUSD
If you read today's edition of The Herald, you no doubt saw the story about a few students at MPUSD who will not be able to participate in graduation ceremonies even though they say they were previously told they would. You can find the story here.
Apparently, it wasn't only high school students who were affected by late notification of graduation requirements.
Scuttlebutt tells me some middle school students were also told this week they would not be able to participate in their promotion ceremonies because their GPA wasn't up to par. Either the rules were changed so late in the year that nobody was properly notified of them, or the major communication breakdown that seems perennial at MPUSD now affected graduating students.
It's very sad, really. To think that these hard working and earnest students have been planning for this day for so long only to have their illusions shattered. Administrators and school officials make exceptions all the time, why wouldn't they this time?
Apparently, it wasn't only high school students who were affected by late notification of graduation requirements.
Scuttlebutt tells me some middle school students were also told this week they would not be able to participate in their promotion ceremonies because their GPA wasn't up to par. Either the rules were changed so late in the year that nobody was properly notified of them, or the major communication breakdown that seems perennial at MPUSD now affected graduating students.
It's very sad, really. To think that these hard working and earnest students have been planning for this day for so long only to have their illusions shattered. Administrators and school officials make exceptions all the time, why wouldn't they this time?
Monday, June 3, 2013
Allen S. Griffin Award honors nine Monterey Peninsula area teachers
Nine Monterey Peninsula area teachers were honored last month for demonstrating a high standard of sustained excellence in teaching. They each received the Allen S. Griffin Award for excellence in teaching at the High School through Post Secondary School levels including a check for $1,000 from the Allen S. Griffin Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC). The Allen S. Griffin fund is one of 28 scholarship and award funds of the more than 300 charitable funds held by the CFMC.
The 2013 Allen S. Griffin Award recipients are:
For High School:
Brenda Burran (Carmel High School – EL and Strategies)
Gary Childs II (Monterey High School – English)
Christine Berry (Seaside High School – Chemistry)
Kathy Buller (Pacific Grove High School – Spanish)
For Post Secondary School:
Kate Lockwood (CSU Monterey Bay – Computer Science)
Alice Lyman Miller (Navy Postgraduate School – Senior Lecturer)
Peter Ambler Shaw (MIIS – Applied Linguistics and Cross-Cultural Communication)
Haesook Han (Defense Language Institute - Korean)
Andres Durstenfeld (Monterey Peninsula College - Biology)
Established in 1982, the Allen S. Griffin Award was created by a bequest from the late Col. Allen Griffin, founder and former publisher of The Herald, soldier and civic leader, and one of the founders and former board president of the Community Foundation for Monterey County. The Griffin awards honor teachers with a record of sustained excellence in the classroom and significant impact in the community. The recipients are selected by a committee at each participating Monterey Peninsula school and the awards are given every two years.
The 2013 Allen S. Griffin Award recipients are:
For High School:
Brenda Burran (Carmel High School – EL and Strategies)
Gary Childs II (Monterey High School – English)
Christine Berry (Seaside High School – Chemistry)
Kathy Buller (Pacific Grove High School – Spanish)
For Post Secondary School:
Kate Lockwood (CSU Monterey Bay – Computer Science)
Alice Lyman Miller (Navy Postgraduate School – Senior Lecturer)
Peter Ambler Shaw (MIIS – Applied Linguistics and Cross-Cultural Communication)
Haesook Han (Defense Language Institute - Korean)
Andres Durstenfeld (Monterey Peninsula College - Biology)
Established in 1982, the Allen S. Griffin Award was created by a bequest from the late Col. Allen Griffin, founder and former publisher of The Herald, soldier and civic leader, and one of the founders and former board president of the Community Foundation for Monterey County. The Griffin awards honor teachers with a record of sustained excellence in the classroom and significant impact in the community. The recipients are selected by a committee at each participating Monterey Peninsula school and the awards are given every two years.
Only one person wants to be next MPUSD trustee for Marina
Trustees with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District will interview today the only candidate who filed to fill a vacancy on the board. Tom Jennings, a fire security technician, ran against Diane Creasey in the 2011 election, largely by attacking Creasey's record.
It seems like a foregone conclusion that he'll be appointed, seeing that no other candidates filed to be considered. Then again, these are strange times. Stay tuned.
It seems like a foregone conclusion that he'll be appointed, seeing that no other candidates filed to be considered. Then again, these are strange times. Stay tuned.
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