Santa Ana Unified School District
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Meeting Location
Valley High School
1801 E. Greenville Street
Santa Ana, CA 92704
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
HIGH SCHOOL INC. AT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL (HSI) BOARD OF DIRECTORS
December 8, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by President Porras. Other
Board Members in attendance were Mr. Oakes, Mr. Acuña, Mr. McLoughlin, and Ms.
Dixon. Ms. Shemke was not in attendance and Mr. Hernandez arrived at 6:22 p.m.
From High School Inc. at Valley High School were Mr. Ward and Ms. Gomez.
Representatives from SAUSD were Dr. Olsky, from Valley High School were Ms.
Swerdlow and Mr. Rozema, Dr. Alvino, and from Career Technical Education was
Ms. Carter.
REGULAR MEETING
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Acuña.
INTRODUCTIONS
Mr. Porras asked Dr. Peter Alvino, Valley High School Operations
Administrator, to introduce himself to the Board.
He is the newest
administrator
to
Valley
High
School
who
will
oversee
the
school’s
transformational plan through the School Improvement Plan grant. Each member
of High School Inc. introduced themselves as well to individuals from the
audience.
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
Board President Porras asked those wishing to address the Board in matters
pertaining to items on the Agenda to step to the podium.
HSI T-Shirts Modeled by Valley High School Junior Varsity Cheerleaders
Junior Varsity Cheerleaders displayed the newest HSI t-shirts with each
academy insignia printed separately on the backs of t-shirts. T-shirts will be
provided to all students and staff at Valley High School to promote HSI. Sergio
Barragan, THINK Together Afterschool Program Coordinator, was introduced. Mr.
Barragan said that THINK Together works with Ms. Monica Aguilar in the culinary
Arts Class, offering a class to students in the program.
The Cheerleaders
closed with a cheer for the Board of Directors. The culinary arts academy
students provided pumpkin bread to Board. Breads are baked every year during
the holiday season.
HSI Board of Directors
Minute Book Page| 34
December 8, 2010
Academy Champion for New Media Academy
Mr. Paul Fornelli, Academy Director, Art Institute of California urged
online access to YouTube which is currently blocked for teachers and students
in the SAUSD. He stated that this is a tutorial access at no cost to the
District. Although he understands the reasons for the blocking, he stated that
access is essential and it works as a conduit for immeasurable possibilities.
Dr. Olsky, Deputy Superintendent, SAUSD, stated that she would be speaking with
the SAUSD’s Assistant Director of Instructional Technology regarding the matter.
Mr. Fornelli stated that there is a SAUSD teacher, who has expressed
interest in student-teaching for a degree he is pursuing at the Arts Academy.
He would like to teach in the New Media Academy at Valley High. He would bring
his experience in the motion graphics, final cut, 3-D, etc. programs. He has
inquired about the possibility. Ms. Pat Carter will assist and explore the
request.
Mr. Fornelli stated that he is working with staff at Central ROP on an
articulation agreement. This would enable students to get a head start should
they choose to pursue the art institute or work in the arts. They have been
discussing materials, software, and curriculum. Ms. Gomez asked him to share
about the Summer Studio. He stated that twice a year the Arts Institute
provides a one-week Summer Studio to HSI students, where all disciplines are
offered –culinary arts, graphic design, interior design, industrial design,
etc. The program encourages the use of math and science.
Career Academy Scholars Program
Ms. Carter, Director, Regional Occupational Program, informed the Board
of a pathway called Career Academy Scholars Program which partners with Santa
Ana College (SAC). Santa Ana students attend regular classes and take SAC
courses for dual credits. Valley High instructor Ms. Holland is working with
SAC and Valley High students who will begin in January. There are students from
the automotive, welding, global business, and new media academies in the Career
Academy Scholars Program. Qualifications are good attendance and at least a 2.0
grade point average. Students are recruited from CTE classes. The first year
tuition and books are paid by the program. The second year, tuition is paid.
This is a pathway to college while in high school. It has been a successful
program that is expected to expand through the efforts and support of the Santa
Ana Chamber of Commerce and Santa Ana College, Dr. Lundquist, Vice President of
Student Services who wrote the grant.
