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Pacifica Wednesday WeeklySeptember 14, 2005 Welcome to a New Year at Pacifica Welcome to the 2005/2006 school year! We are off to an amazing start… such a connected, dedicated staff and amazingly supportive families… it would be hard to ask for more. There is already a very strong sense of community and belonging, which are essential elements of our program and make a world of difference for our kids. All of our classrooms are focused on the concept of Community. Each group has its own approach which you will find out more about in the first classroom meetings of the year. I know that for new families, learning looks a lot different here at Pacifica and I hope that everyone will take the time to attend monthly classroom meetings, whole school community meetings, workshops and events that will bring greater understanding of the learning process at Pacifica. Our staff has spent a good deal of their time this summer attending workshops and preparing for the year ahead. Many availed themselves of the opportunity to attend a week-long Integrated Arts workshop at the Music Center, a week-long Curriculum Writing workshop with Roger Taylor, a week-long workshop on Strategic Curriculum Design (incorporating standards and assessment) and a multi-day workshop on Alternative Energy Education. The staff also participated in three weeks of professional development and preparation time just before school started. This strong dedication to development and collaborative practices demonstrates the strong commitment of our staff to our kids and community and is respected beyond description. I also want to express appreciation for the continuing efforts of our veteran families to participate in the work needed to make Pacifica the school we want it to be for our kids. It truly requires our entire community’s involvement to keep our school going. In addition, our new families are jumping in with both feet! They are constantly offering assistance, actively seeking answers to their questions and joining in as full-fledged members right from the start. The energy this brings to the program and the support felt by the staff and students is incredible. We have set some goals as part of our strategic planning process that depend on your help. We are building our Integrated Arts program, designing a library/learning center and developing stronger music and language opportunities for our students. All of these efforts will require both time and money. Our Annual Giving Drive will be getting underway soon and I ask that every family participate. Just $5 per day, per student would provide over $100,000. Many of us are able to contribute at that level and it will make a huge difference if you do. I recognize that many families struggle to make ends meet and having even a few dollars left over at the end of the month can be difficult. Please know that even the smallest of contributions add up and that we are more likely to receive grants when the funding groups know that 100% of our families contribute to our Annual Giving fund. I know that we have all heard the sayings before that “It takes a village to raise a child” and “Together we are better” and how trite they sound. Yet, those phrases stick with us because they are true. We are not educating students to go out and survive the world as it is, we are educating students who will engage the world and make it the place they want it to be. Important Calendar Dates
General Information
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences Conferences will be held on Thursday 9/22 and Friday 9/23. It is important that every family attend. Sign up sheets are in the front entryway, on the glass cabinet doors. Our conferences ALWAYS include students, so please plan on bringing yours. This is an important time to establish the team aspect of education at Pacifica and get the year off to a good start. Important note: Lunch will begin at 12:15 and students MUST be picked up by 12:45. There is no aftercare on Conference Days. This means that if you have a 2:00 appointment, you can’t leave your child at school to wait until the appointment. If anyone would like to coordinate any special logistical needs, please feel free to post a notice and message board in the entryway. Classroom Parent Volunteer Training We will be offering hour-long volunteer training sessions over the next two weeks. All classroom volunteers are expected to attend at least one session. These sessions are intended to provide you with basic information about how to best support the classroom, how to communicate with students and staff and how to support conflict resolution. The first session will be Saturday 9/24 at 10:00am, followed by sessions Monday 9/26 at 9:00am, and Wednesday 9/28 at 2:00pm. More will be scheduled, if needed. Sign up sheets will be posted in the entryway – please make sure to sign up. If any particular meeting has no one signed up for it by 5:00 pm the preceding day, it will not be held. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Development We have a very rare opportunity to hear Marshall Rosenberg speak on Saturday 10/8 at Agape (see the attached flyer). I want to encourage the entire community to attend as you will walk away with an increased sense of how we approach communication at Pacifica and the impact it has on our kids. Sura Hart will be following up Marshall’s presentation with a workshop at Pacifica on Saturday 10/29 from 1:30-4:30pm. This will be a tremendous opportunity for interaction and practice with NVC. Community Meeting and Potluck Our first Community Meeting and Potluck of the year will be held on Wednesday 9/28 from 5:30-8:00pm. The meeting will begin at 6:15pm. Childcare will be provided during the meeting (not the potluck) for a $5/child donation, although students are encouraged to attend the meeting. Please plan to attend…we get very positive feedback about these events. Topics on the agenda will be: Parent Council, building community, fundraising, and true empowerment and self-esteem for our students. 