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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

School Lunch Anyone?

There has been lots of media coverage about school lunches and how “unhealthy” that they are. Then there may be our own remembrances of school lunches, which at times are less than positive. However, NONE of that applies in RUSD as we have a great food nutrition program and our food service staff thinks it is all about nutrition and healthy eating habits.

As related on a local CBS affiliate states, five years ago, the first salad bars were initiated in the District and then expanded to all but one of our elementary schools.  Our students enjoy the salad bars and eat much healthier as a result.  As we are coming up on the five year anniversary, there will be a celebration including Undersecretary Kevin Concannon of the USDA from Washington, D.C. The celebration will be held on April 16th at Emerson Elementary School at 9:30 a.m. As an additional welcome, students have offered an invitation to First Lady Michelle Obama to attend.

We welcome all of you to attend this great celebration of what is “right” with our cafeteria food and efforts in RUSD. As a bonus, we have a public service announcement (click here) regarding the GREAT food service program in our District.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Poly @ FIRST

Saturday, in addition to family duties, I had the great opportunity to visit the Long Beach Arena where our Poly students entered their first robotics completion in the 2010 Los Angeles Regional event of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). The FIRST event is co-sponsored by USC College of Engineering and JPL (NASA Jet Propulsion Lab) along with many other science, engineering and technology firms. You knew it was a pretty amazing event when you walked in and safety glasses and lab coats were the “cool” dress for the day – additionally there was huge excitement and people rushing around with their 100+ pound, multi-function robots making corrections and modifications (including software and wireless communications).

Unlike robot competitions of an earlier era, these games required the cooperation of one 3-team multi-high school group to compete against another 3-team of robots in a game resembling a soccer game (along with lots of twists and turns) with amped up music and crowd engagement.

This was the Poly team’s first season and they did well – as there are lots of rules, requirements, and learning that must go into it. Kudos to the team, their teacher, John Gifford, the very supportive parents that were there, and the corporate partners involved. Strong commitment was necessary just to get to this event and compete.


I wish the Poly team well in their endeavors to prepare for next year’s competition along with other high schools that are interested in this exciting competition. If people are concerned about the unemployment figures for the Inland Empire and California in general, I wish that could see the creativity and industry in the room. It makes me believe that there are solutions and great hope with our students and economy.

Monday, March 29, 2010

More Budget Information

We continue work to both close our budget gap as well as communicate information about what we are doing and what the circumstances are at any given time (as this picture is constantly changing based on modifications from the state, as well as the actions that we must take). In that regard, I provided some references to that information previously that is found in various locations on our RUSD webpage. At this time, we are also providing a Fact Sheet regarding some of the issues and information regarding the budget. As things change with time (e.g., May Revise, etc.), we will attempt to keep the Fact Sheet updated and accurate.

You can find the “button” to take you to the budget facts in the upper right hand corner of the opening RUSD webpage or click here. We hope that this continues to provide timely information to all as the situation continues to change.  Additionally, you may be interested in President Vanderzyl's OpEd piece in the Press Enterprise on Sunday.

Friday, March 26, 2010

VSAF4

Great work was done yesterday by many of our Special Education teachers and others in producing VSAF (Very Special Art Fair) at Ramona High School that included students from preschool through adult. Students from across our District participated in the event along with community partners. Students both showed their art work as well as created art work at the VSAF event.

The event has been recognized far beyond the bounds of Riverside, but most importantly, it is recognized in Riverside as the event to attend and participate in. The leadership for creating and leading this great event was provided by Mr. Briscoe and Ms. Nakama, teachers at Ramona HS.  Thank you to all that assisted and participated in this great event.



Wednesday, March 24, 2010

And / OR

One of the more important documents that is out there swirling around the Internet is the new federal / Obama “A Blueprint for Reform” document. This document ostensibly lays out the plan that the President and feds have for the reauthorization of ESEA legislation (i.e., Title I, etc.). Obviously, Title I and other related federal funding for education drives lots of things in public education (in all the states) – to wit NCLB and its ramifications. In a time of economic downturn and stimulus packages, federal money becomes even more relevant (with or without “strings”) in the public education discussion.

While others are postulating its impact, I am still muddling through it and I am not sure what I think of it yet, I did note some curious though ultimately huge changes in the direction proposed (reauthorization is a ways off yet). While there is discussion of students graduating "college and career ready" (old stuff) – it seems clear that this is no longer an either/or paradigm, but the pressure is on AND – that is, students should be BOTH college and career ready upon their graduation from high school. Shifting from an OR mentality to an AND mentality is a huge shift. The second issue, though not as immediately apparent, is the idea that the federal government will somehow be responsible for and run our schools – which is more than a bit curious as it has always been a constitutional and states’ rights issue. So, if that is true, what happens when a state or district just says no?

