A publication of Desert Sands Unified School District
Top Graduates
June 2016
Sands of Time...Graduation and Retirement
Honoring Retirees
The annual recognition of
Desert Sands Unified
School District retirees,
presentation of years of
service awards, and the
honoring of employees of
the year took place on
Thursday, May 26.
The seven high schools of Desert Sands Unified
School District began celebrating this year’s
graduations on June 1. The last of the ceremonies was
held on June 8. Here is a look at our top students.
Amistad High School does not have a valedictorian
or salutatorian. Instead the school recognizes their top
two students.
Ivan Amador (Amistad) intends to be
the first of his family to graduate from
college. He will be attending COD and
then plans to transfer to USC to study
film and become a movie director.
The evening began with a reception catered by the
nutrition services department and the music of Chuck
King, manager computer network services, Wendel
Morden, facilitator educational services, and Ernesto
Vasquez, delivery driver.
La Quinta High School
students participate in the
1st Annual Walk of
Graduates at Gerald Ford
Elementary School. The
students also walked the
campus of Amelia Earhart
Elementary School.
Master of ceremonies Tony Signoret, Ed.D., assistant
superintendent of personnel services, then invited the
guests to join him for the presentations. Assisting him
with the award ceremony were Wendy Jonathan and
Matteo Monica, members of the DSUSD board of
education. Also participating in the ceremony were
Gary Rutherford, Ed.D., superintendent of schools,
Laura Fisher, assistant superintendent of student
support services, and James Novak, Ed.D., assistant
superintendent of business services. Laura Lee and
Mona Davidson, representatives for and CSEA and
DSTA, also participated. Kayley Serrano, a senior at
La Quinta High School, was the featured performer,
singing The Greatest Love of All.
Continued page 4
For a complete listing of awards, see pages 24-27.
Naekisha Pick
(Amistad) is not only
the first in her family to attend college,
she will be the first to graduate from
high school and even attend college.
1
Dates To Note
June 7: John Adams Elementary School, Legacy in
Learning Celebration, 5:00-7:00 pm. See flyer.
CELEBRATE!
June 8: Summit High School graduation, 4:00 pm, Palm
Desert High School gym
The 50th anniversary of the
creation of Desert Sands Unified School District
takes place in 2016. Festivities are being
planned. Committee members are
needed. Please call Mary at 760-771-8502
or email her at mary.perry@desertsands.us to
volunteer, to be a sponsor, or if you
have stories to share.
June 8: Horizon School graduation, 7:00 pm, Palm
Desert High School gym
June 10: Last day of school
June 14 - July 7: Extended School Year program
June 14 - July 21: Summer School program
June 14: National Flag Day
June 15: Blackhawk Showdown. See article page 7.
June 20 - 24: Warehouse closed for inventory.
November 17: Celebration of the 50th anniversary of
Desert Sands Unified School District at the Coachella
Valley History Museum from 5:30-7:30 pm. More details
available soon.
50 Years of Excellence!
Mark you calendars! Desert Sands Unified School
District is about to turn 50! Join the Desert Sands
Education Foundation as we celebrate!
November 20: 50th Anniversary of DSUSD Community
Day at the Coachella Valley History Museum. More
details available soon.
Thursday, November 17: An evening celebration at
the Coachella Valley History Museum from 5:30-7:30.
Catering to be provided by the La Quinta High School
culinary arts team. Fresh from their audience pleasing
performance at Open Call at the McCallum Theatre,
entertainment will be provided by the Palm Desert
Charter Middle School jazz band. Hoping to see our
parents, staff, former staff, and alumnae join us at this
fabulous event! Spread the word!
This is the last edition of the
2015-2016 Beacon.
Article and information
sent in throughout the
summer will be held
for the first newsletter of
2016-2017.
Sunday, November 20: A free community day at the
Coachella Valley History Museum. Time of the event is
currently planned from noon-4:00 pm. Join us for
school-sponsored games, crafts, story time, etc.. Parent
support organizations are invited to help make this a
very special and fun day. Will your school site be a part
of the celebration?
2016-2017: The museum is partnering with the
foundation and the district to create a year-long
exhibition on the history of the district. We have begun
working on this exhibition that will reside in the second
classroom in the historic school building on the site of
the museum on Miles Avenue in Indio. How can you
help? Do you have stories to tell from the past 50 years?
How about documents and photographs?
Reach out to Mary Perry at mary.perry@desertsands.us!
2
June: The Greater Palm Desert Chamber of
Commerce’s monthly publication Business-to-Business
included an article by Palm Desert High School
valedictorian Jacqueline Orfield.
June 1: A front-page, top-of-fold, story with photos of
retiring Indio High School Principal Rudy Ramirez
appeared in The Desert Sun.
In The News
May 21: The Desert Sun gave a “Thumbs Up” to Desert
Sands Unified School District for beating the county
average of 87.4% graduation rate with our own 89.4%.
May 21: KESQ, KMIR, and KPSP included coverage
of the John Kennedy Elementary School farewell to
retiring Indio Police Chief Richard Twiss.
May 22: The Desert Sun included a photo of the La
Quinta High School prom in their social coverage.
May 22: Also included in The Desert Sun’s Sunday
coverage was a story about La Quinta High School
graduate and successful artist Gustavo Rimada.
May 23: A humorous article in The Desert Sun on the
return of the typewriter included a note that a new user
of the machine is author Ben Browning, an English
tutor for DSUSD schools.
May 24: An article on desert philanthropy in The
Desert Sun included the listing of the winners of the
Division 43 California Retired Teachers Association.
May 24: KMIR TV featured a story on the Pegasus
Riding Academy including a classroom visit to John
Glenn Middle School. The photo of the classroom and
the interview was featured in a previous Beacon.
March 26: The Desert Sun featured a lengthy article on
the Red Hot Ballroom competition. A story on this
event can be found on page 20 of this newsletter.
May 26: See page 11 for more
information on the Amelia
Earhart Elementary School 4th
Grade Film Festival. All local
television stations covered the
event (Teacher Ashley Hayball
is pictured here.)
March 27: The DSUSD and
Rotary Math Field Day for
middle school students was covered in The Desert Sun.
May 29: The Desert Sun covered the Memorial Day
block party in Old Town La Quinta noting the
performances of the La Quinta High School Jazz Band.
May 30: Titled Green Tweens, an article in The Desert
Sun featured sisters Lilli and Madeleine Koch of
Benjamin Franklin Elementary School and their IB PYP
project. See page 21 for more information.
May 30: An insert in The Desert Sun included the
names and photos of all of the top graduates from our
seven high schools.
June: An article in The Gem, the La Quinta Chamber of
Commerce’s monthly publication, was written by
LQHS valedictorian Madeline Davis. She and her father
were featured on the cover of the publication.
June 2: Coverage of graduations began with a photo of
La Quinta High School in The Desert Sun.
June 2: The new mural at
James Madison Elementary
School was covered by all local
media. A story can be found on
page 22 of this newsletter.
June 3: Shadow Hills High
School was included in the
continuing Desert Sun coverage
on graduations.
June 3: The bi-monthly DSUSD article in The Desert
Sun’s Neighbors included Part 1 of a listing of high
school valedictorians and salutatorians. Part II will be
published on June 17.
June 4: The Desert Sun reported that La Quinta Arts
Foundation had awarded a scholarship to Christopher
Sanchez, a 2007 La Quinta High School graduate.
June 4: The Desert Sun awarded two Thumbs Ups to
DSUSD. One was for the farewell to IHS retiring
principal Rudy Ramirez, the other to the Koch sisters
and their Franklin Elementary School recycling project.
June 5: Local media coverage of the Palm Desert High
School graduation noted the high temperatures and
heat-related incidents.
June 6: A Desert Sun letter to the editor congratulated
IHS principal Rudy
Ramirez.
June 6: KMIR TV
featured Desert Ridge
Middle School
County Science
contender Joshua
Risk. Joshua placed
fourth in the county.
He is shown here with
the news team.
June 6: Promoting
the next Blackhawk
Showdown (see page
7) on CBS Local 2’s
Eye on The Desert
were LQHS Assistant Principal Sean Webb and student
co-master of ceremonies PSA student Andrew Hunter.
3
Yvonne Carrillo, a La Quinta
salutatorian, is a scholar/athlete who
will be attending Rice University
pursuing a degree in biological
engineering. Yvonne is an International
Baccalaureate diploma candidate, an
AP Scholar, and a National Hispanic
Scholar. She is the first person in her
family to attend school in the United States, and the
first person in to attend a university.
Continued from page 1
She is headed to Santa Monica College and then plans
to transfer to San Diego State University to major in
history. Naekisha plans on becoming a professor.
Indio High School valedictorian is
Monica Pelayo. She will attend
University of California Riverside
where she will prepare herself to
become a high school math teacher.
Monica believes in giving back to our
community and has spent many hours
volunteering at various organizations.
Jordan Andrie, a La Quinta salutatorian,
is also an IB diploma candidate. He will
be attending University of California,
Berkeley where he will be majoring in
molecular/cellular biology on the road
to becoming a medical physician.
Guadalupe Torres is the Indio High
School salutatorian. Guadalupe will be
attending Haverford College outside of
Philadelphia and is majoring in
biomedicine and neuroscience, with the
hope of one day working for Doctors
Without Borders.
Palm Desert High School
valedictorian Jacqueline Elizabeth
Orfield will attend George Washington
University, majoring in International
Affairs. She plans a career in politics.
Shadow Hills High
School‘s Yousif Kastiro is the 2016
valedictorian. Yousif will attend the
University of California Riverside in
the fall where he will begin his journey
to becoming an
orthopedic surgeon.
PDHS salutatorian
Rachael Lanae Phillips
was named one of the top ten students in
Riverside County. She recently earned
the prestigious Girl Scout Gold
Award. Rachael will attend Westmont
College where she will major in
kinesiology with plans of becoming a
pediatric physical therapist working with children who
are fighting potentially terminal diseases and cancers.
Salutatorian Ibrahim Kastiro (Shadow
Hills) will attend the University of
California Riverside in the fall where
he, too, will pursue a career as an
orthopedic surgeon.
Horizon School co-valedictorian is
Elizabeth Eileen Gonzales. She has
taught herself Korean and Russian, the
piano and the guitar. Elizabeth will
travel to Ecuador in October. Upon
returning she will continue teaching the
Bible, playing instruments, and
learning more languages.
Summit High School does not have a
valedictorian or salutatorian. Their top
graduating student is Victoria
Ghajarieh. She will continue her
education at College of the Desert.