PRESENTATIONS
New Media Academy
Ms. Sharon Gomez introduced Ms. Joanna Mora, CSUF Intern, at Valley High
School’s. Ms. Mora stated that she is a Student Service Major working with the
New Media Academy in Ms. Holland’s class. Her current role is a mentor. While
mentoring she reviews grades, ways to improve grades, discusses higher
education, interests, financial aid, goals, etc.
She brings out student’s
potential, while supporting and believing in them. Ms. Mora and approximately
nine other mentors had training before they began mentoring academy students.
Other mentors are from SAC, CSUF, and UCI. In six weeks students receive oneon-one mentoring on Wednesdays and Fridays. Mentors meet with students 8-10
hours a week, at 20 minutes a session, for a total of 85 students and 30 hours
of mentoring in six weeks.
Ms. Mora’s future goal is to work with at-risk
HSI Board of Directors
Minute Book Page| 35
December 8, 2010
students. Mr. Oakes referred Ms. Mora to Ms. Carter who attends Youth Council
meetings bi-monthly.
Academy Updates
Health Care Academy
On December 1, the High School Inc. Health Care Academy held their first annual
Wellness Conference.
The day began with a theater performance, What Goes
Around, for about 700 students and faculty. The Health Care Academy students
participated in various workshops throughout the day. The What Goes Around, a
Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Production, was educational for
students. The play included information on abstinence and the importance of
testing for STDs and prevention. Participants in the conference included:











Moses Durazo, a Bio Magnetic practitioner, who explained the holistic approach to
health using magnets
UCI Latino Medical Student Association members brought ultrasound, sonogram,
blood pressure machines for hands-on demonstrations
Lillybeth Gardea, Community Action Partnership, Champions for Change, provided
students with nutritional facts and a tasty healthy foods
Hiba Shablak, instructed students (and teachers) in the art of Zumba Dance which
included Samba, Salsa, Hip Hop, etc.
Jennifer Chavez, SAUSD’s Nutrition for a Healthy California (NAC) team made
smoothies with yogurt and frozen fruit as an alternative to soda and other sugar
flavored drinks
Lilly Mucarsel, from the American Diabetes Association, explaining the disease
and answering all of the questions. Students learned that proper diet and
nutrition, as well as exercise, are essential, and how they can access resources
Laura Simon, led students through a half hour of Walking Aerobics
Marcel Romero & Carla Valenzuela, of Coastal Communities Hospital, explaining the
importance of physical activity
Elena Perez, Chronic Disease Health Educator, and Joe Vargas, Health Educator, OC
Health Care Agency, spoke about Marketing and its Influence on Food Choices
Mark Seay, former NFL Wide Receiver, played in the Super Bowl XXIX. He was a
motivational speaker who persuaded students to dream big and to plan for their
future. Students took pictures and received autographed pictures.
A Santa Ana College Football player and motivational speaker told his story about
being in jail, made a decision to change his life and finding success
Culinary Arts Academy
 Thirty students toured the Oakley Manufacturing Sunglass Facility in
Foothill Ranch. They had a terrific time and had a free lunch at their
cafeteria
 Students visited Anaheim Hilton Hotel, Executive Chef Fred Mensinga and
students made gingerbread houses. Students had a great time!
Engineering Construction Academy
 A copy of the activity permit that went home to parents was reviewed.
The project should begin in early January
Global Business Academy
 November’s fundraising event at MacArthur Plaza was successful. Students
will be presenting their findings to restaurant owners about how to
better market the cafés
 A survey was conducted within the academies where students were to select
areas where they desired help. Areas selected were financial aid, career
guidance, and job preparation. Ms. Gomez stated that Corinthian College
will come out and help students fill out applications. In addition the
non-profit organization Stepping Up, provides a three-part seminar where
students clothing and haircuts will be provided for their job hunt.
HSI Board of Directors
Minute Book Page| 36
December 8, 2010
Discussion on Transition Team Report
Mr. Dale Ward stated that there have been several meetings with the SAUSD
regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), between the Santa Ana Chamber
of Commerce and Santa Ana Unified School District which expires April 10, 2011.