So have you read the “blueprint” and do you have thoughts on its direction, implications, and ultimate impacts on public education?

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Ramona High School

While King HS was “remembering,” Ramona HS was having its spring pep rally for the athletic teams and program. The time was spirited and certainly “in the moment,” as you would expect. However, what was refreshing and maybe even extraordinary were the cheers and support for those students that may have an additional challenge, but are participating in the Special Olympics program. The cheers, recognition, and support were every bit as great, as for the other athletes.

Congratulations to the Ramona High student body for the deserved support of their colleagues in pursuit of athletics, and their maturation to see beyond the impediments that all of us possess. Good job Ramona High School!!

Monday, March 22, 2010

King High does Remember

Friday was the 10th annual King High Remembers celebration of the contributions of our military veterans and the sharing of their personal history. There were vets from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, etc. I can’t figure out who this event is more important for – our deserving vets, us, or the students. This is history that none of our students are going to “forget” – even if it is not on the test. The fact is that King High does Remember and records much of it on their specialized website for this event.

We should also be thankful for history teacher and department chair, John Corona, and his initial vision and leadership that started with 28 veterans for his 11th grade history classes to interview. That vision with lots of help from others, AND John’s continued leadership has developed into the outstanding program of 2010 with over 200 vets – which is reported on local television as well as other forums.

I was able to finish my day on Friday at the Riverside Marriott with the Military Ball for our JROTC students. They are the next generation and are learning more than “what’s in the book” in the JROTC program. The evening is built on receiving lines, social skill development, esprit de corps, and personal presentation.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

A new TOMORROW in Riverside?

As mentioned before in previous posts, we have extraordinary students.  During the recent City of Riverside / RUSD essay contest entitled, My Perfect Tomorrow: How I Envision Riverside as a City of Arts and Innovation one of our 6th grade student wrote the following essay.  The most amazing part is that student rises above her challenges and sees the future.  She challenges us to see the same kind of bright future and then make it happen.  Enjoy!

Every time I think of Annie’s song, “Tomorrow,” I think tomorrow might be a better day, because my life is like hers. I am not an orphan, but I am a foster kid, so I know how it feels to have to look forward to better days. In a way, it’s the same thing for Riverside. Riverside right now isn’t the “City of Arts and Innovation,” but if we all work together and realize how great art and innovation could be for Riverside, it could be! It would only be a matter of time.


Making Riverside over will take money and it will take people putting their hearts into it. If we don’t believe, we won’t have a perfect tomorrow. All my life I have heard, “If you don’t believe, then don’t try.” Believing will keep you trying. I really do believe that we could make it happen.

I have learned that it is not always easy being a foster kid, just like I know that turning Riverside around won’t be easy either. Tomorrow is not easy to predict. I love art and I think it would be great, not only for me, but for everyone. I think Riverside would be perfect as the “City of Arts and Innovation.” Some people have told me, “Don’t get your hopes up.” But of course I do. I can’t help myself. Even if I don’t get to ever go back to my dad, I don’t look at the down-side. There’s always a down-side to everything, but if you only focus on the down-side, what do you get?

I would never look at the down-side of making Riverside the “City of Arts and Innovation.” I am not saying that it will happen, but why live your life unhappy? If you don’t try, the sun might never come out, but if you want to be happy, just try and the sun will come out. I think it will take a lot of people helping though. If people keep going to the theaters, the theaters will grow and grow.

See, Annie was just waiting for tomorrow to come. That is something we can’t do because the City of Riverside can’t just magically become “The City of Arts and Innovation.” We have to want it and work at it. I bet the last thing you want to do is work, and I know that it won’t be easy, but it won’t be that hard either. If we work together and if we believe that tomorrow will be a better day, it will be. Riverside can be better, maybe not today, but it could be to tomorrow. We could make Riverside the “City of Arts and Innovation” tomorrow. With tomorrow, we always have another day.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Giving Back

It was great to be part of the inaugural Joanna Hayes Foundation celebration last night. Joanna, as most, if not all of you are aware was an RUSD student that graduated from John W. North High School and then went on to Olympic gold in track. However, this night was the initiation of her foundation and the first class of girls that will be working with Joanna and her “10 Hurdles to Success.”