Horizon co-valedictorian Austin
Edelman exemplifies the student taking
advantage of the independent study
model. He will continue his work with
his church as a youth group leader.
Madeline Davis is La Quinta High
School’s Class of 2016 valedictorian
and is headed to the University of
California, Los Angeles. She is an
International Baccalaureate diploma
candidate who will be pursuing a career
in the medical field.
Horizon co-salutatorian
Cristina Angel is a Top
10 Student and has been named
Student of the Month. She is editor-inChief of the Horizon School
newsletter. Cristina plans to attend
Palomar College in San Diego with an
interest in writing and art.
4
Indio High Teacher Receives Books
Commit to Graduate
The Young Adult Library
Services Association (YALSA), a
division of the American Library
Association (ALA), has
announced the recipients of its
2016 Teens’ Top Ten Book
Giveaway.
Eight graders from John Glenn Middle School braved
the heat to walk to La Quinta High School and find out
how it feels to sit in the seats of La Quinta High School
graduates.
A total of 40 recipients were
selected to receive a set of the 2016 Teens’ Top Ten
nominees through the generous funding from The
Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The nominee list
is comprised of 26-teen acclaimed young adult titles
from a multitude of different genres.
Annelise Freeman, a teacher at Indio High School was
one of the recipients.
According to the organization, with these Teens’ Top
Ten titles, libraries can further enrich their young adult
materials collection and encourage the teens in their
community to practice positive reading habits.
Ford Receives Civics Award
The Honorable Harold W.
Hoop, superior court judge
and Riverside County
presiding judge, recently
visited Gerald Ford
Elementary School to
present Principal Scott
Davis with the Civics
Learning Award. Ford is
one of only three schools in
Riverside County to receive
this award presented by the
judicial branch of the State
of California. Schools applying for this designation
must provide information and background on their civic
learning practices and programs with an emphasis on
those that incorporate research-based projects.
The Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens
nominate and choose their favorite books of the
previous year. Nominations are posted in April on the
Thursday of National Library Week, and YALSA
wants libraries to encourage teens across the country to
read the titles over the summer so they are ready to vote
on their favorite titles between August 15 and the close
of Teen Read Week™ October 15.
For more information, ideas, and resources for libraries
to use to incorporate the Teens’ Top Ten into summer
reading/learning programs, download the free Teens’
Top Ten Toolkit.
The mission of (YALSA) is to support library staff in
alleviating the challenges teens face, and in putting all
teens—especially those with the greatest needs—on the
path to successful and fulfilling lives.
(http://www.ala.org/yalsa/)
Farewell to Chief Richard Twiss
Students at John F. Kennedy Elementary School said
goodbye and thank you to
Indio Police Chief Richard
Twiss. Retiring after an
over 30 year career in law
enforcement, Chief Twiss
was emotional during his
thank you to the student
body. Attending the
ceremony were DSUSD
school board members
Wendy Jonathan and Matt
Monica. One of the Chief’s traditions has been Lunch
With The Chief at various schools throughout the city.
Advocate of The Year
Congratulations to Tori
St. Johns of SAP
(student assistance
program) for receiving
the National Human
Rights Commission
Advocate for Equality
and Riverside County
Behavioral Health
Commission Advocate
of the Year Award.
5
The first official celebration of Red Nose Day was February 5, 1988. It was launched as an official “day of comedy”.
Begun as a means to raise money for refugees in Sudan, it has come to symbolize both the generosity of those who
generously donate to help the disadvantaged and as a way to have fun and bring joy to those around you.
Who better to do that at the district office than our wonderful preschoolers? They came ready to dance and introduced
staff to their version of the Hokey Pokey and Tooty Tot. The editor leaves it to you to identify the folks who joined in!
6
The winner of the showdown was Chef Andie Hubka
from Cork and Fork. She will compete against the
winner of the June 15 Showdown where Chef Scott
from New Leaf Catering will battle against Chef Leo
from the JW Desert Springs Marriott. The featured
charity for the night will be The Pendleton Foundation.
Tickets to the June 15th Showdown are available at:
https://everyeventgives.com/event/
blackhawkshowdownjune15/
Blackhawk Showdowns Continue
(Thanks to LQHS Assistant Principal Sean Webb for this
information.)
Chef Andie Hubka
from Cork and Fork
and Chef Jenna Van
Loon from La Quinta
Resort teamed up with
culinary students on
May 18 for this year’s
first Blackhawk
Showdown Culinary
Challenge
battle. Both chefs are
very familiar with
working with our
students as both have employed current LQHS culinary
students and alumni for the
past two seasons. Each
chef was provided a
mystery box of donated
items from L&G Fresh
Produce and Crown Meats,
a case of fresh Coachella
Valley sweet corn, and
USDA Teres Major Beef
(poor man’s beef
tenderloin). The
ingredients had to
be utilized in two
out of three dishes
prepared by our
visiting chefs and
students. In
addition, each chef
was required to
provide a 10-minute
demonstration in
the Blackhawk
stadium kitchen with the help of LQHS students in
front of the 70 attendees. The focus charity for the
event was The Ophelia Project.
IB Students Recognized
Congratulations to Natalie Wright, a
student at John Glenn Middle
School, for being named a student of
the year by CAWS (California
Association of World Schools).
Natalie was awarded a certificate and
$100 at the school’s
year-end Academy
Awards ceremony.
Shivam Patel, a student at La Quinta
High School, received his certificate and
$200 at the LQHS annual IB diploma
dinner and pinning ceremony.
Cherland Honors Continue
Michelle Cherland has used her
honors as California Teacher of the
Year to focus the spotlight on her
students. Recently interviewed for a
special program being produced by
California Lottery, the LA Times,
Tribune Publishing, and the
Festival of Books, she insisted that
the film crew first spend time with
the Carrillo Ranch video production
team. Students listened, watched,
and asked some in-depth questions
about both the
process and future
career
opportunities.
Date of the airing
of Michelle’s
interview has yet
to be announced.
Showdown attendees were entertained by hosts for the
evening local KESQ morning anchor Bianca Rae and
sophomore PSA student Andrew Hunter. At each
showdown the audience votes and there are four "blind"
judges tasting the food. The "blind" judges make up
80% of the vote and the consensus of the audience
makes up the remainder 20% of the vote. The blind
judges for this competition were John Adler, LQHS
Academy English teacher, Christin Hepner, employee
at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage, Meagan Van Dyke,
local performing artist, and Amelia Earhart student,
Aiden Herrera.
On June 7,
Michelle was a
guest of honor at
Palm Springs Power Baseball when she threw out the
first pitch. The crowd gave Michelle a standing ovation.
7
A Bug’s Life
(Thanks to Rebecca Kloster, John Glenn Middle School, for this article.)
A bit of excitement occurred at John Glenn Middle
School of International Studies when our AMAZING
librarian, Mrs. Blake, noticed a very unique visitor in
the library. She prevented a few students from
squishing the, “not so lovely” creature, carefully
caught it, and sent it to Mrs. Kloster’s class.
During 1st period, the students had the rare
opportunity to watch the beetle lay an egg! The
spectacle brought exuberant gasps from the students
as a long ovipositor slowly emerged from the
abdomen in what could only be described as a scene
from the movie Alien. Much to the chagrin of later
classes, this cannot be found on YouTube which is a
rarity these days.
The creepy-crawly-critter became the star of an impromptu science lesson as the students
were challenged to try to identify the humongous beetle. Once they thought they had the
correct genus and species, they were again challenged to prove their hypothesis by providing
evidence from their research to support their claim. A great time of engaged learning was had
by all as they raced to be the first to solve the riddle of the monstrous but docile specimen.
What a great way to finish off a long arduous few weeks of state testing as the students
headed into a much needed three day weekend. The saying goes—“it takes a team”, and we at
John Glenn are very fortunate to have a librarian like Mrs. Blake. She is always looking for
ways to help support the staff and inspire the students, and it is clear her efforts to always go
above and beyond made a big difference to a large number of our students today.
P.S. The common name is a Palo Verde Borer Beetle, and they are very common this time of year.
Autograph Party
In early February, Kristen Hill and Nate
Manderfeld invited lovers of reading and the
English language to become mentors to 5th graders
at James Monroe Elementary School. The
voluntary student assignment was to write a book.
Mentors met with their students during the course
of several months. The students then published
their books, creating an enticing cover. In May,
students held autograph parties to showcase their
work. Mary Perry, editor of The Beacon, is shown
receiving a copy of the book The Super Story from
her mentee Clarissa Bycott.
Walk for MS
On Saturday, April 16, a contingent of AVID and Interact students from
Indio High School volunteered to help at the MS Walk in Palm Desert. The
walk raises money for research to find a cure for this debilitating disease.
In the words of the organizer, “We are very grateful for the participation of
your students from Indio High School. Without the help of volunteers we
could not have put on this event.” Students arrived early to help set up
booths, work registration tables, assist with distribution of food, cheering
on walkers, presenting awards, and helping to clean up. Indio High School
students have volunteered for this event for 10 consecutive years.
8
CVEP Awards $1.3 M in Scholarships
New Students Welcomed
CVEP will award more than $600,000 to almost 150
college-bound local students in a recent scholarship
ceremony at the Annenberg Health Science Center at
Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage. The
students represent about half of this year’s Pathways to
Success scholars who will convene June 23-25 at
CVEP’s third annual Student Leadership Conference at
the CSUSB Palm Desert campus. (CVEP and its
partners will present $1.3 million to Coachella Valley
students this year.) The conference features keynote
speaker Jose Hernandez, a former astronaut who grew
up as one of four children in a migrant farming family
and earned engineering degrees from the University of
the Pacific in Stockton and the University of California
in Santa Barbara. Thirty-five business and education
professionals will participate in more than 25
workshops, panels, and other sessions to help prepare
students for college, career, and life. The ceremony will
take place on June 10 and recipients are listed on the
next page.
Benjamin Franklin Elementary Students welcomed
visiting John Adams Elementary School students at a
recent open house. The Adams students came to
Franklin to help make their transition to their new home
school a little smoother. The children below represent
the student body and their efforts to make new friends.
Taking Home the Gold
CVEP Pathways Scholar Kris Zamora
Set to Graduate CSUSB Palm Desert
La Quinta Middle School joins the ranks of DSUSD
schools winning Healthy Alliance Awards. The
school won a GOLD AWARD. According to Dru
Bagwell of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation,
gold awards are a rarity saying, “not many schools,
maybe 15 max a year, receive the Gold Award and
two in one district is amazing.”