826LA Please see the attached flyer for 826LA. They are located in Venice and offer free after-school tutoring until 5:30pm. They also offer incredible workshops throughout the year. We will be working in partnership with 826LA this year to bring writing support to the upper grades. Article of the Week As many of you saw in an e-mail message from Cheryl Ward, Alfie Kohn will be speaking in Los Angeles on April (you should also get a chance to hear a few members of our own Pacifica community at the same conference). He is a tremendous author, speaker and advocate for children and families, especially around the issue of intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation and the impacts they have on our children and society. When a flyer becomes available for this event, we will distribute it. I hope to whet your appetite a bit this week with a very pertinent article from Alfie Kohn, and encourage you to look at the booklist on our website (www.pacificaschool.org) for titles of his books. Remember, if you go to Amazon.com through our website, Pacifica will receive 5% of your purchase. This really adds up! Pacifica Fundraising Season Off to a Great Start! Annual GivingWe offer a big thank you to all who have already given so generously to Pacifica Community Charter School fundraising efforts. To you and new contributors, your money is working hard to bring the Pacifica agenda fully to life. The annual giving campaign is off to a good start this year with 100% of Pacifica Council participating in the voluntary drive, and continuing goal of 100% family participation. What does this mean? It means we are counting on everyone to support Pacifica fundraising by making a pledge to give an affordable amount of money. Every dollar counts, and Pacifica appreciates your donations tremendously.Contact: Cheryl Ward
“To receive everything, one must open one’s hands and
give.” Grocery Card Drive – 5X5X5 Next week marks the beginning of our Grocery Card Drive! Give us your grocery store card number (Albertsons, Vons/Pavilions, Ralphs etc.), we will register it with Pacifica in order to direct a portion of your shopping dollars to Pacifica. Your card number will stay the same, and Pacifica will be the beneficiary. Everyone, please encourage extended family members to register their cards with Pacifica, also. If every family brings in FIVE card numbers (neighbors, friends, co-workers & extended family), and stores offering up to FIVE % return, that FIVE hundred percent participation will bring us thousand$. With everyone’s participation, these funds can really add up, so sign up soon! Contact: Fundraising@pacificaschool.org Scrip is Available Watch for upcoming fundraiser and scrip information at our Community Table, staffed by parent volunteers, before and after school. Are you remodeling? Need a lift? We sell scrip for Home Depot, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Starbucks, Whole Foods, Staples and more. If you shop at Co-opportunity in Santa Monica, you can purchase scrip directly at the store. Make sure you tell them it’s for Pacifica! SAVE THE DATE Saturday November 12th, 2005 PACIFICA ART PARTY Fundraiser Plan to attend, bring family and friends… Immediately seeking donations of fine art, all kinds. Donations will be individually priced and sold for our fundraiser in the Range of $20.00 to $200.00. A great opportunity to contribute if you’re an artist, and a chance for everyone to own hand made art work of all kinds at great prices, with proceeds going to Pacifica Community Charter School. Check your box for more info. Special Thanks to all the people who have signed up for the Fundraising Committee. There’s always room for more! Contact: Anna Wayne, Kellie Briley Meet the Staff Note: Tracie Jones, Leah deVeyra, Patrick Garland, Melinda Ahrens and Lisa Covington will be featured in the next Wednesday Weekly. Cindy Hagen Hi! I'm Cindy, one of the K-1 teachers. As this is my second year at Pacifica, I feel much more confident in my practice, now that all of the first-year jitters are out of the way. (A special thanks to all the families who made it through last year with me!) This year, I am taking on the position of Teacher Rep on the council, so I look forward to seeing everyone at the meetings. (Remember, the meetings are open to the entire community!) I am also sort of the staff photographer, so if there is something exciting going on that you'd like to document with photos, please, feel free to come get me, or borrow my camera. I always have it with me. I'm looking forward to a great year and getting to know all of the new families. My classroom is the last one on the left side of the playground, so please come and introduce yourselves if we haven't met yet! My door is always open... Cristina Trevizo I'm Cristina Trevizo, mother of Estee, Gabe and Josh, who are 12, 9 and 5 years old. I am Cindy's Teaching Assistant in the K-1 class and also the Independent Study teacher. My husband Gabe is Sascha's Teaching Assistant in the 4th/5th grade class. We feel very fortunate to have gained this tremendous opportunity to all be here together as a family at Pacifica. I am a native of Los Angeles who grew up in the community of Echo Park/Silverlake. I studied Child Development at Glendale Community College and transferred to Azusa Pacific University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development with a minor in English. I am currently studying at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, where I am studying for my Master's Degree in Human Development and am also in the Teacher Education Program there.
