October 8, 2004

ESD NEWS BRIEFS

Vote ‘Yes’ on Measure N

ESD libraries key to high student achievement

By Michele Marsh
Special to the Times

Most people think of a school library simply as a repository for books. In the Evergreen School District, however, it is much more.

Evergreen is one of the few elementary school districts in the county that staffs its libraries with professional librarians and clerks. The libraries at each of the district’s 18 schools are open daily for students to conduct research, check out materials, access information on-line and get guidance from a credentialed librarian on appropriate leveled reading materials.
 
As part of its master plan to bring all students to grade level reading standards, the district has adopted a three-pronged approach to reading instruction. Shared reading and guided reading are strategies used by teachers for instructional purposes in the classroom.  

The third prong of this balanced literacy program is independent reading. Independent reading is student driven and is key to developing comprehension skills. This is where school libraries play a critical role.

Not all students are self-motivated to read or familiarize themselves with new authors and types of books. The district’s professional staff comes to know the children, their reading abilities and interests. They come to direct students to fun, yet challenging books. To help increase the motivation to read, library staffs coordinate a reading incentive program called Accelerated Reader.

“The AR helps me understand the stories I read better. The questions are very easy to answer. It’s cool to get 5/5 correct because that means I am getting better at reading,” third grader Emilio Guerra says, His second grade brother Enrique adds, “I’ve been doing AR since kindergarten, I’ve read a lot of books. I love to read and look at the pictures and take the test at the end. The best part of AR is when I get 100 percent, because it makes me feel great!”
 
Evergreen’s librarians do more than direct students to books and provide reading incentives. They also provide instruction to students everyday. Of course they teach students how a library is organized so that they may effectively step into any library, but they also teach research and study skills using all of the unique resources available in the library.   

Modern libraries include more than just books. Online access, videotapes, computer software and live feeds from the county Instructional TV outlet allow Evergreen’s libraries to serve modern needs. Today’s librarians and media clerks not only reshelve books, they also reboot computers!

The final task of ESD schools’ librarians is the inventory control of every trade book, textbook, piece of equipment and anything else purchased by the school or district. This saves tremendous amounts of money, eliminating duplications, excess inventory and minimizing losses.

In an attempt to bring its budget in line with shrinking state revenues, yet keep school libraries open, the Evergreen School District has instituted a traveling schedule with librarians and clerks serving more than one district school.

While not optimal, this schedule allows school libraries to stay open to meet students’ needs. Danielle Wheatly, a district librarian with 16 years’ experience states, “Well-staffed libraries are a major factor to student literacy. I love seeing the kids get excited about reading.”

Ongoing budget cuts are forcing the district to look at doing away with several programs, including school libraries. Measure N, the district’s $94 per year for four years parcel tax measure that voters will be asked to approve in November, would allow the district to keep libraries open with trained librarians and media assistants.

Supporting Measure N means supporting school libraries and the important function they have in today’s schools. I have seen with my own eyes the benefits of a well-planned and professionally staffed school library. Join me in supporting Measure N.

Michele “Missy” Marsh is parent in Evergreen with a son at Carolyn Clark Elementary and another son at Evergreen Valley High School.

Montgomery Elementary children love ‘Reading with Red’

With the song “Rockin’ Robin” playing in the background, the human-sized “Red” of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers made a grand entrance into the multipurpose room of John J. Montgomery Elementary School on Sept. 30—dancing down the aisles, slapping the hands of children along the way, until he reached the front of the room.

Representing Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Red visited Montgomery to kick off a new reading program partnership with Montgomery school called “Reading with Red.” Students from all grade levels are participating.

Red breaks his program down into two reading levels, the first is for kindergarten to third grade. The students read or have 10 books read to them and write a sentence about the book. They then turn in their “Reading with Red” log each month until they reach 10 books. At that point, they will receive the “Reading with Red” certificate back with Red’s approval to bring them in for a free kid’s meal at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers in Eastridge Shopping Mall.

The requirements for fourth to sixth grade are the same as above except the students must read 10 books or 10 chapters, log them in the reading log and write a summary of each chapter or book before tuning it in.

As an added surprise the first classroom in each of the two levels to have 100 percent turn in with accuracy will receive a special “Red’s ice cream social.” RED will show up to the classroom with ice cream in hand for the winning students.

Red also recognized the 32 top students who had displayed the MEGA skills of the month, responsibility and confidence, to the fullest with a “Certificate of Achievement.” Red also recognized four teachers as “Teacher of the Month.”