Joanna’s concept is to work with girls and train them to be successful women and citizens during a 12 week course taught by her.  At graduation she will provide each senior with financial support for their next step in post-secondary education. Joanna is supported by the Community Foundation, Kellogg Foundation, and many others. Once again we have a successful Riversider who has been successful and is now giving back to our students and community.  Great evening, great lady, great for Riverside!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Paradoxical Action / Improvements?

So last week I had the opportunity to listen on a conference call from officials in Sacramento to superintendents and others across the state regarding the federal Race To The Top (RTTT) grant. Though the state did not get RTTT funding and is not on the short list (not news). In the call they indicated that we would be applying again (deadline in June 1) and were “fully committed” to the state reforms that had been put in place as a result of RTTT as well as coming federal reforms.

At about the same time, we are notified about the Persistently Low-Achieving Schools (PLAS) list that was adopted by the State Board of Education (and is part of RTTT legislation). This was done after crazy announcements, changes, modifications, and more announcements – so now we know which of us are PLAS and in the lowest 5% of the state schools (kinda').

I am all for reforming our system and making it better – who can argue with that – but I don’t “get it.” One of the key and “persistent” strategies of both RTTT and PLAS (ergo the state) is to reconstitute poor performing schools by replacing the principal and a large portion of the staff – thereby “fixing” our schools. At the same time there is little or no evidence or research to support that proposition/reform.

For an interesting, multi-perspective of California’s RTTT status and future, I would suggest you look at this website. I would hope that both California and the feds rethink their reconstitution strategy / reform.

Monday, March 15, 2010

NEW Standards in California!!

I received an announcement this past week from the California Superintendent of Public Instruction telling us that we were now moving to the national common core standards. I find that somewhat curious as we have been told for years that California standards were the best in the land (do you recall any better?). So are the federal core standards better (only in draft form and also not available until late last week)? How could they be better, if you don’t know what they are and could not have known about the draft before the decision was made in Sacramento? Is there any evidence that these new standards are any better OR more effective than the last set?

The other item that seems to be consistently linked to these National Core Standards discussion (which I guess are our new standards in California) is that they are “internationally benchmarked.” Really? What does that mean? How were they benchmarked internationally and to which countries and competing standards? I’m not sure I understand.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Transparency?

I know that these are difficult times and the simple and obvious seems to be neither. My commitment is to continually work for transparency in our operations. However, that being said, I am clear that transparency is an ideal that will never be fully realized – but we can certainly get a lot closer – and then continue that journey. I know that our Board is committed to the same principle.

I understand that some of you are frustrated that we don’t have more and better transparency; however, I believe that we have made substantial progress in the past year (not that we should stop or slow the pursuit of improved transparency). My concern though is that sometimes, people are not entirely clear on what options are available to them. If I could beg your indulgence, I would like to make sure that all that read this blog are aware (based on the hyperlinks below) of the various mechanisms that are availableAND we will still work on improving our communication and transparency.

Our webpage is a great resource and the primary location of most of this information – as it makes your ability to obtain it easy (we revised it for ease) and anonymous. On the opening page are news items of note that constantly change. The Board meetings are available from the agenda (in full detail) to the minutes (yes we do get behind with our staff reductions), Board Sub-Committee meetings, and podcasts of our Board meetings. We also have updates on negotiations as that becomes available and appropriate. Relative to the budget we have essentially ALL of our budget documents online and available …e.g., independent audit reports, budget documents, interim reports, presentations, county comparison data, activities of the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC).  Obviously, there is a lot more there, but you get the idea.  Additionally, to the degree that someone wishes to request a copy of something we will make every attempt to provide it, and if you can't find it -- please ask.

We will continue to work on improving in this important area of our operation of communication and provision of information in a timely manner.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

OUTSTANDING Performance

Great night last night!! We often spend time honoring the accomplishments of athletes and others (more power to them), but last night RCOE and Superintendent Kenn Young took and time and effort to recognize our most outstanding academic students from across Riverside County – and WOW do we have some GREAT students.

The highlight of the evening was the naming of the 10 members of the Riverside County – All County Academic Team. To get into this “club” it appeared that you had to score 2300+ on the SAT (2400 is perfect), have a GPA in excess of 4.5, have substantial involvement extra-curricular activities, plus, plus, plus. The 10 winners represented: Corona-Norco USD (1), Desert Sands USD (1), Hemet USD (1), Murrieta Valley USD (1), Palm Springs USD (1), Temecula Valley USD (1), and Riverside USD (4).