La Quinta High School alumnus
Kris Zamora, who's graduating
magna cum laude with a bachelor's
degree in graphic design and
marketing, recently shared his
personal story with the CVEP
(Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership) board of directors.
Zamora, who graduated in 2009
from La Quinta High School, earned an
associate's degree at College of the Desert before
enrolling at CSUSB. While finishing his degree, Zamora
has been working as a production artist at Cord Media in
Palm Desert and as a freelance graphic designer. The
former prep athlete hopes to one day form his own
advertising agency in the Coachella Valley.
In the past several weeks, six DSUSD schools have
been notified of their awards. Gold Award
designation was made to La Quinta Middle School
and Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School; a
Silver Award was received by Lyndon B. Johnson
Elementary School; Bronze Awards were received
by Dr. Carreon Academy, Amelia Earhart
Elementary School, and John F. Kennedy
Elementary School.
Colonel Mitchell
Paige Middle
School recently
recognized their
76 three-year and
24 two-year
AVID students.
9
Last Name
Gomez
Pelayo
Covarrubias
Bernal Medrano
EsparzaGonzalez
Terrones
Torres
Gottwald
Cruz
Trujillo
Meza
Lojero
Evanko
Flores
Talamante
Quintero
Jones
Gamboa
Cisneros
Lopez
LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL
INDIO HIGH SCHOOL
INDIO HIGH SCHOOL
PALM DESERT HIGH SCHOOL
SHADOW HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
PALM DESERT HIGH SCHOOL
LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL
LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL
PALM DESERT HIGH SCHOOL
SHADOW HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
INDIO HIGH SCHOOL
LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL
PALM DESERT HIGH SCHOOL
INDIO HIGH SCHOOL
LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL
LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL
Uriel
Isaiah
Guadalupe
Kalena
Claudia
Maria
Karen
Maritza
Kristina
Genesis
Adilene
Julissa
Maya
Deanna
Gustavo
Jenny
$5,000 PTS-New
$5,000 PTS-New
$5,000 Women Leaders Forum
$5,000 Women Leaders Forum
$5,000 PTS-New
$5,000 PTS-New
$5,000 Women Leaders Forum
$5,000 Women Leaders Forum
$5,000 Women Leaders Forum
$5,000 Women Leaders Forum
$2,500 COD AA - Year 1 of 1
$5,000 Women Leaders Forum
$5,000 PTS-New
$2,500 COD AA - Year 1 of 1
$2,500 COD AA - Year 1 of 1
$2,500 COD AA - Year 1 of 1
High School
Amounts
Funding
INDIO HIGH SCHOOL
$5,000 PTS-New
INDIO HIGH SCHOOL
$5,000 PTS-New
SHADOW HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
$5,000 PTS-New
LA QUINTA HIGHN SCHOOL
$5,000 PTS-New
First Name
Azalia
Monica
Elsie
Monika
Harvard University
University of California Los Angeles
Haverford College
University of California Berkeley
UC Santa Cruz
UC Los Angeles
University of California Irvine
Notre Dame de Namur
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
UC Los Angeles
College Of The Desert
California State University Fullerton
Sonoma State University
College Of The Desert
College Of The Desert
College Of The Desert
University/ College
UC Santa Barbara
University of Califonia Riverside
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Notre Dame De Namur
CVEP Awards $1.3 M in Scholarships
(Continued)
10
3rd Annual Earhart Film Festival
Participating students included:
(Thanks to Ashley Hayball for this information.)
Sarhai Martinez
Angelica Astorga
Aymi Miwa
Sinjin Armstrong
Hurley Walton
Palemon Urisabel
Lilly Baur
Giancarlo Lazzarini
Nehemiah Ramirez
David Ortega-Vasquez
Samantha Moya
Mateo Acosta
Joshua Peterson
Jacob Alexander
Luke Ivy
Move over, Palm Springs Film Festival! In a completely
unique twist on year-end celebrations, Ashley Hayball’s
4th Grade class at Amelia Earhart Elementary School
presented the 3rd Annual Earhart 4th Grade Book Film
Festival on Thursday, May 26.
Students were dressed in their fanciest attire and
escorted their family members and VIPs to the multi
purpose room for the movie screening at 9:30 am.
32 students used the
stage, podium, and
microphone to
introduce their short
film relating to one
book of their choice.
The annual event
serves as a showcase of
digital storytelling and
unprecedented use of
Chromebooks at the
elementary level. A special intro to the program featured
each student surrounded by comments from their
classmates. Special guest Neil
Machlis, film producer, spoke
to the students about
following their dreams,
encouraging to consider
aspects of the movie business.
Machlis received enthusiastic
applause from the students for
his work on the Alvin and the
Chipmunks movies and from
parents for such films as
Lenny, The Stepford Wives, Primary Colors, and more.
Alyssa Martinez
Isaac Garcia
Mark Levine
Macoy Crabtree
Nate Alvarez
Angela Milojkovic
Isabella Bojorquez
McKenzie Carlos
Krysta Levesque
Isaiah Garcia
Marlisa Rivera
Steven Rivas
Jesus Jacobo
Kai Macro
Jordyn Werner
Jackson Elementary Hosts Career Day
Twenty community
leaders recently spoke
to the student body at
Andrew Jackson
Elementary School.
First through fifth
graders heard from
such folks as students
were visited by
DSUSD Assistant
Superintendent of
Business Services Jim
Novak, DSUSD cloud
tech Carlos Silva, a
doctor, a mortgage
consultant, a member
of the Navy, multiple
lawyers, a member of
the Gang Task Force,
and many more. Members of the Career Day committee
were: Allison Hodges, Reyna Garcia, Matt Blansett,
Michelle Fernandez, and Tiffany Norton.
“We have read hundreds of great books this year, and
we were searching for
a new and exciting
way to showcase our
love for
stories,”
said
Hayball.
“This is
something
that
celebrates
all the books we have read and enjoyed
together throughout the year. This classroom
has read over 125 books together this year, and
will continue to read throughout the summer.”
The event was covered by all local television
stations.
11
correlation between school truancy and criminal
activity. In attempt to combat school truancy, DSUSD
supports regular school attendance through parent
notification, early outreach, resource referrals, personal
meetings with families, and, as required by state law,
referrals to law enforcement when necessary.
Truancy Sweep
(Thanks to Cathy Bennett for this article.)
On May 19, over 60 Desert Sands Unified School
District (DSUSD) student homes were visited by law
enforcement as part of a district-wide truancy sweep.
The sweep, led by Riverside County Gang Task Force
Officer Pittenger, was a multi-agency effort joining
DSUSD Child Welfare and Attendance, Riverside
County Sheriff's Office, La Quinta Police Department,
Palm Desert Police Department, Indio Police
Department, and the Riverside County District
Attorney’s Office in the united goal of emphasizing the
importance of being in school every day, finding
solutions to school attendance barriers, and reminding
parents and students about state laws related to truancy.
Students selected for the truancy sweep were middle or
high school-aged who, regardless of having received
early intervention support, continued to accumulate
unexcused absence. All students involved in the sweep
were legally deemed chronic truants, most of whom
missed over 20% of the school year due to unexcused
absence. On the day of the sweep, law enforcement
visited student homes and popular loitering spots for
teenagers. Students found at home without a valid
excuse were counseled, then brought to school.
Students found out in the community, in violation of
daytime curfew law, were counseled, cited, then brought
to school. Parents of students who had been through the
School Attendance Review Board (SARB) intervention
and support process, and were knowingly breaking their
SARB contract by allowing their child to continue to be
truant, were also cited.
The truancy sweep was a recent addition to the
continuum of intervention efforts developed as part of a
commitment to crack-down on local truancy. According
to California Department of Education Data Reporting,
over 2,000,000 students across the state were legally
deemed truant last school year. Truancy is not only an
educational concern, but also impacts community safety.
Extensive research shows students who are chronically
truant are likely to not graduate from high school. The
California Attorney General’s office notes a strong
Community Partners Award Scholarships
Entravision, a Spanish language television station, has
long been presenting “students of the month” to their
viewers. They are now joined by sponsor Walter Clark,
of Walter Clark Law Group.
Earlier this week, Mr. Clark presented three Desert
Sands students, all Entravision students of the week in
May, scholarships.
Gilberto Alvarez Bernal of Shadow Hills High Schol
and Alba Villagrana of Palm Desert High School were
awarded $100 checks. Xcaret Jimenez Valenzuala, of
Amistad High School, received a $500 award for being
the “Estudiante del Mes”.
12
Leadership Team Members Honored
Dear Principal of George Washington
Charter:
(Thanks to Principal Maryalice Owings, Abraham Lincoln
Elementary School, for this article.)
The American education system has a secret. Despite a
national focus on a failing education system, many of
our schools are doing well and successfully preparing
students for college and career. After an extensive
analysis of student data for every public school in
California, George Washington Charter was a clear
leader in getting students to grade level and beyond.
ACSA is the Association of California School
Administrators. We advocate for public education and
for students in the State of California and the nation,
Every year, each of our 19 regions select administrators
of the year in 20 different award categories. Region XIX
encompasses all of Riverside County. Friday night, June
3, Region XIX honored award winners at a dinner in
Palm Springs. DSUSD is very proud that two of our
leaders were selected as Administrators of the Year.
On behalf of Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and
the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence
(CBEE), I am writing to congratulate you. George
Washington Charter has been named an Honor Roll
school for the 2015 California Honor Roll. Your
school will receive recognition in the press as a leader in
student achievement, will be provided with a free banner
to display on campus, and will be featured on our
website where educators and policy makers seek out
high performing schools so that they can replicate
success.
Margo McCormick, assistant principal at Indio High
School (and newly named principal of Thomas Jefferson
Middle School), was selected as the Region XIX
Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year. Margo has
worked for Desert Sands since 1999 and she has been an
administrator in DSUSD since 2009. As stated in her
nomination, "Mrs. McCormick realizes that staying
connected and building relationships with
students is paramount to her effectiveness as an
administrator."
The 2015 Honor Roll recognizes public elementary,
middle, and high schools that demonstrate consistently
high levels of student academic achievement,
improvement in achievement over time, and reduction in
achievement gaps. For high schools, Honor Roll
recognition includes measures of college readiness in
students. This year, the California Honor Roll
recognized 1,715 higher performing, higher poverty
schools that are distinguished for their academic
achievement and closing achievement gaps.
