Welcome Back to Paul Revere Charter Middle School & Magnet Center

Welcome back everyone! The 2010-2011 school year is about to commence. We look forward to formally welcoming new students to Revere at the Orientation Day on Tuesday, August 31. For everyone’s convenience there will be 2 sessions, one in the morning from 9:00-11:30 am; and one in the late afternoon from 4:00-6:30 pm. Everyone is invited to attend 1 of these sessions. Orientation Day gives students and their families an opportunity to “Meet and Greet” with administrators and faculty, learn about school policy and procedures, explore transportation alternatives, sign-up for our parent organizations (PTSA and P.R.I.D.E.) learn about programs and activities available to all students, and review the opening day procedures for new students. This is your chance to ask those important questions, and meet the people on campus who have the knowledge to answer them. Please do your best to attend one of the sessions.

I am very pleased to report that Revere’s Charter document was renewed last year. We are now part of a cohort within the L.A.U.S.D. Charter Office. The Palisades Charter Schools have been working toward this recognition for the past 5 years. The other principals at Marquez, Topanga, Kentor, Canyon, and Palisades Elementary Schools are enthusiastic about the opportunities the affiliated charter cohort can offer Palisades schools.

The new semester starts on Monday, September 13 at 7:55 am. Charter 6^th graders report to the auditorium, and magnet 6^th graders report to Town Hall. All our staff will dedicate our time in the first weeks of school to assist new students in every way possible. This year we are excited about our renovated foyer for the auditorium, the blossoming vegetable garden, and the newly constructed amphitheater next to the garden; all courtesy of our wonderful dedicated parents, students and community. Enjoy the middle school experience at Revere!

 

End-of-the-year Remarks

The end of the 2009-2010 school year is approaching. The last day of instruction is Friday, June 18, a minimum day at Revere. On the same day approximately 700 8^th graders will participate in Culmination on the stadium field at Palisades High School at 4:00 p.m. This is a very exciting time at Revere for all students. They have just finished taking the California Standards Tests, and 8^th graders are preparing for high school placement exams. Pali and University High Schools’ counselors have come to Revere and scheduled many students for next year. Teachers and staff are working diligently to complete lessons, activities and presentations aligned with their curriculums. Students will be studying, working, and testing up to the last day of the semester. Along with academic instruction students will receive 2010 Yearbooks;  participate in textbook collection, locker clean-out, the 8^th grade Awards Night, and the 8^th grade Disneyland Trip (arranged by PEP). We also have concerts and theatrical productions during the last weeks of school. Please check the website for dates and times.

Revere has seen some exciting days this 2009-2010 school year. Our Charter document is in the process  of renewal, and will be on the Board of Education’s agenda on June 15. The students, teachers, staff, and administration would like to thank all our parents and the community for their support and cooperation this year. Everyone has contributed to the overall success and enjoyment of this school year. We look forward to the 2010-2011 school year with anticipation of greater academic challenges and interesting experiences for all our students.

 

 

March and April

March and April are quickly upon everyone at Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center. The new spring semester had a rather quiet beginning, but with Black History Month, March College Madness, Chinese New Year’s, CST Test Preparations, and general day-to-day activities and events we have a rousing calendar ahead. Clubs are in full swing, with two new ones starting in February; The Hebrew Club and The Survivor Club. We will calendar a spring Club Day at lunch to introduce the new clubs and arrange for students to sign-up for the clubs they missed in the fall.

Students will be visiting colleges and universities throughout Los Angeles in the coming weeks. They will receive information on the CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) FAFSA, out-of-state colleges, Junior College, CSU, UC, and private colleges. In addition students will be given the opportunity to view and discuss completing of college applications, and the A-G Requirements they will need to take in  high school.

Our lottery application deadline came and went. We have many applications on file and continue to take some for the wait list. I hope everyone informed neighbors and friends, who have children that do not currently attend or live in the Revere area, to complete and return their applications a.s.a.p. if they are planning on attending Revere in the fall. Our lottery is scheduled for Wednesday, March 24 at 7:00 pm in the auditorium.

