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The News Gallery
June 2006
A JOB WELL DONE - Heather Houston, Valedictorian of the La Sierra Military Academy, is Just One of Several Scholarship Winners
Editor: Robert HermanPublic Information Officer
(559) 733-6606
Contributors to this issue:
Darlynn Billingsley, Christine Chapman, Priscilla Gomez, Shelly DiCenzo, Lorena White, Tom Byars, Janet Hettinger, Hope DeLeon, Anita Solis, Minnie Chase, Kathy Ingoldsby, Lorene Valentino, Mike Franco, Linda Hess, Mike Stephens, and Connie Smith.
The News Gallery is published monthly with the exception of double issues printed for July/August and December/January. If you would like to receive the News Gallery, please contact Christine Chapman at chrisc@tcoe.org or (559) 733-6172 and provide your name and address.
Award-Winning Students Look Forward
Students Value Educational Experience at TCOE Charter High School
As the school year draws to a close and La Sierra Charter High School prepares for graduation – both at the Military Academy campus in Visalia and at the traditional campus in Porterville – teachers and administrators look back at student growth and achievement. For Dr. Lorene Valentino, administrator for the La Sierra Military Academy, two of the many students who stood out were Valedictorian Heather Houston and senior Charles Jones. "Heather is a remarkable young woman," says Dr. Valentino. "She came to us this year as a junior, with plans to graduate early. She did it, while taking classes at College of the Sequoias, working part-time and taking on extra-curricular duties like the layout of our school annual." In addition to being honored as the class valedictorian, Heather will receive the Don Atkinson scholarship – given in memory of the late Tulare County Board of Education trustee by his wife, Beverly Atkinson. After graduation, Heather will continue her coursework at COS while zeroing in on a major and career plans.
Another student that has already joined Heather at COS is Ivanhoe senior Charles Jones. Charles has excelled in La Sierra's computer-based graphics course, taught by Mike Franco. At COS, Charles is completing courses required for "A-Plus" computer repair certification. He plans to continue at COS until he can transfer to a university in San Diego and complete coursework necessary to then apply for a career in the Navy's Nuclear Propulsion Program. Both students reflected on their experience at La Sierra, crediting the "one-on-one" attention from teachers as a major reason for their success.
"One of the greatest sources of pride for La Sierra in Porterville is the award won by sophomore Jamie Belcher," says principal Jan Mekeel. Jamie entered the first annual Tulare County Foundations for Life essay competition organized by the Tulare County Office of Education last fall. Foundations for Life is a new national competition from the developers of the CHARACTER COUNTS! Program. Students write essays based on maxims, like the one Jamie chose: "The day you quit school, you condemn yourself to a future of poverty." This maxim is attributed to retired Los Angeles educator, Jaime Escalante. For her essay, which received a perfect score in the tenth-grade category nationally, Jamie will receive a $1,000 scholarship from Foundations for Life.
"It's satisfying to see how students are finding their niche on our La Sierra campuses," says Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak. "One need only visit these schools to see young people who value their education and are looking toward the future."
Photos above:
~ Senior Charles Jones plans to take his La Sierra experience and additional coursework he's completing at COS and explore a technology career, possibly with the Navy.
~ La Sierra Porterville sophomore Jamie Belcher receives congratulations from County Superintendent Jim Vidak for her first place win in the national Foundations for Life essay competition. Read Jamie's winning essay.
Migrant Adults Find Array of Health Services
Health Fairs Run in Partnership With Tulare Community Health Clinic
This year, in 13 Kings and Tulare County communities, Migrant Education nurses Anita Solis, Minnie Chase and Kathy Ingoldsby have worked in partnership with health professionals from the Tulare Community Health Clinic to conduct free information fairs for the parents of migrant students. Time and time again, the team has been able to detect life-threatening conditions in the adults attending the fairs. "Diabetes, hypertension and anemia are the most commonly seen conditions," says Minnie Chase. "We've seen some severe cases, which left untreated could have been fatal."
"The partnership with the Tulare Community Health Clinic is really helping protect these migrant families — promoting better health for parents and their care for our students," says Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak. The health fairs provide valuable screenings for migrant laborers at no cost. The screenings typically include blood pressure checks, vision exams, blood testing for diabetes and anemia, and height and weight monitoring.