Our other worthy award winner was Elementary
Principal of the Year Kelly May-Vollmar,
principal of Franklin Elementary School. Kelly has
worked for DSUSD since 2004 and she has been the
principal at Franklin since 2010. As stated in
her nomination, "Mrs. May-Vollmar's leadership has
created an environment where students and staff feel a
connectedness to each other, where respect is common
and a positive learning environment exists."
Through national research, we have identified a
common set of success factors in higher performing
Honor Roll schools and districts. These include clear,
specific learning objectives aligned to college and career
readiness, along with evidence-based instructional
practices; establishing system-wide mission of college
and career readiness for all students; investing in human
capital; maintaining data and assessment systems to
monitor school and student performance; and deploying
resources and guidance to support schools’ efforts to
prepare all students for college and career.
Another Friday night award was a $1,000 student
scholarship, awarded to Palm Desert High School
graduate Chloe Wood, daughter of Chad Wood, our
director of classified personnel.
From all of us at ERP and CBEE, I send you heartfelt
congratulations and thank you for a job well done. We
are proud to tell your story and promote your success in
serving students well.
Sincerely,
James S. Lanich, Ph.D.
President & CEO
Educational Results Partnership
Campaign for Business and Education Excellence
EdResults.org
From left to right: Derrick Lawson (current principal of Colonel
Mitchell Paige Middle School and newly announced principal of
Indio High School), McCormick, Assistant Superintendent of Student
Services Laura Fisher, May-Vollmar, and Owings)
12
Clicking on any of the items in the list will expand and
show additional details, such as which browser has
been used (Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox), and
will show additional dates and times of access.
Do you know where your Google
account has been?
by Chuck King, manager,
computer network services
We all keep track of
important people and
things in our lives.
Certainly we know where
our kids are. Normally we
know where our car is,
hopefully it is where we left it last. We know where our
computers are most of the time, and we know who has
them. But have you checked to see where your Google
account has been?
Now, that is well and good. As you look down the list
you may see that your smartphone, computer, and
Chromebook are listed, in locations that are familiar.
Locations like Palm Desert, Indio, and La Quinta may
seem appropriate. If you see an entry for a computer
logging in from Nigeria (probably that prince who has a
million bucks waiting for you), Russia, or Indonesia, it
is a clue that your account is being misused.
If there is a suspicious device or location showing,
select that session and remove account access from the
device. Then change your password. If it is a district
account, contact IT right away.
Many are familiar with Google—and the process of
logging-in is second nature. But how about doublechecking on which devices our Google account has
used. Here are the quick and easy steps:
It’s always good to know where the important things in
our lives are located. And it’s also important to know
where our Google account has been, as well.
Open the Chrome browser and login to your Google
account.
Ford Receives Funds from Jersey Mike’s
1. In the upper right hand, click on the circle that is
your picture, or the letter of your initial. This opens
up a small pop-up window with your account name,
picture, and other info.
2. Click on the blue button that reads “My Account”.
A page will pop up with a number of Google
account settings.
3. On the left side of that page, the second link is
“Device Activity and Notifications”. Take that link,
and a new page will pop up.
4. Go to the subsection that is titled: “Recently Used
Devices”. That list will show several of the last
devices that have connected to your account in the
last 28 days.
Click on the “Review Devices” link in blue for a
complete list. In the list will be each of the devices you
use to access your Google account. It will also show
the last date, time, and (approximate) location.
Principal Scott Davis (left) and Assistant Principal John
Henry Preston (right) accept a check from the manager
of Jersey Mike’s following a very successful fundraiser.
DSUSD Champions
Five DSUSD students proudly display their 1st and 2nd
place awards from a recent Taekwondo tournament.
From left to right: Eduardo Reyes (Thomas Jefferson
Middle School), Luis Padilla (Lyndon B. Johnson
Elementary School), Destin Beckwith & David Reyes
(Martin Van Buren Elementary School), and Xander
Garcia (John
Adams
Elementary
School)
14
Kalkoske Named Advocate of The Year
Glenn Teachers of The Year
Dr. Mark Kalkoske, DSUSD
program specialist, has been
named a 2016 Child and Family
Advocate and was honored at the
3rd Annual HOPE Awards Dinner
in Riverside this past Friday. Dr.
Kalkoske reports he was informed
he was nominated by Peggy Yost,
teacher of students with emotional
disturbance at Carrillo Ranch and
long term colleague of Mark’s.
Congratulations to Kari Penny and
Raymond Perez (not pictured) for being
recognized as John Glenn Middle School
Teachers of the Year. Kari is the ASB
advisor and teaches 8th grade language
and literature. Raymond is Renaissance
Advisor and teaches 8th grade Individuals
and Societies.
Summer School
More than 1,700 summer school
applications have been received
from students at all DSUSD high
schools. High school summer
school will be held this year at two
sites, Palm Desert and Shadow
Hills. Although the deadline has passed for summer
school acceptance, seniors who need to complete
graduation credits may still be accepted.
The mission of the HOPE Collaborative is to promote
the safety of children and prevent abuse and neglect in
Riverside County through the coordination and
facilitation of interagency collaboration efforts to raise
community awareness; education and training of
professionals, parents, and the community; services to
child abuse victims and families impacted by abuse and
neglect; and advocacy efforts influencing public policy.
The opportunities for high school students to recover
core-content credits from a failed course and/or
improve a grade of D from an A-G approved course
will continue. Chemistry, biology, and math
remediation will all be offered. More than 200 entering
freshmen have applied to take the introduction to math
course. In other math related summer school subjects,
75 students will be taking a calculus prep class. New
this summer are both math foundation courses and
nearly 500 students have registered.
We Cannot Tell a Lie—No Bullying
George Washington Charter Elementary School
students have put
together a publication
geared to their 4th and
5th grade peers.
The preface of the
publication says it all:
Bullying. It’s
everywhere.
The acceleration opportunity for juniors/seniors to take
two semesters of a physical education or fine arts
course will continue this year.
Worse: Bullies are
getting away with it.
Picking on people
smaller, weaker or
just different doesn’t
carry the shame it
used to. And it’s
powerful. In fact, new research indicates that
bullying is a behavior that follows both the bully
and the bullied throughout their lives.
As in past years, courses will be provided in one of
three settings based on grade level and counselor
recommendations: full day traditional classroom
setting, twice weekly full days in a computer lab for
those receiving credit through APEX, and twice weekly
half days of required attendance with significant
additional work completed independently for those in
the junior/senior make-up setting.
What’s going on?
Summer school begins June 14 and concludes with a
July 21 graduation at Palm Desert High School. Charles
Mazet will serve as principal for the Palm Desert High
School campus. Assisting him will be Ralph Reyes as
counselor and Melinda Larson and Wendel Morden as
teachers on special assignment. Larson will be TOSA
for the first half of the summer session and Morden will
assume the duties for the second half. At Shadow Hills
High School, John Romero and Deanna Keuilian will
split the responsibility. Saul Martinez will be the
counselor and Karen Hernandez the TOSA.
Our talented writers and reporters wanted some
answers. They discussed their own experiences.
They interviewed the experts who deal with this
very issue every day at school. They looked at the
reasons bullies bully. They looked at some
examples in the media.
And they discovered that ECS works hard to keep
ahead of the problem.
15
SHHS’s Cano Awarded Scholarship
Students Attend
Diversity Breakfast
Madison Cano of Shadow Hills
High School recently received a
$1,000 music award from the
Desert Winds.
Close to 100 students from
DSUSD schools were the
guests of SafeSchools
Desert Cities and Palm
Springs Pride at the annual
Harvey Milk Diversity
Breakfast. Many of the
students are members of the
GSA (Gay Straight Alliance). They arrived early to the
event in order to have a private session with keynote
speaker Dolores Huerta, activist and labor leader who
co-founded the United Farm Works with Cesar Chavez.
Ms. Huerta is pictured addressing the students.
Madison’s principal instrument
is bass trombone. She is
heading to California State
University Fullerton. She has
played the trombone since the
7th grade and has played in both
the Desert Sands and Coachella Madison with Desert Winds
President Richard Bentley.
Valley Wide Honor bands.
According to her band director Paul Bluto, “She is
willing to lend a helping hand with whatever job needs
to be done. Maddy is extremely outgoing and is
respected by her peers.”
Sweet Success
Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School
recently hosted the Class of 2016 8th
Grade Honors Dessert. Families and
friends celebrated student achievement
while enjoying a buffet of an amazing
array of desserts.
Women’s Club of Indio Gifts Books
For the sixth year, Indio Women’s Club has gifted
storybooks to the students in the 12 elementary schools
in Indio. The project is called Read Across Indio and
the goal is to give a book to all students in kindergarten,
2nd grade, and SDC (special day classes) to take home
and practice reading over the summer. The books were
purchased, with the help of the Desert Sands District
office, from Scholastic. Below are photos of the group
distributing the books at Dwight D. Eisenhower
Elementary School.
The Band Played On
Congratulations to the Palm Desert Charter Middle
School Band on receiving a “Unanimous Superior
Rating” at the SCSBOA Regional Festival at Palm
Desert High School. To hear the band (as a preview to
the November 17 50th Anniversary Celebration of
DSUSD) visit:
https://www.facebook.com/Palm-Desert-CharterMiddle-School-Band-and-Color-Guard-116065092801/
16
There’s Gold in the Hills at Lincoln
ASE Students Receive Certificates
The Heritage Trails Association recently presented
Gold Rush Days at Abraham Lincoln Elementary
School. Fourth grade teachers who helped organize and
get the students ready were Jeanne Pollard, Douglas
Brown, Kevin Colburn, and Norma Peru.
Amistad High School graduates completing their
automotive training have been recognized with
certificates as part of the ASE (Automotive Service
Excellence) affiliation with the school. Left to right:
 Assistant Principal Sharon Hoff
 Sergio Salgueiro, Maintenance & Light Repair
 Sergio Castro, Maintenance & Light Repair
 Austin Thackrah, Brakes, Steering & Suspension,
Maintenance & Light Repair
 Gavin Murphy, Automotive Service Technology,
Maintenance & Light Repair, Steering & Suspension,
Brakes, Engine Performance, Automatic
Transmission, Manual Transmission
 Casey Aldridge, Automotive Service Technology,
Heating & Air Conditioning, Automatic
Transmission, Engine Performance, Steering &
Suspension, Brakes, Maintenance & Light Repair
 Auto Teacher Jonathan Herndon
 Selena Barba, Electrical Systems, Heating & Air
Conditioning, Automotive Service Technology,
Ready to Work Certificate
 Chase Ostrom, Engine Repair, Engine Performance,
Automotive Service Technology, Maintenance &
Light Repair, Heating & Air Conditioning, Automatic
Transmission, Electrical Systems, Brakes, Ready to
Work Certificate
 CTE Counselor Ralph Reyes (Career & Technical
Education)
Red Ribbon Week Awardee
Emily Rodriguez, a 10th grade student at Shadow Hills
High School, received 1st place in the high school
category for the 2016 Riverside County Carol Addiss
Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest. Emily's poster will
be included in the new calendars to be distributed
county wide.