Revere is a busy, exciting place for all our students. The overall goals for Revere students are mastery of learning skills, high achievement in academics, continuous improvement in all areas, and a growing sense of self-esteem through personal successes during the middle school years. I sincerely hope that your children enjoy their 3 short years at Revere. The extracurricular opportunities we offer serve to enhance the educational experience and contribute to all of our students’ sense of well-being.

 

 

Welcome to 2010

In these very uncertain times, relationships between families and friends are all the more important and precious. Families play a major role in the progress of all students at Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center. Faculty, staff, and administration rely on our parents and community volunteers  to support the educational program at our school. In an effort to better improve communications between parents/guardians and teachers, new procedures for contacting teachers has been arranged. Parents may call the main office, and ask to speak with a particular teacher. Ms. Champion or Ms. Berrellez will take your name, child’s name, daytime phone number, and email address. The message will be given directly to the teacher(s). Teachers will return calls within 48 school hours after receiving the message. During the conversation with a parent, the teacher and parent will determine whether a face-to-face conference is required. This procedure allows for immediate contact with a teacher, resolution to problems or concerns over the telephone or through email, and does not impact a parent’s work day. We feel everyone benefits from this improvement in communication, especially your children.  

The Northern Trust Golf Tournament will take place at the Riviera Country Club from February 1 to February 7. Revere is very grateful to the PGA for their donation to our P.R.I.D.E. organization. However during that week drop-off and pick-up procedures are very different and sometimes disruptive. The West Gate will be closed to all drop-off and pick-up traffic during that week. A letter explaining the procedures will be mailed to your home the last week of January. Please read the information carefully. In addition a telephone message from the school, further describing the procedures, will follow the letter. I hope we can run this very vital fundraiser without too much disruption or confusion to our mornings and afternoons. Your cooperation is imperative to the success of the fundraiser.

One more important item is the Charter Application Process. Applications to Revere’s 2010-2011 school year are due on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. in the Main Office. Late applicants will be placed on the wait list, and will not be included in the lottery. Please remind interested friends and neighbors that the application process deadline is very near. I encourage everyone to complete and return applications as soon as possible. Time is running out.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Revere families and friends a happy, healthy 2010. Finally, I hope everyone will consider themselves part of our goals at Revere for “Continuous Improvement” in academic achievement, social and behavioral aspects, and personal success.

Happy Holidays!

Time is moving very quickly. It is time to give thanks for our families and friends, celebrate with loved ones, and wish everyone a happy, healthy 2010! We are all very thankful for the wonderful students, faculty, staff, and parents involved in the day-to-day events. Sharing our thoughts, activities, and successes are all parts of an average day at Revere.  I look forward to the new year with anticipation and excitement for all the good things we have accomplished so far with everyone’s support and cooperation.

Leadership students are preparing for an exciting, successful Toys 4 Tots Campaign this year. Donations are being collected in homeroom, cash only. Funds will be taken to a local Target store, and Leadership students will purchase toys. The toys will be brought back to Revere for display and pick-up by the Marines. Winning homerooms will receive a special celebration assembly. Giving generously to children, who might otherwise not celebrate the holidays with joy and hope, makes our enjoyment even greater.

Articulation with the high and feeder elementary schools have been extremely successful. Six high schools from all over Local District 3 presented at our “High School Information Night” on Wednesday, October 28. I look forward to establishing this important informational night as an annual event at our school. In addition, 6^th – 8^th grade English/Language Arts teachers met with 9^th – 10^th grade Palisades High School English teachers to discuss curriculum and standards. This was the first time in many years that teachers from Revere and Pali have met to review and discuss their individual programs. The meeting was scheduled and facilitated by members of the Pali Complex Coordinating Council. The meeting was beneficial for all involved. Consequently, the departments are planning on meeting again in the near future. Articulation between Revere and our feeder elementary schools continues from last year. On Thursday, November 19, Revere 6^th grade teachers will meet with 5^th and 6^th grade teachers from Kentor, Pali, Canyon, Marquez, and Topanga elementary schools to discuss grade reporting, curriculum, and expectations for success. Articulation with the high and elementary schools is vitally important for educational continuity and continued achievement for all Revere students.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish the families of Revere students a very happy holiday season. Your support and participation in school-wide events contribute to Revere’s successes and accomplishments. Paul Revere Charter Middle School is a place where knowledge is exchanged and shared, and overall student achievement is the goal.