Several outside organizations also typically participate in the health fairs, including local fire and police departments and the University of California Cooperative Extension, providing information on resources available in the community. Parents can pick up information regarding dental health, nutrition, car seat safety, fire safety, the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC), available HIV educational programs, health insurance, domestic violence and vehicle safety. "We've also had Detective Aguilar, from the Tulare County Sheriff's Department, come and talk to our parents about gang issues," says Anita Solis. Detective Aguilar also speaks to Tulare County students about gang issues through a program run cooperatively with the Tulare County Office of Education.
The health fairs are made possible by a three-year grant received by the Tulare Community Health Clinic. For more information on future events, contact Olga Cortez at (559) 651-3035.
Photos above:
~ Tulare Community Health Clinic's Dynalyn DeLosReyes takes a blood sample from parent Leticia Barrera during a Migrant Health Fair held at Waukena Elementary.
~ Migrant Nurse, Kathy Ingoldsby, checks Guadalupe Vera's blood pressure as a screening measure for hypertension. The Waukena Health Fair was one of 13 held this school year in communities throughout Kings and Tulare Counties.
CAC Honors Dedication, Reports Progress
Annual Luncheon Recognizes Exemplary Service to Students With Special Needs
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is an organization that includes several parents of students with special needs. As appointed by Tulare County school districts and the Tulare County Board of Education, one of the committee's many duties is to honor people, agencies and businesses that support special education. They do this wholeheartedly at the annual CAC Luncheon held in Visalia each May. The event is also an opportunity for the CAC, the Directors of Special Education Committee and the Superintendents' Governance Committee to report on progress made in serving Tulare County students with special needs.
After a well-choreographed set of dance and lip synch performances by the Creative Center Players, Karen Andersen, chairperson for the CAC and a resource specialist for Dinuba Unified, presented certificates of appreciation to 13 teachers, aides, administrators and Amethyst Valdivia — a Tulare student who exhibits incredible spirit at home and school despite her disabilities. "The many people — each with different roles — brought together because of their dedication to students with special needs, makes this event one of the most rewarding recognitions held each year," says Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak.
Dr. Marilyn Rankin, assistant superintendent of Special Services and Carol Barnett, program manager for Designated Instructional Services, recognized Paul Harrington, programmer analyst with TCOE's Information Systems Department and parent of a child with autism. Mr. Harrington was honored for the countless hours he dedicated to the development of an on-line resource for parents and teachers of children with autism.
Following these presentations, Dr. Mike Stephens, administrator for Severely Handicapped Services, presented the Brent Rast Award. The annual award, given in memory of Mr. Rast who was also a teacher of the severely handicapped, this year went to Occupational Training Program (OTP) teacher Greg Owens. Mr. Owens has worked with the severely handicapped through Tulare County Office of Education programs since 1988.
Photos above:
~ Students from the Creative Center delighted attendees with several dance numbers. The Creative Center is an arts-based non-profit organization assisting developmentally disabled adults.
~ Greg Owens accepts the 2006 Brent Rast Award from Dr. Mike Stephens.
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2006 CAC Honorees |
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Cora Neill
TCOE Resource Specialist, Rockford Elementary School Jill Greathouse Kindergarten Teacher, Earlimart Elementary School Robert Denithorne Math Teacher, Steve Garvey Jr. High School, Lindsay Ron Hellstern Owner, ServiceMaste by Hellstern Susan Bitner Special Education Secretary, Porterville Unified School District Pat Contreras Principal, Los Robles Elementary School, Porterville Sue Sanders First Grade Teacher, Lincoln Elementary School, Exeter Greg Simpson RSP Teacher, Exeter Union High School, Exeter Michelle Kennedy Social Studies Teacher, Farmersville High School, Farmersville Amethyst Valdivia Student, Los Tules Middle School, Tulare Fred Nave Director of Student Services, Visalia Unified School District Ron McCabe Principal, River Bend School, Visalia Vito Bianchini Behavior Technician, River Bend School, Visalia |
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Special Award Paul Harrington Programmer Analyst, Tulare County Office of Education Brent Rast Award Greg Owens Teacher, Occupational Training Program, Visalia |
Excellence in Education Winners Announced
Judges Impressed by Winners' Extraordinary Community Service
A selection committee of 17 Tulare County business, community and educational leaders met last month to choose the Tulare County Administrator/Manager of the Year, Teacher of the Year and School Employee of the Year for 2006. The Excellence in Education Awards recognition program, now celebrating its 12th year, honors "the best of the best" in the three categories. "The common thread that runs through the lives of this year's winners is their willingness to serve their students above and beyond their daily responsibilities. Each person is deeply committed to the betterment of their respective communities and demonstrates it in very creative ways," says County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak.
