May 25, 2004

Career techs, librarians restored in 2004/05 budget

Members of the California School Employees Association organized a march to the May 13-board meeting, protesting layoffs in the classified employee ranks. At the board meeting emotional pleas from students begged the board not to eliminate the career technicians who offer them college preparation skills that would otherwise be lost.

During his three-minute time slot at the podium, Andrew Hill career technician Christopher Jones said he felt “greatly honored and touched by the show of support from the students around me, but the notion of eliminating a career center is incomprehensible. Students will be falling through the cracks.”

His solace was that we live in a democracy, and two of the four board members will be seeking re-election. His parting words to the board were, “My days are numbered, but so are yours.”

The next day, Superintendent Esperanza Zendejas sent an e-mail out to employees with a proposal to add the librarians and the career techs back into the budget in 2004/5 and increase the reductions from other administrative areas. 

“I must caution everyone that this is a one-year proposal as we will have to make additional drastic reductions next year if our state’s economy does not improve or our revenues do not increase,” said Zendejas.  

ESUHSD seeks additional revenues

At the May 13-board meeting, Superintendent Esperanza Zendejas proposed two key strategies to assist with the district’s financial situation. The board approved both. The first strategy is to pursue a feasibility study for a parcel tax election in November. 

“A successful parcel tax would provide us with approximately $6 million in additional revenue,” explained Zendejas. “The district unsuccessfully tried to do the same two years ago. We will anxiously wait for the results of the feasibility study to present to the board in June and determine, if any, [the] next steps. Everyone will need to help out with this community strategy.” 

The second revenue-seeking strategy is to seek legislation to support school districts to use interest earned from bond programs. This would not affect current building/renovation plans for all schools and could generate an additional $800,000 a year if the district obtains the authority to move these funds. Zendejas and the board are working on this strategy with legislative partners.

Zendejas’ cabinet positions approved
The ESUHSD Board approved the employment of Bob Nunez as the chief of Human Resources and Rick Abeyta as the chief of Safety and Security. Both men bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and experiences to the district. 

Nunez is the former assistant superintendent of Riverside County. He has more than 22 years of human resources and personnel experience. Abeyta is the former police chief of the San Jose State University Police Department who brings considerable experience in student safety and security.

Silver Creek students, teachers share poetry, books

Poetry lovers at Silver Creek High School—students and teachers alike—celebrated “Poetry Alive Day” by gathering together in April to listen to one another recite poems.

Some—like English teacher Jerry Dyer and several students—chose to share their own poetry. Others chose to share their favorite poems, like “Yo Soy Joaquin” by Gonzales, or works from several books on display in the library.

A highlight of the day included an appearance from David Hoang Chiem, a 2001 Silver Creek graduate, who wrote the book “In the Depth of My Eyes” published this year. Dyer recited a poem he wrote himself. Other students, who had written their own poems, came out to share their creations.

“What is truly inspiring is to see and hear students join the readings who normally are not confident to participate in an impromptu situation, but were encouraged because of the atmosphere of celebrating Poetry Alive Day,” said librarian Virgina Tolentino.

Later in the month, Silver Creek also offered a Book Talk program to celebrate libraries and promote literacy through books and reading during National Library Week, April 18-24.

Members of the panel shared their experiences with books or discussed a book that significantly impacted their lives. Panel members included Rachel Wagner, resource media specialist from the Santa Clara Office of Education; Jim Bell, head of the Silver Creek Science Department, Donna Yanez from the San Jose Mercury News and Jan Bowen, Silver Creek school advisor.

An appreciation banquet sponsored by Silver Creek’s Epsilon Beta Library Club honored those who have contributed to the success of the club’s agenda, which is to promote love for books, reading and libraries to the Silver Creek school population.

Those honored included SCHS Principal Ana Lomas, parent volunteer Beatrice Valdivia, student volunteer Mark del Rosario, art teachers Eric Hanson and Shelly Ines, computer network technician Stanley Liu, music teacher Paul Hawkins, custodian Guido Mendez, and all library practice students.

Comedy Night raises $400 for Evergreen Literary Society

“I hate STAR testing, you know why? Because right from the start you get the sample wrong, and after you get the sample wrong, you just give up on the whole thing like, ‘Oh well, I’m just gonna make a pretty house out of these bubbles,’” joked Chris Sifflet as the crowd exploded in laughter.