 

 

Exciting Times at Revere!

We are looking forward to some exciting times at Revere in the next few months. Clubs are being organized and implemented at lunch on different days during the week. Teacher-sponsors are planning activities and challenges for their new members. Our clubs range from tennis, sports, dance/cheer to mini academic decathlon, chess, engineering, and sci fi. The “Best Buddies” are now known as “The Circle of Friends”. Students eagerly await signing up for the club of their choice.

Charter Renewal is moving along. We were informed by the Charter Office, on Monday, October 5 that the renewal document is due to the facilitator on October 30. Writing is continuing at a frantic pace. Many thanks to the sub-committee from Charter Council that is working so diligently to complete the document: Polly Bamberger, Allison Polhill, Meredith Abber, Kim Uchida, Paul Foxson, Steve Anderson, Ben Meritt and yours’ truly.  

Back-to-School Night will be held on Thursday, October 15. I hope everyone is planning on attending this very informative event. During the evening parents/guardians will experience a sample (much shorter) school day. Everyone will attend the same classes your children attend during the school day. Teachers will introduce their curriculum and the textbooks your children utilize every day. However this event is not a time for personal conferencing with teachers. If you would like a conference with your child’s teachers you may sign up during Back-to-School Night, or call the main office and Ms. Champion will schedule one for you.

The new website is up and running. Please take a look at the many activities and events Revere has to offer you and your child.

 

 

Welcome Back to Paul Revere Charter M.S. & Magnet Center

Welcome to the 2009-2010 new school year. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new parents and students to Revere. Middle school is filled with fun, exciting challenges for everyone. New classes, teachers, administrators, staff, offices, areas, policies, and procedures are just some of these challenges. Students will have opportunities to participate in music, drama, choir, horticulture, world language, debate, leadership, lunch clubs, and many other interesting activities throughout their three years at Revere. “College/Career Bound” is the theme for students. Through the various theme-based activities and electives at Revere, students will receive some samplings for their future career choices. I invite students to participate in our extracurricular programs, which add to the enjoyment of the middle school experience. Parents are invited to be active participants in their child’s middle school experience through the many parent organizations on campus. We appreciate your support and involvement in any or all capacities such as: fundraising, council representative, parent liaisons with the District, campus volunteer, parent groups, and assisting in the library. The continuous improvement of all our students is our main focus. Student improvement is demonstrated in three distinct areas: academics, social, and behavioral. I encourage all students to be active participants in their learning experience at Revere.

 

End of the Year at Paul Revere

It is difficult to believe, but I have reached the end of my first year at Paul Revere Charter Middle School. My first year has seen many changes throughout the school and community. Revere continues to face each challenge one day at a time. Our teachers do their very best under extremely difficult circumstances. Students move forward with their studies and try to achieve their very best in all their subjects. I am especially proud of my first 6^th grade class at Revere. They continually surprise me with their positive attitudes and growth, both in height and mind. Congratulations to my first 8^th grade culminating class at Revere. They definitely look ready for high school. I hope they prepare themselves well for an exciting and outstanding future learning experience. My 7^th graders are ready to take over the Quad. They see themselves as the future leaders at Revere, and I think they will be great.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teachers, staff, and administration for their support and advise. My special “thanks” to Mr. Shibata, Mr. Hastings, Mr. Haker, Mr. Meritt, and Mrs. Honda for their constant professionalism and sense of humor. In addition, I would like to extend my thanks to the excellent parent leadership groups: PTSA/P.R.I.D.E. and the Revere Charter Council. Without your hard work and loyalty to the students and staff at Revere we could never hope to accomplish so much in one year. The Teacher Appreciation Week was wonderful, and could not have come at a more opportune time. Teachers and staff received the Teacher Stars with excitement and pleasure. The luncheon was delicious. “Thank you” goes to a wonderful, caring parent organization.