Susan Mathews, who teaches Drama and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) classes at Green Acres Middle School in Visalia, was selected as the 2006 Tulare County Teacher of the Year. For the past 12 years, she has directed/produced the Green Acres Little Theatre all-school musicals. In 2004, she established the Green Acres Little Theatre Foundation to support the continuation of theatrical excellence. A classroom teacher for 18 years, Ms. Mathews has dedicated her life to bringing out the very best in all students, regardless of ability. She is also an active participant in many local theater productions.
Silvia Thomas, counseling technician at the College of the Sequoias, is the 2006 School Employee of the Year. A valued employee for 34 years, Silvia provides orientation to new students as part of her many tasks. Because of her fluency in Spanish and Sign Language and a genuine interest when communicating, many seek her out for assistance. The enjoyment Ms. Thomas receives by helping others is not limited to COS. She often travels to Tijuana and Ecuador during spring and summer breaks to assist those in need, and volunteers five nights a week as an announcer on KARM, a local Christian radio station.
Manuel Lucero, the assistant principal of Dinuba High School, was selected Administrator/Manager of the Year. Mr. Lucero has increased opportunities for Dinuba students by expanding the school's summer program. Under his leadership, the program has grown from 200 to over 500 students. He also coordinates Dinuba High School's Folklorico and Mariachi program and has built a strong network in the Dinuba community. Working with the local Police Department, Manuel has helped organize parent information nights on gangs and the dangers of drugs.
Tulare County Office of Education's Adam Valencia, program coordinator for Reconnecting Youth, was named a finalist in the Administrator/Manager of the Year category. Teacher of the Severely Handicapped Greg Owens was the Tulare County Office of Education's Teacher of the Year nominee. View the complete list of winners, finalists and nominees below. Award recipients will be honored at a recognition breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. on October 4, 2006, at the Visalia Convention Center.
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2006 Excellence in Education Awards |
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Administrator / Manager of the Year Winner Manuel Lucero Dinuba High School, Dinuba Unified School District Finalists Janis Lehmann Tulare Tech Prep and Valley High School, Tulare Jt. Union High School District Adam Valencia Reconnecting Youth Program, Tulare County Office of Education Nominees Frank Betry Terra Bella Union School District Les Hanson Lindsay Unified School District David Huchingson Burton Middle School, Burton Elementary School District Frank Murphy Cutler-Orosi Unified School District Anne Rudig Conyer Elementary School, Visalia Unified School District Robert Urtecho College of the Sequoias Lisa Whitworth Bartlett Middle School, Porterville Unified School District |
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Teacher of the Year Winner Susan Mathews Green Acres Middle School, Visalia Unified School District Finalists Bertha Avitia Maple Elementary School, Tulare City Elementary School District Douglas Snider Rocky Hill Elementary School, Exeter Union Elementary School District Nominees Frank Ainley Woodlake Union High School, Woodlake Union High School District Jim Crawford Woodlake Valley Middle School, Woodlake Union Elementary School District Nancy Frank Lincoln Elementary School, Lindsay Unified School District Debra Hansen College of the Sequoias Sandra Hellwig Sequoia Union Elementary School, Sequoia Union Elementary School District Kelly Jantzen Freedom Elementary School, Farmersville Unified School District Sue Marcotte Jim Maples Academy, Burton Elementary School District Lisa Meneses Springville Union Elementary School, Springville Union Elementary School District James Nyberg Exeter Union High School, Exeter Union High School District Greg Owens Occupational Training Program, Tulare County Office of Education Robert Rutherford Washington Intermediate School, Dinuba Unified School District Cathy Uphoff Bartlett Middle School, Porterville Unified School District Erik Walker Alila School, Earlimart Elementary School District Kathy Zakarian Tulare Western High School, Tulare Jt. Union High School District |