17
to do things like
maintaining their
composure when
dealing with upset
individuals,
assisting persons
in medical distress
due to the heat,
help out
handicapped
individuals to
ensure their
comfort, and
generally assisting students and staff members to get
through the ceremony safely so they can enjoy their
accomplishments. The security agents working the 2016
graduations are a group of committed and trained
individuals who do whatever it takes to get the job done.
During my 34 years in public safety, I've never been
more proud and honored than I am when I work with
this group. They don't ask for anything in return, but it
makes their day should you ever have a chance to say
thanks to them for all they do.
Graduation...Behind the Scenes
(Thanks to Chief Jeff Kaye for this tribute.)
Triple digit heat and multiple
ceremonies scheduled over a
four-day period presented
challenges with event security
and safety staffing during the
2016 graduations. But the
DSUSD security team rose to
the occasion and helped site
administrators run things
smoothly. The district’s
security agents work long
hours on graduation days,
heading to the events after
working their full day shifts at
the school sites. But this is the
high point of the year for the agents, as they get to see
students they worked with all year celebrate the proud
moment and move onto the next phase of their lives. A
heat warning was issued during graduation week this
year so innovative methods like cooling stations, cool
towels, and extra hydration were added to event
planning to work through the adverse conditions.
The security
teams were
greatly assisted
by site
administrators
who provided
food and twice
the normal
amounts of
water to officers
during the
outdoor
ceremonies at
LQHS, SHHS, and PDHS. The cities of La Quinta,
Indio, and Palm Desert all stepped up and helped with
putting emergency equipment and paramedic teams on
standby to assist with heat related incidents. This type of
collaborative effort allowed DSUSD security to work
through these adverse conditions while sustaining only
minor heat related incidents. One security agent did
require ambulance transport to the hospital for
emergency I.V. rehydration, but he was able to return to
work in time to participate in his own school’s
graduation ceremony at PDHS and watch students he's
known since 6th grade get their diplomas.
Special thanks to our safety and security team, both our
own personnel and the school resource officers (SROs),
who have been here for our students and staff during this
past school year.
Front row: (from left to right) Deputy Mike Hernandez,
Summit High School and Horizon School; Deputy Wayne
Davidson, Palm Desert Charter Middle School; Deputy
Ricardo Couterras, La Quinta High School; Officer Joel
Osmond, Shadow Hills High School, Officer Javier
Romero, Indio Middle School. Back row: Officer Claro
Sanchez (Riverside Sheriff’s Gang Task Force); Deputy
Lisa Loya, Palm Desert High School; Sergeant Chris
Ferderickson, administrator; Deputy David Klicker,
La Quinta Middle School; Officer Justin Pittenger
(Riverside Sheriff’s Gang Task Force)
The most impressive part of watching the DSUSD
security agents work the graduations this year was to see
their never ending dedication to their mission of keeping
the ceremonies safe and secure. There are too many
incidents to list where security went above and beyond
18
Arts in The Garden
Emergency Preparedness
It is an annual tradition at Gerald Ford Elementary
School to showcase student musical performances and
artwork with a show, silent auction, and various other
events. This year the physical education folks added a
paintball throwing event and an opportunity to paint a
Toyota Prius. Hamburgers and hot dogs were grilled by
a great team of parent volunteers, including the chef
from the Esmerelda Resort. Teachers, PTO, and
families were huge supporters. A big thanks is sent to
parent volunteer Mrs. Schwartz, who organized the
event with music teacher Mrs. Bluto and art teacher
Mrs. McCarthy. Over 2,000 people attended the event.
Students from Dr. Carreon Academy recently attended
a very special training on emergency preparedness
sponsored by JFK Memorial Hospital. The two-day
event brought students to the hospital campus to meet
paramedics, tour the emergency response helicopter,
and receive additional first aid training.
19
Elementary School Battle of the Books
It was a fight to the end as 13 DSUSD elementary schools answered some
challenging questions about this year’s books. Awards were presented by
DSUSD School Board member Gary Tomak. Participating elementary
schools included:
John Adams
James Carter
Dr. Carreon
Amelia Earhart
Dwight Eisenhower
Gerald Ford
Benjamin Franklin
Lyndon B. Johnson
Abraham Lincoln
James Monroe
Ronald Reagan
Harry Truman
Martin Van Buren
First Place
John Adams
Second Place
Lyndon B. Johnson
Third Place (3-way tie)
Harry S. Truman
James Monroe
Dr. Carreon
Red Hot Ballroom
Shadow Hills High School was the site of this year’s Red Hot Ballroom competition.
Winners received their trophies from Indio Mayor Glenn Miller. All participants
received a medallion during the parade of dancers at the conclusion of the program.
(Photo: students in the Red Hot Ballroom ASES program at a recent Front and Center at the district office.)
Winners were:
Tango
James Madison
Cha Cha
Carrillo Ranch
Salsa
Carrillo Ranch
Swing
Lyndon B. Johnson
Waltz
Andrew Jackson
Palm Desert Charter Middle School Runs Triathlon
The 2nd annual PDCMS Authors, Athletes, and Community Action Triathlon just came to a close. This triathlon is
different from your typical triathlon of swim, bike, and run. The 13 students participated in the three events of
writing an essay in the PDCMS essay contest, competed in the Panther 5K Run on El Paseo, and finished the event
by volunteering community service hours with a local charitable organization.
Inspired by Dr. Scott Tinley, author, adjunct professor at SDSU, two-time Ironman
World Champion, and Hall of Fame Triathlete, this triathlon encompasses a wider
range of talent and interest in a student greater than mere athletics.
Front L-R : Allison Jensen (7), 3rd place winner Carson Tanner (6), Micah Levy (6), 1st place winner
Maryn Petek (6); Middle L-R: Elliette Olson (6t), 2nd place winner Humboldt Tresniowski (7),
Antonio Catanzarite (8), Rory Christiansen (6); Back L-R: Jeffrey Kastner (7), Mira McQuown (8),
Anna Knall (8), Cambria Blake (7), Cole Reber (7)
20
The PYP Exhibition...Encouraging In-Depth, Collaborative Inquiry
Amelia Earhart and Benjamin Franklin elementary schools are part of the International Baccalaureate Programme.
All students, grade K-5 participate in the framework that focuses on the development of the whole child as an
inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world. There are 1,398 elementary schools, worldwide that participate.
As fifth graders, in the final year of the PYP (Primary Years Program), students carry out an extended, in-depth,
collaborative project known as the PYP Exhibition. According to the IB website, “this involves students working
collaboratively to conduct an in-depth inquiry into real life issues or problems. Students collectively synthesise all of
the essential elements of the PYP in ways that can be shared with the whole school community. It also provides
teachers with a powerful and authentic process for assessing student understanding. The exhibition represents a
unique and significant opportunity for students to exhibit the attributes of the IB learner profile developed throughout
their engagement with the PYP.”
In May, students from both schools invited the public to view their projects.
Koch Sisters Project Receives Media Attention
Lilli and Madeleine Koch took their IB PYP project to La
Quinta City Hall and received media coverage throughout
the district. Their implementation of a recycling program at
Franklin Elementary School reduced 200 pounds of daily
trash to only 5 pounds. The set up three recycling stations
for trash, food scraps, and recyclables and have trained
fellow students to take part in the system. District officials
are looking to encourage the system at other sites.
21
We the People
The students of James Madison Elementary School were among the VIPs at a recent unveiling of a mural at their
school. The mural depicts American forefathers George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and, of
course, James Madison. Painted by muralist Keith Blum, the vibrant colors shimmer in the sunlight and focus on the
United States Constitution that was spearheaded by school namesake James Madison.
At left, DSUSD School Board
President Mike Duran,
Principal David Karlquist,
Indio Mayor Glenn Miller,
artist Keith Blum,
Congressman Raul Ruiz, MD,
DSUSD school board member
Gary Tomak, Assistant
Superintendent of Student
Services Laura Fisher, Indio
Mayor Pro Tem Elaine
Holmes, and Superintendent
Gary Rutherford, Ed.D. (not
shown is Indio Councilman
Troy Strange)
Below: Student Council
President Katelyn Perales
leads the Pledge of Allegiance,
teacher Terri Griffin sings the
National Anthem, student
Mariah Perez reads her essay, Dr.
Rutherford welcomes the group, President
Duran provides comments, Mayor Miller
(also representing Senator Stone’s office
presents a proclamation, Congressman
Ruiz presents the school with a flag flown
over the United States Capitol, students
celebrate the dedication of the mural,
artist Keith Blum poses with Javier
Duenas and Mario Moreno (DSUSD staff
members who assisted him)
22
Returning Home
(Thanks to Coach William Baker for these articles.)
Viviana Dominguez and Christopher Avalos are
both Juniors at La Quinta High School. They
recently were featured speakers at the Lyndon B.
Johnson Elementary School Longhorn Running
Club Breakfast/Speaker Series. Most importantly,
they are former LBJ students.
Chris played basketball and football at LBJ and
went on to play soccer at LQHS. He brought his
CIF Championship ring, won last year when the
school soccer team won the Southern Section
Championship (out of 500+ schools).
Viviana talked about how important running is to
her as she is on the LQHS cross country team. She
also talked about her journey to completion of a
full IB diploma.
Photo: Top, Viviana and Chris with members of the Longhorn
Running Club. Bottom left, with Coach William Baker. Bottom
right, a yearbook photo of the two of them in Mrs. Garcia’s
Library All-Star Public Speaking group.
Daisy Gomez, From a Longhorn to a Rebel
We concluded the Longhorn Running Club Speaker Series yesterday with Daisy Gomez. A former student here at
Lyndon B. Johnson Elementary School who is on her way to UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) this fall. She
is actually heading to Fiji in a few weeks to help underprivileged children this summer before going to Las Vegas.