“We at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers understand the important role that reading plays in our everyday lives and want to help any way we can within the community,” said Assistant Manager Paul Salazar, who is also a Montgomery School parent. He noted that several other local schools will be added to the program as the year progresses.

“Red Robin Gourmet Burgers will lead the path for local merchants and parents in the area to play a more active roll in our community and make sure the assistance we can provide is there for them,” added Salazar, thanking the school and Principal Kelly Johnson for embracing the program

Montgomery Elementary participates in ‘Westfield Works Wonders’ Nov. 14

It’s not too late for your organization to benefit!

The stage is set for a special day of benefit shopping designed to raise funds for more that 170 Santa Clara County non-profit organizations, while offering shoppers discounts, festive holiday entertainment and much more.

On Sunday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., “Westfield Works Wonders” will kick off the holiday season at Westfield Shopping-towns Valley Fair and Oakridge while offering local non-profits the chance to raise thousands of dollars for their organizations. This special event is held simultaneously at participating Westfield Shoppingtowns across the nation.

On this special Sunday, Westfield Shoppingtowns Valley Fair and Oakridge will open their doors during regular mall hours to thousands of Santa Clara County shoppers looking to give back to the community and have a great time as well.

Shoppers who purchase tickets will enjoy deep discounts and special merchant offers, free gift-wrapping, festive entertainment and prizes. Shoppers can also take advantage of special ‘Shopping Concierge’ services, including complimentary signature gift boxes, complimentary kiddie kruzzers and wheelchairs, expectant mother parking, free balloons, package carry-out, gift ideas and Westfield Shoppingtown Gift Cards, perfect for any occasion.

Shoppers can visit any of their favorite Westfield Shoppingtowns in Northern California for this holiday event, including Valley Fair in Santa Clara, Oakridge in San Jose, Solano in Fairfield and the Galleria at Roseville.

Easy fundraising while holiday shopping
This year, Bay Area non-profits hope to raise over $175,000 during this daylong event. Non-profit organizations can sell tickets for only $5 in advance, retaining 100 percent of the proceeds for their organization. You may also purchase tickets on event day throughout the Shoppingtown at Valley Fair and Oakridge, with all proceeds directly supporting United Way of Silicon Valley, Central Valley YMCA, South Valley YMCA, The Spot Youth Center and the Assistance League of San Jose.

“Westfield Works Wonders’ provides an easy, fun and effective way for local nonprofit groups to raise much needed funds for their organizations through, “said Lynne Rice, marketing director for Westfield Shoppingtown Valley Fair.

“Plus, shoppers can come out and have a great time and get a jump-start on their holiday shopping while surrounded by the sounds and sights of the season. It’s a family friendly event offering something for everyone,” she added.

In 2003, “Westfield Works Wonders” raised more than $150,000 for over 150 non-profit groups in Santa Clara County to purchase supplies, equipment, special events, development and support programs and more.

If you’d like your organization to benefit from this exciting event, contact Westfield Shoppingtown Valley Fair at (408) 248-4450. The discounts and free gift-wrapping incentives make this an appealing fundraiser for almost everyone!

Tom Matsumoto Elementary School named 2004 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School

Tom Matsumoto School was recently recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the federal government. This award honors schools in the United States whose students achieve at very high levels. The program recognizes and presents as models both public and private elementary and secondary schools that meet the criteria of excellence.

In 2002, Tom Matsumoto School, named after the longest standing member of the Evergreen School District Board of Trustees, was recognized as a California Distinguished School. Then, in 2003 the school was invited to apply for the Blue Ribbon Schools Award.

The school qualified for this award because it consistently performs in the top 10 percent of the schools in the state as measured by tests in reading (language arts or English) and mathematics. Receiving this prestigious award renews the school’s quest for excellence and honors the entire community.

The school was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School as a result of its continued focus on rigorous academic standards, respect and expectations for their growing diverse population and providing state-of-the-art facilities so that the students are “Creating the Future” (the school motto).

The Matsumoto Community reflects this focus by adhering to a commitment of strong academic standards, strength in social/emotional development and continuous parent involvement in all aspects of the school experience.

“All staff, students and members of the Matsumoto Com-munity are to be commended for their efforts and commitment to ensure that every child learns and no child is left behind,” said Principal Mary Helmer. On Nov. 5 a team will travel to Washington D.C. to attend the awards ceremony.