Our 4 students on the All County Academic Team included:
  • Sebastian Chiu, North HS
  • James Roose, North HS
  • Pablo Wudka-Robles, Poly HS
  • Nicole Xu, North HS

Congratulations not just to the All Academic Team, but to EVERY student recognized last night – they were all very deserving. Also thanks and congratulations to the parents, teachers, and staff that supported all of these achieving students.  Riverside has every reason to be proud!!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Distinguished School Validation Visits

I have been present for 3 of our 4 California Distinguished School validation visits (i.e., Twain, Woodcrest, Washington) conducted by the staff of RCOE.  In each case, it has been impressive work by the teachers and staff of each school.  The last visit (today) at Franklin Elementary will surely be of the same caliber.  While these schools are being considered for this prestigious recognition the same could be said for many of our schools and classrooms.

At one of my recent visits, the observers saw and commented on: 
  • GREAT teaching and learning in the classrooms,
  • strategic use of best practice,
  • significant learning and growth of students,
  • sophistication in the application of instructional strategies,
  • high levels of student engagement and response,
  • powerful and pervasive use of academic language by both teachers AND students,
  • consistent use of higher levels of Bloom's taxonomy,
  • issues of proximity,
  • well-crafted differentiation of instruction, professionalism of teachers, and
  • bottom-line a very student-centered school.
In conclusion, I can't imagine the job of the RCOE staff that get this task of validation visits.  The good news is that they see great and exciting teaching and learning in schools.  The bad news is that somehow they obviously have to make recommendations between VERY good schoolsCongratulations to ALL of our Distinguished School candidates and their staff members -- they are great regardless of the outcome and recognition.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

RCOE State of Ed

About a week ago, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Kenn Young, provided his annual State of Education speech. While there were the usual celebratory comments about the growth and progress of many schools and districts in the county – there was certainly a very sober attitude regarding the financial challenges.

Mr. Young began the financial section with a short video of the Depression – which was depressing as many are facing circumstances that are not that different. Some of the statistics were interesting and provided some perspective in our time. After the “crash” in 1929, unemployment was 25% and there was a national migration to moderate the impacts of the economic effects. It was interesting that in the 1933-34 school year, “most schools ended their school year in January” with some of the schools in the nation never even opening at all – as there were no funds. In our time (2009-10) Hawaii has determined that it will decrease their school year by 17 days by taking every Friday off from January through June.

While in a global economy and increasing clarity that we need to add to the school year, a question arises: “How much school and how many school days can California afford to fund?” Of probably greater import, is the recognition that we MUST invest in our kids and future if we are to be health as a state and nation.

All of this is NOT very good news and not very encouraging, but it does offer perspective. It is up to us to work together to figure out a way to make this work – even though times are difficult. The only solution I see is in each otherhow will we do this together?

Monday, March 8, 2010

RTTT is in its final pitch?

This past week the US Dept of Ed released its list of top RTTT candidates and not surprisingly CA was not amongst them. As I understand it, a very select few from the “phase 1” shortlist will be named next month and funded. The next round of RTTT funding and grants will start on June 1st (application deadline).  The shortlist included (alphabetically):
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
It should not be lost on anyone that of the 40 states (plus Washington, D.C.) that applied for RTTT and the 15 selected (plus Washington, D.C.) – California did not even make the “short list.” While we protest the fairness, etc. we should understand that to truly participate and rise to the challenge, we must substantially address our public education system -- including the state investment in such.

At this same time, there is already talk of how we (California) will compete in the next round of funding – what will be different?  I would assume that those that don't "cross the line" as RTTT winners -- are the most likely candidates for the 2nd round.  Does anyone else see a paradoxical situation (insanity?) where we are “racing to the top” and statewide, every school district is laying off GREAT, well-prepared, committed California teachers as there has been horrific state public education budget reductions?

Here are some other links to articles, etc. on the RTTT announcements/situation.

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/03/05/2584135/dan-walters-did-schwarzenegger.html
http://educatedguess.org/blog/2010/03/04/failing-schools-list-on-monday/
http://dailyme.com/story/2010030400006184/california-misses-race-top-funding-schools.html#ixzz0hLCl6KFk

Friday, March 5, 2010

Statewide/Riverside Demonstrations

Yesterday in Riverside and across the state of California teachers, classified employees, administrators, parents and students went to the streets to protest the lack of state funding and very real impact those actions have on students, schools, employees, and families. While I obviously could not attend all of the demonstrations, I was able to participate with two schools.