Looking forward to more fun-filled moments and an exciting school year!
I’d like to dedicate this entry to my friend Gigi who I met the first time I came to this Pacifica site the summer before school started. She is no longer with us but during the time I knew her I learned a lot about non-violent communication by listening to how she talked to her children. Many times she was frustrated with the process but she never gave up. Gigi gave her children a lifetime gift. I see her in my mind’s eye smiling to know I am now teaching at this school. Her vivacious spirit was intoxicating to all who knew her. Her children, Brigitte and Jackie, are resilient individuals with an optimistic outlook. They embody the Pacifica spirit; empathetic listeners and self-advocates, sensitive and giving as their mother modeled for them. Gigi’s girls and my own daughters met at Pacifica and remain close friends. They reminisce often about the “unusual” experiences they had at Pacifica. At the time Pacifica was just forming and parents came and went—one endeavor I will never forget was called “Self Exploration” and involved bleaching streaks of my daughter’s dark hair blonde. I had just given birth to my youngest child, (my son who will be turning five in November), and was still in shock that we chose to break out of the conventional schooling world so her hair color decision left me only mildly suspect. It felt like a honeymoon in a way—like we got our children back. They were not caught up anymore in the keeping up game. Even though they were often unhappy about the lack of organization I felt we made the right decision. They were not used to having to fill the time themselves and initiate learning. Allowed to voice their opinions and concerns I feel has made them self-aware and confident. Sometimes they acted out and in the process they learned that open communication leading to problem solving was the more productive choice. They met children from different walks of life than they would have by continuing at their conventional school. I saw it as a reprieve from the status quo and an idealistic vision worth exploring. Eventually though they seemed to be getting jaded and it wasn’t such a great fit for them anymore so we left the school to see how they would respond to the Waldorf teaching method, which I was studying at the time. Then we tried a Catholic school and now they are both in LAUSD Magnet programs in the area. Each is pursuing a different interest at the moment than I would have imagined of them a few years ago and yet now as teenagers transforming it makes perfect sense. One is interested in musical theater and the other is a cheerleader. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity last year to help form the Kindergarten program during Ocean Charter’s first year. As a Kindergarten teacher I was able to practice the Waldorf method with very few accommodations to LAUSD. We were bound by the charter to create an environment in which the five and six-year-olds could play, hear stories, learn finger plays, songs, circle games and watch puppet shows. I immersed myself in the wonderful literary artistry of the Grimm’s Brothers and engaged myself as a puppeteer. All the pieces seemed to be in place but because our rhythm and routine was such a priority the communication pieces often got overlooked. Mainly, I suspect, because the expectation for creating those learning moments was not the priority as it is here at Pacifica. So now I am back at Pacifica in awe of the transformation that has taken place in a few short years. I am not surprised though because I have seen the deep level of commitment, focus, drive, talent and compassion the teachers, council and administration have to fulfill the charter’s mission. I am honored to be included among those who are asked to bring their creativity and knowledge to this dynamic community. I am thrilled that there is an openness that will allow me to integrate my past experience into this new setting. Please stop by our K/1 room anytime to connect--lend a hand, sing a song, share a skill, read a book, tell a story, revisit your kinder roots, etc. we look forward to meeting you! Sascha Reese Some information I can share about myself: In some respects, I'm a fairly simple guy. I like to read, contemplate, make and listen to music, eat well, exercise, and spend quality time with people who enjoy my company. I'm ambitious, in the sense that I know something about the heights of self-realization people can achieve, and want to be as aware, loving, joyful, and creative as we can be. I have not learned the art of small talk, but I'm pretty easy to get along with, and I love to laugh. I love Star Wars movies. Gabe Trevizo My name is Gabriel (aka Gabe), father of Estee, Gabe and Josh who are in the 7th, 4th, and Kindergarten grades. I am also the husband of a very special woman, Cristina who happens to be Cindy's Teaching Assistant and the Independent Study teacher. As a family, this is a dream come true, to have the entire family together in one school, especially a school like Pacifica. I am
also, like my wife, a native of Los Angeles. I grew up in the community
of Glassell Park/Eagle Rock. I have been fortunate to be a big part of
the community in the last five years as a baseball and basketball coach.
I am also a professional drummer in a rock band. I have been studying
Child Development at Glendale Community College and will be entering a
Bachelor's Program in the upcoming year to study Music. Stephanie Richard Hello everyone, I'm Stephanie Richard, teacher of 5th and 6th grade at Pacifica. Hmm... what is the pertinent information you should know about me?
