April 2001 News Archive
Monday, April 30, 2001
Students Harter and Alieva to Serve as Delegates to the National Youth Leadership Mission to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Dos Pueblos High student Jacob Harter and San Marcos High student Zumrud Alieva, juniors at their respective schools, have been selected to serve as delegates to the upcoming Anti-Defamation League National Youth Leadership Mission to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The event will take place from May 6 through May 9, 2001.
Delegates were selected because of their demonstrated maturity, leadership, and ability to communicate effectively with others. The two local students will be part of a diverse group of 110 high school juniors from cities across the nation, such as: Chattanooga, Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, New York, Miami, Orange County, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Ventura, Desert Hot Springs, and San Diego.
The Youth Leadership Mission to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington was established in 1996 by ADL’s Chicago office. It was established as a vehicle for applying the lessons of the Holocaust to modern-day issues of bigotry.
In Washington, students will participate in workshops, lectures, tours, and other activities. Marjan Keypour, associate director of the ADL’s Pacific Southwest Region, noted that students will also have the opportunity to meet prominent national leaders and activities who will address ways that students can work to promote pluralism and equality in their communities. One of the Mission’s expectations is that students will keep a daily journal, recording their insights and impressions.
Charleen Kirkman, Controller, to Retire on April 30th
Charleen Kirkman joined the Santa Barbara Elementary and High School Districts on January 11, 1967. She joined the Districts at a time when Lyndon Johnson was president, the cost of mailing a first-class letter was five cents, and the beginning salary for a teacher was $6,050 while the top salary was $12,463.
When Charleen joined the Districts, she began her service as an hourly account clerk. Two years later, she was hired to work 75% time as an account clerk in Accounting and Food Service. In the years that followed, she moved up the ranks, working as a District Clerk II, then a District Clerk III, then an Accounting Technician I, then an Accounting Technician II. From 1974 to 1981, she served as a supervisor of Accounts Payable. At the end of 1981, she was reclassified as Budget Control Specialist. Then in June of 1984, Charleen was reclassified to a management position: Controller. She has served in that capacity for the past 17 years.
Superintendent Deborah Flores said, "Charleen has very capably guided the Elementary and High School Districts throughout her 34 years of service. The words ‘dedicated,’ ‘loyal,’ ‘professional,’ ‘highly capable’ only begin to touch on the qualities she brings to her job each day. She has given an incredible amount of herself in service to the children of the Santa Barbara School Districts, and for that we will always be grateful."
Charleen Kirkman’s last day with the Santa Barbara School Districts will be Monday, April 30, 2001.
San Marcos High School Receives Defibrillator
Local developer, and San Marcos High graduate, Bill Levy donated a defibrillator to the school’s Wellness Center. The defibrillator, acquired by Mr. Levy at a recent Heart Association fundraiser, will be a teaching tool used only by trained staff at the school’s new Health Careers Academy. The Academy is slated to open in the fall of 2001.
Adams Elementary Celebrates National Arbor Day
On Friday, April 27, 2001,from 11:00-11:30 a.m., the students and staff at Adams Elementary School will celebrate National Arbor Day with the ceremonial planting of three trees. The new trees will add to the existing grove of sycamore trees that were planted last year. The trees have been donated by the school’s Student Council, Santa Barbara Beautiful, Northside Rotary, and the Adams PTA.
Santa Barbara city Arborist Dan Condon, Congresswoman Lois Capps, Assemblywoman Hannah Beth Jackson, representatives from Santa Barbara Beautiful and the Northside Rotary are expected to attend the Adams Elementary School National Arbor Day celebration. The public is welcome to attend.
Adams is located at 2701 Las Positas, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.
Dr. Martha M. Surbida Accepts Principalship of the Santa Barbara Community Academy
Dr. Martha M. Surbida, a longtime administrator in the El Monte City School District, has accepted the principalship of the Santa Barbara Community Academy. She will assume the full-time post effective July 1, 2001.