Daisy shared how she just received her AA Degree at COD and is now pursuing her dream of becoming an
occupational therapist.
Daisy encouraged the girls to follow their
dreams (she played volleyball in high school
but chose not to play in college, and explained
why....wanted to help her family!) and was
really impressed when she asked how many
wanted to attend college after high school—
we had 100% hands go up immediately! Many
already had an idea of where they would like
to attend.
Daisy was on our very first basketball team
ever at LBJ and told the girls she was nervous
to compete with the boys but it actually ended
up giving her a lot of confidence! She is yet
another great example of an LBJ alumnae
coming to give back to our current students.
Teachers that are still here and made an
impact on Daisy: Mrs. Cobb and her kinder
teacher Diane Romero! Thank you all for
allowing your students to attend....that's it until
next year!
23
2015-2016 Employee Recognition
20 Year Service Pin
Robert Aceves
Amelia Aleman
Jacy Alexander
Didier Alvarez
Gerard Andrade
Enrique Avila
Linda Brady
Timothy Burcham
Regina Burns
Lisa Bustamante
Lisa Caronna
Mary Carpio
Lourdes Carranza
Alfred Castro
Rosemarie Chesebrough
Brian Collins
Leticia Collins
Carlos Cruz
Christopher Dolan
Cathy Doyle
Nancy Duteau
Sara Gerardo
Deborah Geyer
Mary Gilbreath
Ariel Gonzalez
Rosa Griego
Mario Gutierrez
Terrill Hackett
Donna Hann
Sean Harshaw
Patrice Healy
Kathryn Hickman-Olearnick
Yolanda Hodges
Lori Hodulik
Jennifer Ireland-Alwine
Keith Jackson
Gayle Jacobson
25 Year Service Pin
Steven Jenkins
Jesus Jimenez
Carol Langenbahn
John Lienhard
Lori Lombardo
Alex Londos
Carlos Luna
Kenneth McDaniel
Terrie Meyer-Cadiz
Matthew Meyers
Jeanne Middleton
Gabriela Mitchell
Jaime Mondares
Cheryl Montgomery
Rafael Natividad-Murillo
Jacqueline Orduno
Christina Osborne
Julie O’shaugnessy
Joe Parra
Shayna Powell
Regina Quintero
Marianne Ray
Terri Ruiz
Louis Sampietro
Cheryl Schuler
Kenny Snell
Loralee Stolzoff
Serina Strange
Lauren Streeter
Maria A. Tapia
Rachel Tovar
Evangelina Valenzuela
Marcelo Villa Jr.
Marisa Villarreal
Ireneo Villarreal
Debby Villarreal
Kristen Wood
Dean Alfrey
Dr. George Araya
Carole Bailey
Jeffery Ball
Carol Bishop
Minerva Bravo
Thomas Burbank
Kathleen Cabe
Kimberly Cosgrove
Mike Curran
Rosalia Dauto
Enrique Davalos
Carmen Felix
Cathee Fields
Luz Franco
Martha Franco
Michael Gubler
Carrie Isbell
Continued next page
24
Elizabeth Jimenez
Pamela LaPointe
Terrence Lee
Barbara Lightfoot
Robert Long Jr.
Felicitas Luna
Melissa McBride
Deborah Myll
Justine Prietto
Elizabeth Ramirez
Rafael Reyes
Salvador Saavedra
Kathryn Schofield
Kathryn Swartz
Gustavo Tamez
Linda Taylor
Fabby Westmoreland
Olivia Whitney
2015-2016 Employee Recognition
2016-2017 Employees of the Year
30 Year Service Pin
Veronica Arnold
Stephanie Bollard
Robin Burkett
Valerie Carrillo
Fernando Cisneros
Kevin Colburn
Kathleen Hartung
Terry Kauffman
Traci Kaylor
Classified Employees of the Year
Diana Cruz, Accounting Tech Indio High School
Petra (Patty) Leon
Regina Machado
Sally Miller
Michaeleen Prest
Roger Spalton
Suzanne Thomas
Virginia Thompson
Rosalinda Willman
Jane Zimmer
Mary-Jo Van Vliet, Paraeducator Ed/SD of the
Year Special Education
Stacy Long, Paraeducator Ed/SD of the Year
Special Education
Special Recognition
Vivian Gutierrez*
Duane Styles*
(Family pictured below)
*Posthumously
Data Assessment Specialist Educational Services
Tracey Bye
Not shown: Accounting Technician
Lorraine Hinojosa, Indio High School
Also shown, Director Classified Personnel Chad Wood
35 Year Service Pin
Ellen Belyeu
Jennie Cabral
Stephen Carroll
Lora Cathcart
Gail Douglass
Brenton Farrand
Robert Miller
Patricia Mills
Luz Sicre
Bonnie Stefan
Cynthia Tucker
Continued next page
25
2016-2017 Employees of the Year
Principal the Year
Teachers of the Year
Dan Borgen, Desert Ridge Academy
Janet Rhodewalt
Elementary School
Teacher of the Year
John F. Kennedy
Elementary School
Willard Lacro
Middle School
Teacher of the Year
Palm Desert Charter
Middle School
Classified Administrator of the Year
Mary Perry, Public Information Officer
Xochitl Velazquez
School Counselor of
the Year (shown above
with Superintendent Gary
Rutherford, Ed.D.)
Certificated Administrator of the Year
Gary Rutherford, Ed.D., Superintendent (with Assistant
Superintendent of Student Services Laura Fisher)
Jonathan Herndon
High School
Teacher of the Year
Amistad High School
Classified Retirees
Confidential Employee of the Year
San Juanita Briseno (26)
Richard Brown (39)
Billy Carson (18)
Rosanna Ferraro (16)
Gloria Fonseca (17)
Lisa Gomez (8)
Olivia Gutierrez (31)
Sandra Kosciolek (11)
Linda Lawson (24)
John Loerke (30)
Joe Parra (20)
Lynne Perez (20)
Joyce Pudis (29)
Lucille Ray (32)
Kathy Reyes (17)
Mary Helen Reyes (33)
Stephen Ricci (15)
Jose Rodriguez (11)
Virginia Thompson (29)
Maria Lomeli, Credential Analyst Personnel Services
Continued next page
26
2016-2017 Employees of the Year
Certificated Retirees
Terri Anderson (27)
Dr. George Araya (25)
Sharon Barry (11)
Michael Blaker (12)
Marilynn Brooks (33)
Thomas Burbank (25)
Dianne Cairns (27)
Gwen Cornell (17)
Hermelinda Diaz (12)
Suzanne Dick (11)
Carol Gjermundson (15)
Kimberly Hough (6)
Gayle Jacobson (20)
Janine Johnson (14)
Kathy Kochel (10)
Marsha Lee (17)
Claudia Lerner (24)
Linda Loveless (31)
Nancy Mengelkamp (21)
Daniel Morris (30)
Jon Newland (26)
Harry Nugent-Pat (17)
Katherine Overley (12)
Loraine Palmer (17)
Maria Pavalich (8)
Sally Polk-Garcia (1)
Rudy Ramirez (24)
Dr. Barry Stockhammer (3)
Delia Stryker (13)
Deborah Urquhart (9)
Deborah Westerhoff (18)
Rosalinda Willman (30)
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Ramirez Honored by City of Indio
Principal Barry Stockhammer, Ed.D. was recently
surprised at his school, Lyndon B. Johnson
Elementary, when former Los Angeles Dodger Steve
Garvey stopped by with his wife Candace. The LBJ
leader was the marketing guru for the team. Garvey
told the students how lucky they were to have had
such an "All Star"
principal. Students
were in on the secret
and came to school
dressed in Dodger blue.
They serenaded their
principal with his
favorite song Take Me
Out to the Ballgame.
Principal Rudy Ramirez of Indio High School was
recognized for his service to the community and his 24
years as principal at a city council meeting. The city
proclamation was read by IHS graduate Councilman
Troy Strange (right) and presented by Mayor Glenn
Miller (left) and Mayor Pro Tem Elaine Holmes. Rudy
graciously recognized
his family and staff. An
article in The Desert
Sun ran on the front
page of that day’s
newspaper and
included Rudy’s
accomplishments at the
school.
27
Desert Sands Educational Foundation Mini-Grants Program
Awards $17,000 for School-based Projects
The Desert Sands Educational Foundation continues its support to the education of Desert Sands Unified
School District students through the funding of twenty-two of the grant applications submitted in this
inaugural year of the foundation’s mini-grant program. The DSEF looks forward to the success of the
funded projects described below. Congratulations to the recipients and their school sites for seeking this
opportunity to enhance instructional programs through the support of the foundation. Projects funded:






















Sally Adams – Technology Department. $892 for “Breaking Out of the Traditional Lesson” – Breakout EDU
boxes & amp; games for middle school check out
Terresa Amidei – Desert Ridge Academy. $400 for “Student Engagement with Gaming” - Apple TV device and
games to support academic intervention and enrichment program
Dawn Barboza – Amistad High School. $800 for “Transitional Living” - everyday life and job skills program;
focus is for high school special education students
Jason Bronstein – Carrillo Ranch Elementary School. $700 for “MobyMax Intervention” - site license for K-5
core content online intervention program
Helen Chang – Thomas Jefferson Middle School. $1,000 for “Mouthpiece Upgrade” - woodwind & brass
mouthpieces for band instruments
Susan Cox – Amelia Earhart Elementary School. $650 for “Ozobots” – mini-robots used to teach 1st grade
computer programming skills
John Freeman – Indio High School. $970 for “Jazz Band Cymbals” – cymbals used by the jazz & amp; concert
band
Debbi Geyer/Vicky Kostechko – John Kennedy Elementary School. $1,000 for “Carts for Chromebooks” - safe,
efficient storage for existing class sets of Chromebooks
Paul Gilbert/Janet Jonasson – Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School. $720 for “Making and Wearing It
Yourself” - supplies for tactile art lessons for middle school special education students
Anne Grace – Amelia Earhart Elementary School. $600 for “Samsung Tablets” - enhancing the kindergarten
ELA, math, and science programs
Melissa Graham – Amelia Earhart Elementary School. $600 for “Tablets for TK” - tablets for skill building in
the TK classroom
Mylo Hildebrand – Indio High School. $1,000 for “VEX Robotics Competition Electronics” –
microcontrollers/transmitters/extenders for use by robotics team
Amy Ivy – Amelia Earhart Elementary School. $500 for “Junior Botball Challenge Robotic Kits” – robotics team
competition supplies
Jaime Lopez – Thomas Jefferson Middle School. $954 for “STEM Construction” – supplies for projects in
science, technology, engineering, art, and math
Amanda Lymangood – Benjamin Franklin Elementary School. $500 for “Sensory Table” – use with K-5 Speech
and Occupational therapy
Scott McKee – Amistad High School. $1,000 for “Amistad Soccer/Volleyball Uniforms” - team uniforms
Juana Medellin – Amelia Earhart Elementary School. $995.00 for “English Learners” – tablets to support
language acquisition program
Laurie Pike – Ronald Reagan Elementary School. $558.94 for “Food for our Table” – building supplies for
garden boxes
Cheryl Powers – James Carter Elementary School. $1,000 for “Earbuds for Every Learner” – quality earbuds for
use with computer-based programs and testing
Melissa Rizzo – Ronald Reagan Elementary School. $662 for “Listening Literacy Center” - classroom listening
library supplies
Meena Thurkal – Amelia Earhart Elementary School. $600 for “Leveled Reading Books” - support struggling
readers with range of high interest selections
Eve Wehler – Hebert Hoover Elementary School. $839 for “Mobile Makerspace” – Stocked cart available for
classroom teacher checkout
28
Glenn Promotion Ceremony
Students and their families filled the seats at
Fantasy Springs Event Center for the John Glenn
Middle School promotion ceremony. Below is an
article from the school folks.