Beyond our borders and our local newspaper there is certainly other media coverage (including TV) of the budget situation and the related impacts both here in Riverside and across the State. In the final analysis, we in California have some basic choices; we can either invest in our children and education (at all levels) or suffer the consequences that will be economic, at best. When we are at or near the bottom (depending upon your data) of per student funding amongst states in the nation, it seems abundantly clear what our future is without serious intervention across the state. While we have great potential in California, it is not the same as investment in our future.

I would encourage you and others that you know to contact your local legislators regarding our need to invest in our children and our future.


Thursday, March 4, 2010

School News

We continue to look for new and creative ways to provide news to the school community without relying on traditional methodologies. Some time ago we ran across what appears to be a somewhat traditional methodology – but it is not. The idea is to publish several times per year a complete newspaper that would be delivered to our families. We have checked it out and are interested in moving forward as we think that it will be a win-win for all concerned.

We have talked with those in Alvord USD and will produce a joint all Riverside paper that will include ASUD and us. We would produce 35,000 copies each time and distribute them to all elementary students and then place the balance on public locations and counters. There would be one article (with pictures hopefully) for each school, which would be the responsibility of the principal.

Sounds complicated and expensive, right? It’s not, it’s essentially FREE – our commitment is to provide the articles. We have checked with other districts that have utilized this strategy and it has been successful. You can see a bit of what this might look like if you check the School News website.

We are looking forward to the first edition that should hit schools, etc. at the beginning of May.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Green Eggs ...really!

Well yesterday was a great day for students -- Green Eggs and Ham and Dr. Seuss' Birthday.  Many from across the community and District engaged in reading with our students -- in the Read Across America Program (sponsored by CTA and NEA).  Our teachers and classified staff obviously were in full support as well ...some even serving up the proverbial green eggs and yes, ham (green, of course).  From my visits and observations, all seemed to be in fine spirits.

Kudos to Mark Lawrence and the RCTA leadership team for spearheading this highly successful local effort.  I am very thankful for their work and its positive impact on students.  It was certainly a good day for me in RUSD as I got the opportunity to read with and engage our students.  I hope you had a similar day and enjoyed our kids!!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

More Sad News

The Board met last night to make the next round of budget reductions to close the gap created by the State (group #4 of reductions if you are counting).  Mike Fine made a presentation outlining the specific reductions which included:
  • Further reductions of Elementary Assistant Principals
  • Adjustment of Middle School Assistant Principals Work Year
  • Further reductions in district wide Department budgets (HR & Instructional Services in this case)
  • Implementation of the previously discussed reductions in Athletics
  • Elimination of all home-to-school transportation for High School (grades 7-12) students
This totals about $1.4 million and still leaves $9 million to be resolved.

This is clearly a situation where no one "wins."  It was very ironic and an unbelievable paradox that we had teachers from Mark Twain Elementary School which have been grossly effected (based on law) such that 2/3 of their teaching staff is being laid off -- while at the same time they are preparing to host a validation visit as a California Distinguished School (and we believe they will be recognized as such).  Similar circumstances are found in every phase of our operation.

This is all very painful and upsetting.  The best I can hope for is as some of the speakers asked:  ...what can we do together? ...what are we willing to do together?  While I still advocate your consistent calls and letters to our State representatives, I think our best solution is here between all of us in the Riverside / RUSD community.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Thanks

I want to take a moment to stop in the hectic race in which we are all engaged – to once again thank you for your participation and comments on this blog. Our statics (both with viewership and comments) have gone up dramatically – hopefully because you find it helpful. A number of you have commented, that I am NOT responding to your comments, and therefore concluded that no one hears. I want to assure you, that is NOT the case, I am reading them all with great interest – along with many other people. I would obviously have to give up my day job to respond to all the comments in a thoughtful manner and it really is not the protocol for this forum.

The original plan, which you are making successful, was to provide a place for discussion and dialogue to so that LOTS of us can watch, listen, and participate – even anonymously if that is the preference. That is happening. I know that when I / you write on a blog sometimes it feels like the proverbial “if a tree falls in the forest, will there be sound if no one is there to hear it?” Please let me assure you that your comments, dialogue, and engagement are making a difference and is HEARD. Obviously, there is also debate between some of you as you agree and disagree with each other – making the points more clear and profound.

I do not like and sincerely regret the times that we are engaged in; however, I hope that you find that this “blog practice” is something that has value now – but more importantly as we go forward into the future.

Thanks,

Rick