The Santa Barbara Community Academy, located at 215 E. Ortega Street, is a year-round, single-track school. It was established on July 19, 1999, as a K-3 school. The Academy currently serves more than 175 students in grades K-4. Grade five will be added in school year 2001-2002. Grade six will be added in school year 2002-2003. Key elements of the Academy include: year-round, single-track calendar; Core Knowledge program and Content Sequence Guidelines in language arts, mathematics, world history and geography, American history and geography, science, visual arts and music; Open Court reading program; Saxon mathematics; Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES) as the second language acquisition model; school uniforms; full-day kindergarten; and a high level of parental involvement.
Dr. Surbida stated, "Working for the Santa Barbara Elementary School District has been my longtime dream. My family used to camp in Carpinteria every summer for more than 20 years and visits to Santa Barbara were part of that annual experience. I know how special the community is." She continued, "I am very excited about serving as the principal of the Academy. Throughout my professional career, I have worked very hard to educate myself in a way that would be of service to others. I believe that each and every child can succeed and realize their potential. I look forward to working with Academy students, parents, and staff in setting high expectations and working together to achieve them."
Dr. Surbida brings a rich and varied set of experiences to her new post. She served as the principal of Cortada Elementary School (1984-2000) and then as principal of Loma Elementary School (2000-current). In 1998-1999, Cortada Elementary School received an Academic Performance Index of 10 when ranked with similar schools. Simultaneously, Dr. Surbida has worked as a part-time professor at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona (1998-present), teaching graduate courses for the Teacher Education Department. Prior to her principalships in El Monte and part-time professorship, she served as the principal of Sunkist School, District Migrant Administrator, and had an internship in the Bassett Unified School District (1982-1984); served as an assistant principal at Potrero Elementary School (1979-1982); taught classes at Durfee Elementary School in grades K-8 (1970-1979); and taught English to adults in the El Monte Adult School (1975-1977).
Martha M. Surbida received an associate of arts degree at Imperial Valley College. She earned a B.A. and, later, an M.A. in Educational Administration at California State University-Los Angeles. Her doctorate in Educational Leadership was accomplished at La Verne University.
Superintendent Deborah Flores stated, "We are very pleased with the selection of Dr. Surbida as the Santa Barbara Community Academy’s new principal. She brings a wealth of experience to her new position and a strong commitment to the Academy program. Our District is fortunate to gain a highly regarded leader with outstanding professional skills. I am appreciative of the smooth transition that I know will occur when part-time, Interim Principal Nancy Maynez hands the reins of leadership over to Martha Surbida. When the District needed her, Nancy Maynez, former principal of Harding and Franklin Elementary Schools, generously agreed to come out of retirement for one year to lead the Academy. We wish her well as she resumes her full-time commitment to her family and young children."
Bye Bye Birdie: America’s Favorite Musical Comedy at the Charger Theatre Stage
Bye Bye Birdie, the Tony Award-winning, Broadway musical comedy, will be performed at the Charger Theater on the Dos Pueblos High School campus. The musical comedy will run May 2-12 and May 15-18, 2001, at 7:30 p.m.
Bye Bye Birdie will feature 75 student performers and technicians, and will include a full, 20-piece orchestra. This production is being directed by Sam Muir, who states: "The whole family can enjoy this one. This show is both a perfect old-fashioned American musical, with innocent, upbeat lyrics and melodies, like the pop hits Put on a Happy Face and One Boy." Mrs. Muir indicates that this 43-year-old musical comedy uses the Elvis Presley cultural frenzy as its model. The year is 1958 and the era of rock ’n roll has just begun. Bye Bye Birdie is based on a book by Michael Stewart, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Lee Adams.
Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens. General admission is $8 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $10 on Friday and Saturdays. For advance tickets and more information, call (805) 968-8523.
String Festival 2001
Santa Barbara School District music instructors Nancy Mathison and Karen Dutton will lead approximately 120 elementary and junior high students at String Festival 2001. The event will occur on Thursday, April 26, 2001, at 7:00 p.m., in La Cumbre Middle School’s auditorium. The public is invited to attend.
All Santa Barbara Elementary District beginning, intermediate, and advanced string players will participate in the concert. Numerous string players from La Cumbre Middle, Goleta Valley Junior High, and Santa Barbara Junior High will join their younger counterparts.