CONGRATULATIONS to the John
Glenn Middle School’s Promoting 8th
Grade Class of 2016!!!
The promotion ceremony was
AWESOME! We had an incredible
turnout. Fantasy Springs Venue personnel
shared that it was the most attended
Promotion Ceremony they have ever had!
The music started and students looked
smart and elegant as they made their way into the
Fantasy Springs Special Event Center, a venue typically
reserved for big name entertainers, musicians, and
comedians. Our students would hold their own by
providing us with an entertaining and memorable event
that will stay with us a lifetime.
A special thanks to those mentioned above and everyone who helped
behind the scenes to put the event together. Thank you Fantasy
Springs Casino and the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians.
Enormous thanks to our PTO and especially to the parents who
helped and supported our efforts to make this a memorable event. It
was a team effort! What an incredible example for our students!
It is impossible to thank teachers enough, but thank you. You never
know to what extent a teacher may have influenced our children to
strive harder, aim higher, or to make that life-changing shift in a
direction that leads to success and happiness. So thank you teachers
and administration at JGMS for your ongoing support.
The ceremony began with our very own Bob Wright, a
John Glenn Middle School parent and our event’s
master of ceremonies. He kept the momentum upbeat
and the event flowing smoothly. Not a simple task with
an audience of excited 8th graders and their families!
A very special thanks to the parents and families of our students who
attended the 8th Grade Promotion event. Keep up the good work!
Mr. Wright was followed by City of La Quinta Mayor
Linda Evans. Her speech was spotted with the
accomplishments and uniqueness of John Glenn Middle
School’s students who managed to standout even among
the already awesome group of the Class of 2016.
…and once again to the promoting Class Of 2016:
Congratulations and enjoy your summer!
John Glenn Middle School Robotics/Crafts Workshop
Next, Natalie Wright, IB Student of the Year, took the
stage and delivered the insightful, entertaining, and
encouraging first student speech of the night!
The JGMS Robotics Club will be hosting several sessions
of robotics/engineering/crafts/and computer
programming for students K-8th.
Followed by Kristen Hernandez, AVID & ELA
Teacher’s Choice Recipient, AND Janey Castoe, ASB
President who delivered incredibly, awesome,
entertaining, and encouraging student speeches. If these
three students are representative of our schools then our
future looks bright…and beautiful.
Students will be introduced to the world of robotics
through engineering, building, exploring basic
programming maneuvers, and engineering related arts
and crafts activities. RSVP by email to…
Sheri.Gundlack@desertsands.us or
Mary.Cardinal@desertsands.us
The presentation of the medallions was what you would
expect from an enthusiastic and pumped up group of
middle school students—amusing and wonder-full!
Their smiles and enthusiasm were broad and contagious.
Our ceremony ended with John Glenn Middle Schools’
gift to our students—ASB Advisor Kari Penny
presenting us with a thought provoking and inspirational
speech. It was a perfect end to an amazing event.
Afterwards, congratulations were given, pictures taken,
families celebrated, and parents hugged their children.
29
John Adams Early Learning Center
District Announces LCAP Initiatives
John Adams Early Childhood Learning Center will open
its doors on August 25, 2016. Desert Sands Unified
School District will be the first in the valley to have a
centralized preschool site that will serve both special and
general education students. The center will serve as a
comprehensive early childhood education provider for
students currently participating in similar programs
throughout the district. The Head Start and State
Preschool programs currently housed at the former John
Adams Elementary School will remain at the site and be
joined by the Head Start students from Dr. Carreon
Academy. In addition, they will be joined by preschool
students from Gerald Ford, Benjamin Franklin, John F.
Kennedy, James Monroe, Harry Truman, and Martin
Van Buren elementary school preschool programs.
Supervisory and administrative personnel currently
overseeing the special education preschool programs
throughout the district will also be located at John
Adams Early Learning Center.
Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) provides
an opportunity for community members to engage in
decision making. It is a critical part of the Local Control
Funding Formula (LCFF). A complete report on the
DSUSD LCAP can be found at www.dsusd.us/content/
dsusd-lcap. In addition, a review of the 2016 survey
results are located on the same web page. A presentation
of this year’s related budget was made to the school
board on June 7. A summary is on the above web page.
The online presentation includes an in-depth look at the
funding process and fiscal year budget. It also includes a
listing of program enhancements and additions that took
place in the first year of the LCAP. They include:
 Instructional Coaches
 Professional Development
 Interventions
 Counseling
 Technology
 Parent Education/Family Literacy Programs
 Targeted Intervention to Increase Literacy Skills
This housing of preschool programs at one site will
encourage teacher collaboration and allow the
assessment team of school psychologist,
speech/language professionals, occupational therapists,
adapted physical education teachers, and behavior
specialists to provide on-site diagnostic assessments.
Approximately 200 students will benefit from this new
program.
The 46-member committee reviewed the key initiatives
for 2015-2016 and created new ones for the upcoming
year. They include:
 Increase investment to reduce class sizes in general
and special education classes
 Increase investment in special ed, CTE/AVID/, AP
 Realign technology division to move toward 1:1
devices and enhance support services
 Expand summer school to two sites (2016—Shadow
Hills and Palm Desert high schools) for grades 9-12
with an 8th grade bridge program
 Introduce middle school summer school in 2017
 Implement full-day kindergarten district-wide this year
 Open Adams Early Childhood Learning Center
 Adopt a formula to increase K-5 office support to
address unique needs (health, attendance, bilingual)
 Implement a mobile maintenance team to assist school
sites with facility needs
 Add two FTE college/career counselors to work with
high schools to increase A-G, FAFSA completion, and
other related metrics.
 Establish a middle school intramural sports program
 Establish revolving funds to assist grades 6-12 with
musical instruments and offset student expenses for
high school graduation
 Add an early literacy project facilitator to support
elementary instructional coaches in the implementation
of K-2 literary instruction/interventions and the
collection of foundational assessment data
 Set aside funds for negotiable solutions that improve or
increase benefits to students
The current John Adams Elementary School will be
closing at the end of this week, the end of the school
year. The decision was made early in the year to
consolidate the three La Quinta elementary schools due
to dwindling enrollment. All teachers, counselors, and
administrative staff assigned to the new center are
current district employees. The only new employee will
be a full-time custodian. Program costs will remain
consistent with existing programs. Unlike the operation
of John Adams Elementary School, no money will be
used from “general funds” to support this move or
program.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Student
Support Services Laura Fisher, “It is a wonderful
opportunity to provide a quality, developmentally
appropriate early childhood education for our emerging
lifelong learners in a centralized location!”
Desert Sands Unified School District serves seven
communities in the central Coachella Valley. Close to
30,000 students in 33 schools are provided with
challenging educational choices. DSUSD offers the
highest level of opportunity for excellence in the
preparation for college or career. Information on the
district is available at www.dsusd.com.
For more information visit www.dsusd.us.
30
2015-16 in Review at Hoover
(Submitted by Patricia Schoenfled)
2015-16 has been a great year for Hoover Elementary.
So many great things happened and sharing seems to be
the best way to celebrate. The year started off with 5th
grade teacher Patricia Schoenfeld receiving a grant for
her running club. She wrote, and received, a grant for
$14,500 from CTAs Institute for Teaching. Out of over
100 submitted grants, Hoover was one of 40 schools
offered a portion of approximately $500,000 to support
various school programs. This funding supported
various activities ranging from participating in 5Ks to
logging over 20,000 miles this year.
The Run 4 Fun Club, established in March 2012 (with
1,500 miles in three months) this year celebrated
roughly 40 people logging 100+ miles, and over 25
kindergartners logging over 50+ miles. Students earn
miles before school, during recess and PE , at field trips
and at other events such as Walk to School Day.
Other highlights for the Run 4 Fun Club include 175
runners participating in nine 5Ks during the year. Third
grader, Emil Lenoir, placed in the top three in his age
bracket in five races and, in Superheroes, he took second
place overall. Fifth graders, Jaselle Diaz, Gennevy
Guillen, and Andy Marin also placed in their age
categories at various races during the year. Hoover is
especially proud of Coach Daniel Contreras who took
first in his age bracket at the Run for Ike in April!
Hoover was recognized as the second largest team in
attendance at the Run for Ike. Participants included
students, staff, and parents.
The 100 Mile Club, a national program promoting
running and/or walking 100+ miles during the school
year, is in its third year at the school. Students enjoy
earning rewards as they reach major milestones,
Participating students were honored at a medal
ceremony on June 8. Recently we started “Tuesday
Night on the Track” from 6:00-7:00 pm at Indio High
School. Students, families, and friends log laps and add
to their total mileage.
Hoover is one of two schools in DSUSD who are Fuel
Up To Play 60 Touchdown schools. FUTP60 is a
program sponsored by the NFL and the National Dairy
Council. The program encourages students to be active
for 60 minutes each day. Hoover was awarded a $2,350
grant to promote healthy eating and exercise. We were
able to start an afterschool dance program with the help
of an xBox and Kinect. As part of the program, we have
also started a campus beautification program which
includes a 20’X30” US map, an 8’X8’ chess board on
the playground, and we are currently in the process of
creating Hands Across Hoover. This 40’ wall will
include handprints of Hoover Hornets!