The development of a Transition Team took place to discuss roles and the
arrangement of High School Inc.’s function. The Transition Team consists of
Dale Ward, Jane Russo, Cathie Olsky, Dawn Miller, Dave Elliot, Randy Barth,
Richard Porras, Jack Oakes, Pat Carter, Felicity Swerdlow, and Peter Alvino. As
a result of those meetings, a co-Committee was recommended called the Six-Pack,
which consists of the following six individuals, Dale Ward, Jane Russo, Dave
Elliot, Richard Porras, Jack Oakes, and Felicity Swerdlow. This committee is
to come up with a consensus, then meet with the Transition Team. Next Tuesday,
the Six-Pack team will meet with Ms. Russo.
High school Inc. has an added
value and differentiates itself from other schools.
Valley High School
A senior assembly was held today. It was a mock graduation, unbeknownst to
students.
Ms. Swerdlow gave her speech from last year about the milestones
students have made. Valley High’s Higher Education counselor who was the
school’s valedictorian years ago, presented her speech stating that she hopes
to be a teacher and finally a higher education counselor one day. At the end of
the activity Ms. Swerdlow recited the closing script from graduation day. She
congratulated students on their high school accomplishments as she referred to
them as the Class of 2011. At the end of the ceremony she asked them to move
their tassels. Students were astonished by this exercise. Following was a
PowerPoint presentation of next steps to guide them for that successful day.
Ms. Swerdlow said that a mandatory parent meeting is scheduled for
Saturday, December 11, for students who have one or more “Fs” in a core
subject. The Student Improvement Grant allows teachers to be compensated for
being at the meeting. She stated that as of today 525 parents have confirmed.
The meeting consists of a presentation with a counselor who will explain
graduation requirements, what the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)
means, and how to pass the CAHSEE. There are other workshops that will feature
the tutoring program and interventions and the last will be the empowerment of
parents. Door prizes include refurbished computers and breakfast will be
offered.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Mr. Oakes, seconded by Mr. Acuña, and carried 6-0, to
approve the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of November 10, 2010.
REGULAR AGENDA – ACTION ITEMS
2.0 DISCUSSION ON TRANSITION TEAM REPORT
This item was presented in combination with Transition Team Report earlier
in the meeting.
3.0 APPROVAL OF HIGH SCHOOL INC. RETREAT AGENDA FOR JANUARY 14, 2011
Mr. Porras stated that it may be too soon to hold a Board retreat with
pre-meetings occurring and the Winter Recess, where individuals may not be
available for these meetings. There is work yet to be accomplished before
the Board Retreat.
HSI Board of Directors
Minute Book Page| 37
December 8, 2010
It was moved by Mr. McLoughlin, seconded by Mr. Hernandez, and carried 60, to amend the date of January 14, to another date, should the Board deem
it necessary.
4.0 BOARD REPORT/ACTIVITIES
Mr. Oakes highlighted activities from October 13, 2010 – November 9, 2010 which
included the following for a total of 19.5 hours:
November
November
November
November
November
December
10
10
17
18
30
1
–
–
–
–
–
Organization meeting with Mr. Ward
High School Inc. Board of Directors meeting
Automotive, Transportation, and Logistics meeting
High School Inc. Task Force meeting
Transition Team Meeting
Organization meeting with Mr. Ward
Mr. Porras has requested that all members of the Board submit
visits, conferences attended, or meetings/activities attended.
reports on
Mr. Ward stated that he is impressed with the work that Ms. Gomez is doing in
addition to Ms. Swerdlow. He thanked them for their outstanding work.
Mr. Oakes has informed the Board that Ms. Nguyen has put the adopted HSI
calendar in the mail boxes at Valley High School with all expectations listed
on the calendar. There is more information and input and asked to perhaps post
on the website calendar.
Mr. Acuna has asked that an update be made on the Valley High School Inc.
website.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned
at 7:36 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by
Cynthia Gastelo, Recording Secretary
December 8, 2010
In witness whereof, I have hereinto set my hand this 8th day of December, 2010.
____________________________
Miguel Hernandez, Secretary
HSI Board of Directors
FUTURE MEETING – The next Meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on
Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. at Valley High School.