La Cumbre Middle School is located at 2255 Modoc Road, Santa Barbara, CA.
Santa Barbara High School District Unveils Non-Harassment Poster
On Wednesday, April 11, 2001, at 1:30 p.m. in the Board Room, Santa Barbara School Districts’ Administration Office, Superintendent Deborah Flores provided an overview of local school safety measures and unveiled a newly created poster. The poster’s message is:
Name calling or put downs are not allowed in our schools; it’s the rule. Harassment, intimidation, retaliation, and hate crimes are grounds for suspension or expulsion. You have the right and the responsibility to report problems. If you have concerns about your safety, or are worried about the well-being of a fellow student, please talk to a school counselor or other trusted adult. Everyone has the right to feel safe at school!
In the days ahead, the poster will be displayed in every classroom and common space in the 8 District middle/junior/high schools. It is intended to reinforce the standard of behavior expected at all secondary school sites. As part of the unveiling, Dr. Flores released information about the Districts’ new HelpLine phone number.
Santa Barbara Junior High to Receive the Prestigious 2001 California Distinguished Schools Award
Yesterday, April 10, 2001, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin announced the winners of the 2001 California Distinguished Schools Awards. Superintendent Eastin said,"It is with great enthusiasm that I congratulate the educators, parents, and students of this year’s 157 distinguished middle schools and high schools. These schools are leaders in the education community." This honor was bestowed on three schools in Santa Barbara County: Santa Barbara Junior High School, Carpinteria Middle School, and Lakeview Junior High School.
Principal Gerrie Fausett was delighted to learn of her school’s selection: "This award is a wonderful honor and testament to the hard work of students, teachers, staff, and parents. It takes a united effort to build a top notch school that meets the needs of all students. Every member of our staff plays an invaluable role is making Santa Barbara Junior High a great learning environment." According to State Superintendent Eastin, schools that received the award "...are committed to meeting high standards. Academic achievement, parent and community involvement, dedicated staff, and outstanding professional development are exemplary in these schools."
The California Distinguished Schools Program was established in 1985. The program recognizes elementary schools every other year. This year, secondary schools were eligible for Distinguished Schools Awards. Candidates must complete a detailed application, outlining school demographics and providing in-depth information on programs and services. The application process allows each school to conduct a self study, examining every facet of operation. Information was required in areas such as standards, assessment, and accountability; curriculum content and instructional practices; processes that support teacher professionalism; integration of technology into the total school program; school philosophy and strategies that nurture students; academic counseling; learning support services for special needs and at-risk students; community partnerships; standards for student behavior and strategies for conflict resolution. The application process reflects a rigorous assessment of programs at each school site. In addition to the application, site visits were conducted by an evaluation team.
An awards ceremony will be held on Friday, May 11, 2001, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. State Superintendent Eastin and First Lady of California Sharon Davis will provide congratulatory addresses at the ceremony. Each award recipient will receive a plaque and a Distinguished School flag.
Santa Barbara Junior High School is located at 721 E. Cota Street. The school was built in 1931 and serves the needs of more than 750 students in grades 7 and 8.
Giséle Ben-Dor to Appear at Harding Elementary School Violin Performance
On Thursday, April 19, 2001, at 5:30 p.m., renowned Santa Barbara Symphony conductor Giséle Ben-Dor and 13-year-old violinist Robert Vijay Gupta will provide a free performance at Harding Elementary School. The community is invited to attend the event, which will take place in the school’s auditorium.
From 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., following the performance, parents and community members are encouraged to attend the school’s annual Open House. Harding will showcase the programs and facilities that have helped the school improve the level of academic performance. [Harding recently received recognition and financial awards based on the school’s rankings on the Academic Performance Index.] Guests can tour the library media center/computer lab, classrooms, and science lab and learn about various programs, such as Open Court reading, Mathland, Art Connections, Artist in Residence, storytelling workshops, creative movement, and I Madonnari participation.
Harding Elementary School, built in 1927, is located at 1625 Robbins Street, on the west side of the central city between Carrillo Street and Mission Street. Harding serves approximately 500 students in grades K-5.