I came to Pacifica because the right and privilege of a public education is one I defend quite fiercely. I also believe that a teacher can only be effective when they are supported, mentored and valued by the larger school community. I feel all of those things very strongly at Pacifica and am very grateful for the cohesive community that is being built here. John-Robin William Gilmer MacMillan Pike A native of Los Angeles, he enjoys art, learning foreign languages, reading, writing, hiking, learning, teaching, and cultivating exotic succulents and native plants. John-Robin studied English literature at UCLA and Oxford and lived in the European country of Slovenia for about a year. John-Robin happened upon Pacifica quite by accident, and believes it to be an act of cosmic fate since he loves Pacifica and its unique community. He is especially fond of his class and is really enjoying the connection he feels both with and among his returning students as well as his newer students. In fact, within less than one week of school, John-Robin's class has been able to succeed in team building activities which were ever a challenge to last year's class. Laura Weaver This is my third year at Pacifica as a parent (my daughter Rayla is in Leah's class), and my second year as a staff member. My "official" title is Communications Facilitator, but last year we called my position "student support" or "empathy" or "resource". In short, I help students that are in conflict or crisis, and will be assisting the classroom staff in bringing NVC to our students. For the four years previous to coming to Pacifica, I was a head teacher and the licensee at Venice Parents Daycare & Preschool. In addition, I have five years experience, in various settings, teaching and tutoring students ranging from K-12. I have a B.A. in Communications, and have done some graduate work in counseling psychology, and hold certificates in hypnotherapy and interactive media. Janette Kiso I am now in my 4th year at Pacifica (on staff and as a parent). This is my second year in an administrative role. The relationships and creativity that abound here make Pacifica an unparalleled experience for students, families and staff. Prior to Pacifica, I taught at a small, independent private school in Manhattan Beach. My B.S. degree from MIT is in molecular biology and I completed two years of graduate work at Harvard. I have three kids - Michelle is 18 and living in Costa Rica, volunteering with the Peace Army; Bobby (a Pacifica grad) is a sophomore at Mira Costa High School and enjoys baseball, fishing and computer role playing games; Michael is in his 4th year at Pacifica (and is in Stephanie’s class)… I will let you meet him in person. What’s Up in Classrooms? Cindy’s group This year is off to a fantastic start! Thanks to all of the families participating in Family Literacy. You have made it a huge success! We began our photo literacy last week by discussing a photo and then building and acting out a story around it. That led into several kids wanting to make their own mini-play, so we have two groups working on that this week. We also began working on Math About Me, where kids get to explore the numbers pertinent to their lives. We will also be doing a fingerprint investigation to emphasize the uniqueness of everyone in the class. Please stop by anytime and check out what's going on! Miriam’s group Parent support has been tremendous for our class; curtain rods have been hung (no easy feat at twenty feet up), groceries delivered, obstacle courses set-up, shelves cleaned, books read, tables sanded, mice purchased and much, much more. Our first week in class we played lots of circle games like, Cut the Cake (a version of Duck, Duck, Goose) and Sleeping Mummy. Our name games are helping us to learn each other’s names. We are continuing to establish our rhythm that includes holding the snakes at the end of the day, a very popular activity. There has been a lot of building and exploration of the classroom materials. We are learning about each other’s boundaries and interests. I’ve noticed moments of one on one and small group play that purrs like a satisfied kitten and then other moments of conflict that screech like a speeding car veering away from a frightened cat. It is the latter moments I have noticed that often are creating connections like pearls of understanding on a necklace. Sascha’s group I am working with the third and fourth-grade state standards. Since the beginning of the year we have worked with latitude and longitude, photosynthesis, the food chain, place value, various movement exercises incorporating elements of yoga and aikido, plot summarization, and musical notation. Stephanie’s group This week finds my class unpacking the complex concept of the U.S. Constitution. Through a mock framing of our own "constitution" and trials brought before a student "supreme court", we will explore such tenets as: individual rights, government's rights, privacy, and others. Because questions concerning the Constitution are so alive now with the current confirmation hearings for Chief Justice, I believe it is important to make kids aware of a process and people who could well influence and shape their futures. Because we plan to investigate every concept in class through the broader focus of social justice and the interdependence between people in a community, we will be looking at concepts of the Constitution through those lenses as well. John-Robin’s group So far, Group 6, as the 7th and 8th graders are temporarily known, has begun their study of Geometry. They are discussing current events and politics on a regular basis as well as participating in team building exercises. Additionally, they have begun journaling and their year-long vocabulary studies. Furthermore, the students have all selected books and have begun reading independently. They look forward to beginning their study of science, history, language arts, art, and sinking their teeth into project work. It is already a good year for Group 6, the class that John-Robin has the pleasure of working with. |