Hoover held two walk-a thons this year. One raised
money for classrooms, the other established a
scholarship fund for graduating seniors in honor of four
Hoover Hornets: Enrique Jimenez, Pedro Del Real,
Michael Salazar, and Maria Medoza. Students who
attended Hoover for at least three years were able to
apply. The first scholarships are being awarded to
Wendy Loya (CSU San Bernardino) and Jose Salinas
(Technical Institute) from Indio High School, and
Ambrocio Rivas (Cal Poly SLO) and Silvia MezaRendon (UCLA) from Shadow Hills.
For the first time, we held our winter program at the
Indio Performing Arts Center. Peter Aronson and Ann
Manara graciously worked with us and students
performed to a sold out audience. Our football team had
an undefeated season and we took third place in the
play-offs. We participated in the district basketball and
soccer tournaments, math field day, and the Red Hot
Ballroom dance competition. Pedro Lezama took first
place in the middle school Battle of the Books. Pedro
was the lone member of the team.
Hoover had a great year and we are proud of our
students, staff, families, and community! We look
forward to more successes next year. CHEERS TO
yOUR HEALTH—ONE sMILE AT A TIME!!!
The following are just some of our contributors for the
2015-16 school year
CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
INSTITUTE FOR TEACHING
INDIO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
PALM SPRINGS MARATHON RUNNERS
100 MILE CLUB
FUEL UP TO PLAY 60
CALIFORNIA DAIRY COUNCIL
LUA CONSTRUCTION
WELLS FARGO
La Quinta Mid
ALLIANCE FOR A
e
-�ool
i f
HEALTHIER - __
GENERATION School Years: 2015-2016 I 2016-2017
LQMS Closes School Year with Many Accolades
LQMS was notified that after three years of dedicated work in making
healthy changes within the school, they have
been awarded the Alliance for a Healthier
Generation Gold Award, the highest healthy
school honor in the nation.
Just a week prior to this announcement, the
· Honorable Mayor of La Quinta, Linda Evans
visited the school to present a proclamation
to principal Janet Seto, declaring it "Janet
Seto Day'' in the city of La Quinta. Mrs. Evans praised Ms. Seto and the
entire student body for their commit­
ment to health and fitness.
Following the presentation, the school
hosted a schoolwide health and fitness
fair celebration, serving, of course,
healthy smoothies and snacks which
were donated by the newly opened La
Quinta store, ALDI. Students participated in a variety of fitness challenges,
activities, and ran their 4th schoolwide 2 K race.
Additionally, two LQMS students, Kymani Nix and Karissa Gonzales will
represent California and attend the Fuel Up to Play 60 National Summer
Summit for a week in Indiana where they will stay at Purdue University
and play football with the Indianapolis Colts NFL team. They will be ac­
companied by LQMS teacher Laura Spradlin who was also recently pre­
sented with the 2016 President's Coun­
cil on Fitness, Sports, & Nutrition Coun­
cil Community Leadership Award. Laura
has also been chosen by the California
FUTP60 to be a guest speaker at the NFL
49er Levi Stadium this summer.
· -�� Congratulations to the entire LQMS staff
and students for their unprecedented success.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EVENTS
25 pages of desert-themed coloring fun!
$6 per coloring book. Email
Patrice.Healy@desertsands.us to order yours.
33
ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EVENTS
34
ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EVENTS
35
ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EVENTS
36
ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EVENTS
37
ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EVENTS
38
ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EVENTS
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE
AVAILABLE!
39
ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EVENTS
California Fertilizer Foundation School Garden Grant Application Due Date Extended
The California Fertilizer Foundation is extending the due date for the School Garden Grant. The goal of
the grant program is to increase the understanding and awareness of agriculture in California’s youth through
school gardens. The grant application due date has been set as June 15, 2016. Teachers wishing to apply for a
school garden grant need to fill out and send in the application to Callie Borror. The application can be found on
the California Fertilizer Foundation Website at http://www.calfertilizer.org/Grant14.htm.
All forms need to be filled out and submitted electronically. Call 916-574-9744 for further assistance.
40
ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EVENTS
41
ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EVENTS
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
APRIL 6, 2016, TO JUNE 17, 2016
AT DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Desert Sands Unified School District elementary schools are accepting
kindergarten registrations for the 2016-2017 school year.
Parents or guardians of children who will be 5 years old on or before
September 1, 2016, are to register their children for kindergarten at the
school their child will be attending. The new law SB 1381, Kindergarten
Readiness Act, established a 2-year kindergarten program known as
Transitional Kindergarten. Parents or guardians of children whose 5 the
birthday occurs on or between September and December 2, 2016, will
be allowed to register, for Transitional Kindergarten at the school site
the child will be attending.
Parents are to call the school their child will be attending for registration times. The following are the district’s
elementary schools and phone numbers.
Carrillo Ranch 238-9700
Lincoln 862-4340
Earhart 200-3720
Monroe 772-4130
Franklin 238-9424
Truman 777-4240
Johnson 863-3680
Kennedy 775-3840
Dr. Carreon Academy 863-1544
Madison 775-3850
Ford 772-4120
Roosevelt 775-3860
Horizon 238-9720
Washington Charter 862-4350
Carter 862-4370
Jackson 775-3830
Eisenhower 775-3810
Reagan 772-0456
Hoover 775-3820
Van Buren 775-3870
For admission to kindergarten, children will have had their 5th birthday on or before September 1of that school
year. Transitional kindergarten children will have their 5th birthday between September and December 2 of that
school year.
The following documents are required for a completed registration:
1. Proof of residency—one of the following is required:  current utility bill (gas or electric) with physical address
(P.O. Box is not acceptable);  or, lease or rental agreement on letterhead, listing name of the parent/guardian;
 or, escrow papers listing the name of the parent/guardian; closing date must be within four weeks of the start
of the school term;  or, affidavit of residency from person with whom the guardian and student are residing
with, and a current utility bill (gas or electric) of that resident, and a copy of both parties’ driver licenses.
2. Proof of birth – one of the following is required: (NO PHOTOCOPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED)  birth
certificate;  hospital certificate;  notarized affidavit;  immigration document;  baptismal record/church
certificate;  physician's certificate;  other (adoption papers, court decree, passport)
3. Proof of guardianship, if student does not live with parents—one of the following is required:  legal
guardianship—court ordered (foster care, etc.);  affidavit of parental responsibility (signature must be
witnessed by school district official) (definition: any person with whom the minor is residing, and with whom
the parent/guardian is in agreement, and who is willing to complete the form);  caregiver’s authorization
affidavit (signature must be witnessed by school district official) (definition: a "qualified relative" of the minor
child and with whom the minor child resides, and the parents are not accessible to give consent. (F.C. Div 11,
Sect. 6550) - “qualified relative,” means a spouse, parent, stepparent, brother, sister, stepbrother, half-brother,
uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, first cousin, or any person denoted by the prefix, “grand” or “great,” or the spouse of
any of the persons specified in this definition, even after the marriage has been terminated by death or
dissolution. (continued next page)
42
ANNOUNCEMENTS, FUNDRAISERS, AND EVENTS
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
APRIL 6, 2016, TO JUNE 17, 2016
AT DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (continued)
4. Proof of residency—one of the following is required:  current utility bill (gas or electric) with physical address
(P.O. Box is not acceptable);  or, lease or rental agreement on letterhead, listing name of the parent/guardian;
 or, escrow papers listing the name of the parent/guardian; closing date must be within four weeks of the start of
the school term;  or, affidavit of residency from person with whom the guardian and student are residing with,
and a current utility bill (gas or electric) of that resident, and a copy of both parties’ driver licenses.
5. Proof of birth – one of the following is required: (NO PHOTOCOPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED)  birth
certificate;  hospital certificate;  notarized affidavit;  immigration document;  baptismal record/church
certificate;  physician's certificate;  other (adoption papers, court decree, passport)
6. Proof of guardianship, if student does not live with parents—one of the following is required:  legal
guardianship—court ordered (foster care, etc.);  affidavit of parental responsibility (signature must be witnessed
by school district official) (definition: any person with whom the minor is residing, and with whom the
parent/guardian is in agreement, and who is willing to complete the form);  caregiver’s authorization affidavit
(signature must be witnessed by school district official) (definition: a "qualified relative" of the minor child and
with whom the minor child resides, and the parents are not accessible to give consent. (F.C. Div 11, Sect. 6550) “qualified relative,” means a spouse, parent, stepparent, brother, sister, stepbrother, half-brother, uncle, aunt,
niece, nephew, first cousin, or any person denoted by the prefix, “grand” or “great,” or the spouse of any of the
persons specified in this definition, even after the marriage has been terminated by death or dissolution.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR KINDERGARTEN/TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN, GRADE 1
AND GRADE 7 STUDENTS:
 Physical examination: (form PM 171A) - completed within six months of the date child is entering
kindergarten/transitional kindergarten, or within 18 months of entering first grade. Note: if the child has a
preschool exam under Medi-Cal or CHDP, he/she may not be eligible for another exam for 1-2 years. Parents must
sign a wavier (form PM 171B).
 MMR: kindergarten/transitional kindergarten and above grade 7 students require two (2) doses given on or after
the first birthday.
 Hepatitis B: kindergarten/transitional kindergarten above require three doses.
 Polio – Four (4) doses at any age, but three (3) doses meet the requirement for ages 4-6 if at least one (1) was
given on or after the fourth birthday.
 DTP/DTaP – Five (5) doses, at any age, but four (4) doses meet requirements for ages 4-6, if at least one (1) was
given on or after the fourth birthday.
 Tdap or DTap or DTP - One dose is given on or after the 7th birthday for ALL students promoting to 7th grade
and all NEW students entering 7th -12th grade.
 Varicella/Chickenpox immunization – verification/vaccine prior to enrolling in school. One (1) dose of the
varicella vaccine is required for all children who have not had the
disease. If the child has already had chickenpox, a physician or medical
clinic must verify. Out of state students grades 1-12 one (1) dose for
children under 13 years; two (2) doses are needed if immunized on
or after 13th birthday, or physician/medical clinic verification of
having had the disease.
 Dental exam - oral health assessment completed by a licensed dental
professional for children entering public school for the first time at
kindergarten/transitional kindergarten or first (1st) grade. The exam
may be completed 12 months prior to school entry or by May 31st
of the school year during which the child is enrolled.
43
44