 

I would also like to extend a very special “Thank you” to all Revere’s teachers and staff members. Everyone has worked to make our school a terrific place of learning for our students. Many schools are not as fortunate to have faculty and staff so devoted to the education and  the achievement of students. Paul Revere Middle School is a place of pride and knowledge, because of all your efforts. See you next semester.

 

 

April Issues

The month of April presents the administration, staff, and community with many unique challenges. Foremost on our minds are the proposed budget cuts, reduction in force (RIF) and the direct effects these issues have for Revere students. The faculty have demonstrated their professionalism by not involving students in their concerns about the District budgetary issues. However we will need all the support and cooperation from our community in order to impress on the Board of Education the importance of a stable, unburdened educational environment. PTSA/PRIDE have issued, in an e-blast, a form letter for all parents of Revere students. The letter should be printed, signed and mailed (or faxed) to Board members. This will demonstrate our community’s unity in preserving our wonderful teachers, and the rights we have been officially designated under our Charter Document. The current proposals by Superintendent Cortines are extremely drastic involving the following:

·         an increase in class size to 39.50 to 1 (in elementary – 24 students to 1 school-wide)This directly impacts the number of teachers per school.

·         the elimination of class size reduction in 8^th grade

·         an increase of 150 students per counselor

·         an increase of 250 students school-wide to retain 5 administrators (including the principal)

·         a 50% reduction in force at the Central and Local Districts

·         a decrease in custodial and other classified staff.

These are issues, we as a community, need to address with the Board. I feel it is vitally important that the entire Complex of elementary schools and Revere Middle School unite as one voice to the Board, in order to present our complaints with some of these proposals that directly impact our collective student body. More importantly, the Complex must present in an informed argument with data-driven proof that achievement by students is directly affected by good teaching and class size.

 

A community meeting is being arranged, by Complex principals,  after the spring break to address these concerns, and discuss actions needed to address our issues to the Board and Mr. Cortines. The Complex plans to invite members of the Board of Education and some District officials to answer questions at this meeting. Hopefully they will attend. The actual vote on Mr. Cortines’ proposals has been postponed for two weeks, therefore the letters from PTSA/PRIDE should be sent a.s.a.p. Now that the facts are clearly stated, and innuendoes and rumors no longer muddy the waters, it is time to send a united protest to protect our terrific teachers and staff, and the structures that support our high-achieving complex.

 

 

Events for the Spring

The spring semester is well underway at Paul Revere Charter Middle School. The Northern Trust Open ended on Sunday, February 22, and our largest fundraiser was a huge success! I would like to send out a special “Thank you and good work!” to all the volunteers who worked the parking during that extremely busy week. Excellent work Mr. Ken Haker and Company! Moreover, a tremendous “Thank you” should be extended to all of our parents and students for their cooperation and patience mornings and afternoons, during drop-off and pick-up times. YOU ROCK!

 

We are looking forward to performances of CATS this weekend. It is always a pleasure to watch talented, hard-working students from Revere perform for friends, family and the community. Evening performances will be held on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. I hope everyone plans to attend.

 

On Saturday, March 7 P.R.I.D.E. has scheduled the E-Waste Recycling Event at 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bring your old computers, printers, monitors, TV’s, cell phones, fax machines and print cartridges for recycling. All proceeds from this event will benefit Revere students, and our environment. If everything goes as planned, another exciting event may take place on this day. We are planning an important technological communication change on our campus. I am hoping that everything will be prepared for this presentation on March 7. There will be more notice closer to the date for this event. Please participate in recycling.

 

Our 8^th graders will start to feel the change in seasons during the month of March. They will also experience the apprehension and excitement of impending Culmination exercises. Please remind your 8^th grader that Culmination is not until June. They have many other events including California State Standards and Reporting Tests, in May, in addition to preparing them for the high school experience. Anchor their thoughts to the tasks at hand. Exciting, challenging times are ahead for teachers, staff, administrators, students and their families, and the Revere community.