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School Employee of the Year Winner Silvia Thomas College of the Sequoias Finalists Victor Flores Freedom Elementary School, Farmersville Unified School District Victoria Johnson Castle Rock Elementary School, Woodlake Union Elementary School District Nominees Pete Arellano West Putnam Elementary School, Porterville Unified School District Michael Burkey Burton Elementary School District Christy Garcia Springville Union Elementary School, Springville Union Elementary School District Bernadine Landeros Exeter Union High School District Macario "Max" Lopez Sierra Vista High School, Dinuba Unified School District Rudy Machado El Diamante High School, Visalia Unified School District Marian Pickering Alila School, Earlimart Elementary School District Carmen Pruneda Palm Elementary School, Cutler-Orosi Unified School District Martha Sandoval Lincoln Elementary School, Exeter Union Elementary School District Brenda Sierdsma Tulare Joint Union High School District Frances Smolenski-Pyles Alta Vista Elementary School, Alta Vista Elementary School District |
Local Author Shares Stories
Nearly 600 first, second and third graders attended the week-long Storytelling event in the Education Center last month. Lemoore Author and Storyteller, Rick Rossiter, shared stories from his books: "Mommy, I Need Your Help" and "The Greedy Man in the Moon," a retelling of a traditional Chinese folk tale. Mr. Rossiter also shared his experience in getting his books published. "It's a joy to hear students laughing in the building," says County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak. "And to know they are growing in their love for good stories and their knowledge of how those stories get published."
Photo above:
~ Lemoore author and storyteller Rick Rossiter shares a tale.
Spotlight
On People in Service and Support
CHOICES staff members provided anti-bullying training for approximately 175 Pixley seventh- and eighth-grade students last month. Each group of students participated in over 90 minutes of training. Students started by taking a short quiz to see if they had ever been a bully. During the training, students learned what bullying is, why it's harmful and dangerous, and how it can be avoided. During the sessions, students participated in role-play activities to demonstrate — to their classmates — five techniques to avoid bullying. They also viewed a short video titled, "Gum in My Hair," and discussed issues it presented. CHOICES' Friday Night Live staff members will be working with the students to continue anti-bullying activities on the Pixley campus.
School Health Program Manager, Candy Hilvers, was recently named Administrator of the Year by the Central Valley Section of the California School Nurses Organization. Ms. Hilvers oversees the Tulare County Office of Education's school nurses, the Nutrition Network, the Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Program (CAN) and the Community Challenge Grant.
"Our students won't let us forget to plan this event," says Special Services' Administrator for Severely Handicapped Services Mike Stephens. Hundreds of students from Tulare County high schools and Community-Based Instruction classes, operated by the Tulare County Office of Education, look forward to the annual end-of-the-year picnic at Mooney Grove Park. For some, it was a day to enjoy the pond and the warm spring weather. For others, it was an opportunity to dance with friends to tunes provided by Friday Night Live's Gene Mendes and Tony Cavanagh.
Gallery Notes
La Sierra Military Academy will hold an open house June 2 and 3, for parents interested in visiting its Visalia campus. For the first time in the school's six-year history, middle school students and their parents are invited to attend. In response to many requests from parents of middle school students, the school is considering adding a Junior Academy to their facility at 1735 East Houston for the 2006 – 2007 school year. During the open house, visitors can enjoy the Ranger Competition, which features teams of cadets involved in physical challenge activities. Tours of the school will also be held. The open house is scheduled for Friday, June 2, from 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning, June 3, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. For more information, call Lorene Valentino at (559) 733-6963.
The Services for Education and Employment (SEE) Youth Program is currently enrolling youth, ages 16 to 21, for its Summer Youth Employment Program. The program gives Tulare County high school students and others a chance to enhance their school credits by attending Summer School and/or earn valuable work experience. The SEE Youth Program has been assisting Tulare County low-income youth with summer employment for over 20 years. This year's program will also include employment opportunities for higher-income youth. This comes by way of a collaboration between the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, Tulare County Workforce Investment Department, Inc., and the Tulare County Office of Education, SEE Youth Program. For more information, call (559) 733-6730.
Jim Vidak
County Superintendent of Schools
Tulare County Office of Education
2637 West Burrel
P.O. Box 5091
Visalia, CA 93278-5091
phone: (559) 733-6300
fax: (559) 737-4378
TTY (hearing impaired): (559) 733-6307
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