Newsletter- May 21, 2009

Summer is Coming!

Here we go.  Testing has been completed, except for makeup’s which will be completed by this Friday, the weather is turning warmer and we have the long weekend ahead of us that typically marches us into summer.  Unfortunately there remains much to do here at Marquez before the end of the school year.  Most importantly is to pass a budget for the school year 2009-2010 and to attempt to keep our teachers that we have.  I want to thank everyone that returned a survey back to me.  The information and data that I received will be used to help make the difficult decisions that must be made.

Budget Update

After yesterday’s defeat of the many propositions on the special election, I know that LAUSD is going to need to cut another $100 million from the budget this school year and another $140-$270 for next school year.  Our crisis in the schools is not over at all.  We will be living in a difficult time for the foreseeable future.  Please understand that I will do everything I can to make sure the focus in on the students and student achievement. >> Read Phil’s Budget News Udpate

Nominees

The Marquez Governing Board has two self nominated choices as a parent representative for the 2009-2011 term.  The candidates and their statements follow at the end of the newsletter.  Without anyone running against them, the Governing Board will vote to nominate them to the board at the June G0overning Board meeting.

Volunteer Opportunity

Are you ready to help out?  The Marquez School Adopt a Beach cleanup is coming.  Marquez has adopted Temescal Canyon Beach with Heal the Bay for a one day clean up of the beach.  Everyone will meet at Temescal Beach at 9:00 am.  Cleanup will continue until 11:00 am.  Parking rates for this activity will be reduced to only $1.00.  Come to help Heal the Bay and stay all day for some extra family fun.  This is an official Marquez Green Team Activity.  Please join them and help Heal the Bay.  Gloves and trash bags will be provided.

Parent Classes

The final parent education series will take place next Wednesday, May 27.  The topic is Discipline and the Pre-Adolescent.  These are great series, but are underattedned in my opinion.  Come check it out.  The meetings take place at 8:15 in the staff lounge.

Girl Scout Drive

Have you brought in something to support the Girl Scouts animal food, toy and towel drive.  The Marquez Girl Scout troop is asking for donations to assist local animal shelters that are in need.  The donation program will help them complete the Bronze service award.  This is a great organization working for a wonderful cause.

July 4th Essay Contest

Everyone knows that no one does the 4th of July like the Palisades.  This year we will have Marquez people riding on the Fire Engine, in the parade and if it is anything like last year, reciting speeches from the essay contest.  Last year Eva Giglio one the Palisades Americanism essay contest and was able to read her speech in one of the festivities  with the 4th.  The theme this year is “Pacific Palisades Celebrates America’s Past. Present and Future.”  Winners will receive a $100 saving bond, be published in the Palisades Post, invited to the VIP luncheon, ride in the parade and read their essay at the luncheon and at the fireworks on July 4th.  Essays will be judged in each division of grade 1-3 and grades 4–5.   Entries are only accepted from students who attend school in or live in the Palisades.  Entries are to be sent to
Palisades Americanism Parade Association
Box 1176
c/o Essay Contest
Pacific Palisades, 90272

Music Concert

Don’t forget the Spring Orchestra Concert next Wednesday, May 27 at 7pm.

As always, you can reach me at phollis@lausd.net

NOMINEES STATEMENTS

Statement of Sara Margiotta:

I would very much like to be considered for the Marquez Governing Board.  During my family’s 5 years at Marquez, I have come to cherish its sense of community as well as the excellent education that it provides for our children.  It was that sense of community and respect for the school’s teachers/administration that led me to become involved in the school as a parent.  I have been a room parent, a member of the Finance Committee, and part of the group that completed our successful application to become a California Distinguished School.  In addition, for the past 2 years, I have been the Friends of Marquez Co-President.  It was in this position that I began to truly appreciate all that is involved in making Marquez such a wonderful place.  I also believe that we can continue to make Marquez even more amazing by working together with the parents, teachers, and administration.  I have worked as an ally with Principal Hollis during the past 2 years towards this goal and hope to continue to do so, representing our parent community and our children as a Governing Board member.  I would consider it an honor to be elected to the Marquez Governing Board and to be offered the opportunity to work with our Teachers, Administration and Parent Body to bring Marquez’s “view to the future” a permanent reality for those who matter most, our amazing children!
Respectfully, Sara Margiotta

Statement of Laurie Rosenthal

I am a product of the LAUSD, back in the day when most parents’ participation consisted of sending a yearly check to the PTA and the district funded art, music, physical education, and other programs that enriched the lives of students.
A lot has changed since then.
The budget crisis has made me aware the time to get involved is now.  Marquez is facing an enormous challenge, and I want to help find workable solutions, and contribute to keeping our school one of the best in all of Los Angeles.  As editor of both a newspaper and magazine, budgeting was a crucial part of my work.  I also had to make difficult editorial choices, sometimes eliminating a section that no longer worked to make room for something new.
My son, Dylan, will enter third grade in the fall.  He has had three fantastic years here at Marquez, with wonderful teachers and STAR instructors.  He has also made great friends during his time here, and I have too.
Since Dylan was in kindergarten, I have volunteered in his classes, helping the students read, do art projects, and whatever else the teachers needed.  I was the co-liaison for the Read-a-Thon in his first grade class, and spent many an hour stapling strips of paper together.  For both his first and second grade classes, I suggested to the teachers that the children write something about Earth Day, which I then printed in the “Santa Monica Mirror.”  I would love to be a productive member of the Governing Board.  Your vote can make that happen.  Thank you for your consideration.