With one-liners like that firing at the audience on April 30, the Evergreen Valley High School Literary Society’s first annual “Comedy Night” set the stage for success in Evergreen Valley High School’s spectacular new theater. The fundraiser cleared more than $400 for the Literary Society’s magazine, The Cougar’s Tale.

The evening’s entertainment included two comedy skits performed by the legendary Abbott and Costello and two acts from up-and-coming stand-up EVHS comedians: sophomore Jeffrey Lo and junior Chris Sifflet. A set by a local school rock band, Almost Close, rounded out the show.

“I loved seeing people’s faces light up as the comedians told their stories to the crowd,” said club member Missy Harter, who was one of the approximately 150 people in attendance. “It was like they forgot about whatever was going on and just sat down to have a good time.”

Almost Close bassist Jason Mora added, “This was the best day of my life!” Mora and the rest of the Almost Close band worked hard for their first performance together.

Mt. Pleasant students honored at county ‘Salute to Youth’ luncheon

More than 10 Mount Pleasant High School students were among the county’s youth honored for outstanding accomplishment, meritorious community service and leadership contribution at the 27th Annual Santa Clara County “Salute to Youth” and “Youth Hall of Fame” awards luncheon on March 20.

As the only school representing the East Side Union High School District, the Mount Pleasant students joined their peers from Bellarmine College Preparatory, Saratoga High School, St. Lawrence Academy and Notre Dame.

Entrants were required to provide a narrative nomination form from teachers, counselors or community organizations. All 2004 Salute to Youth/Youth Hall of Fame inductees received small trophies.

Salute of Youth
“Salute of Youth” scholarships were awarded students in 12 categories such as academics, athletics, youth in government and volunteerism. Overall categorical achievers received $100 awards, and alternates received a trophy.

Below are the Mount Pleasant winners for the “Salute of Youth” scholarships:

- Sarah Kabiling—Overall in Performing Arts

- Gabriel Alcantar—First alternate in Athletics

- Connie La—Second alternate in Academic Achievement

- Jasen Lee—Overall in Academic Achievement

- Jennifer Orbe—Third alternate in Academic Achievement

- Erika Nevarez received the Maryatt Family Science and Engineering scholarship award worth $3,000.

The Carolyn Oliveria “Youth Hall of Fame Ambassador” was awarded to students for overall achievement. All winners receive a check for $200. MP winners included:

- Xuan-Huong Hoang—First alternate Youth Hall of Fame Ambassador

- Steve Huy Nguyen—Second alternate Youth Hall of Fame Ambassador

- Vivian Tran—Thirdalternate Youth Hall of Fame Ambassador

Spirit of Youth award
Michael Castro received the last scholarship presented that afternoon—the James J. Guido “Spirit of Youth” award—worth $500. After his inspirational narrative nomination form was read to the audience, they gave him a standing ovation.

Due to illness, it was physically difficult for Michael to attend school. He took one class a semester and was home-schooled for the most part because of his disability. As a senior this year, he will be graduating in June.

“He is just like any other high school student with the same aspirations as any,” said Raquel Ornealas.

Commenting on Mount Pleasant’s success in three simple words, Raquel concluded, “We kicked butt!”

The ceremony concluded with the song “One Moment in Time” sung by Olgalydia Urbano Winegar. The award ceremony was definitely “a moment in time” for Mount Pleasant students, especially for Michael Castro and his family.

Online registration rolls out at Santa Teresa HS

Santa Teresa High School is one of the first schools in the state to initiate an online course selection scheduling system. Superintendent Esperanza Zendejas’ goal for the East Side Union High School District is to have all schools online by the end of 2007.

Zendejas urged Santa Teresa’s administration to bring the school online as an example of how technology could be used as an important service to students and parents.

“Through her support, we have set up a very easy program for parents and students to operate,” stated Santa Teresa co-principal Dave Riley.

Online registration will save resources by allowing counselors to spend more time advising and helping parents to create a four-year post secondary plan for students. It will also reduce the time counselors spend on class sign-ups.

This process will also shift the responsibility and flexibility of class schedules to students and parents, further emphasizing the importance of communication between parent and student in class selections. “This pilot program will allow us to iron out all the challenges in using technology for class scheduling,” stated Superinten-dent Zendejas.