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Student's Last Day 11:45 dismissal
School Olympics
PLC/Early Out
Talent Show
Beach Day
5th Grade Challenge
5th Grade Fun Day
PLC/Early Out
Student's Last Day 11:45 dismissal
September 2009
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
As the year comes to a close, it’s wonderful to reflect over the great times we have shared
this school year. My first year at Adams has been incredible and it is mostly due to the great
staff we have as well as so many wonderful people who have done so much on behalf of our
students and families. I want to thank all of you for your warm welcome and including me as
part of the Adams family.
There are so many wonderful people who need to be recognized and thanked for all they have
done on behalf of our students and families. Let me start with PTA. We have a wonderful
association with devoted and competent leadership. Thank you Lucy Sheardown and the
current PTA Board of Directors and committee members, for all you have done this year. We
are fortunate to have Lucy as our PTA President again next year. I am confident it will be
another outstanding year under her direction.
To our support staff in our office, Miss Sharon, who welcomes you and lets you know that
she’s going to do everything she can to take good care of your children. Mrs. Cervantes our
Office Assistant and Mrs. Yamada, our Health Clerk who helps to make sure that the day
goes smoothly. Thank you also to Mr. Bud for providing us with a clean and welcoming
environment.
And to our teachers… thank you for the fine job you do each and every day in each of your
student’s life. Your challenges are many, and you take them all in stride and provide our
students with the best education you can give. Our noon aides, paraeducators and many,
many volunteers are irreplaceable in what they provide in the classroom and on campus.
Finally, I want to thank Teri Dykzeul, Cindy Nelson, and Paula Fuentes for keeping our library
running and available to our staff and students.
JOHN ADAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER
Sandy Skora Principal sskora@tusd.org
PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER
Sandy Skora Principal sskora@tusd.org
GATE
Parents of GATE students and GATE students, the next series of
enrichment classes will be open for enrollment starting February
5th. Please be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to enrich
your education. Simply look at the GATE website at http://www.
myteacherpages.com/webpages/GATE/ and register through the
“My Forms” link.
Parents of GATE students and GATE students, the next series of
enrichment classes will be open for enrollment starting February
5th. Please be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to enrich
your education. Simply look at the GATE website at http://www.
myteacherpages.com/webpages/GATE/ and register through the
“My Forms” link.
CELDT LANGUAGE TESTING TO BE DONE OVER THE SUMMER
All parents of English Language Learners received a letter from TUSD regarding taking the
CELDT test during the summer. Procedures have changed and the District would like you to
register for the test online for an appointment. There are only so many days and times offered
so do not wait to register. If you do not have a computer or having difficulty registering,
please come to the office and we will be happy to help you make an appointment. If your
child does not get tested this summer, they will not be allowed to start school in September.
Thank you for your cooperation.
All parents of English Language Learners received a letter from TUSD regarding taking the
CELDT test during the summer. Procedures have changed and the District would like you to
register for the test online for an appointment. There are only so many days and times offered
so do not wait to register. If you do not have a computer or having difficulty registering,
please come to the office and we will be happy to help you make an appointment. If your
child does not get tested this summer, they will not be allowed to start school in September.
Thank you for your cooperation.
STUDENT CELL PHONE USE
State law authorizes student possession of cell phones and pagers
provided that the devices do not disrupt the educational program or
school activity. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off during
school hours, and at any other time directed by a TUSD employee.
If a student uses a cell phone or pager during the school day it will
be confiscated and turned in to the school office. At Adams,
student cell phones and pagers must be turned off from 8:25 a.m.
until 2:47 p.m. We discourage families from sending cell phones
or pagers to school with students as they are expensive items and
the school cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage.
State law authorizes student possession of cell phones and pagers
provided that the devices do not disrupt the educational program or
school activity. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off during
school hours, and at any other time directed by a TUSD employee.
If a student uses a cell phone or pager during the school day it will
be confiscated and turned in to the school office. At Adams,
student cell phones and pagers must be turned off from 8:25 a.m.
until 2:47 p.m. We discourage families from sending cell phones
or pagers to school with students as they are expensive items and
the school cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage.
OPEN ENROLLMENT
If you are a Torrance resident and wish to have your child attend a
school other than your “home school” you can apply through Open
Enrollment for the TUSD School of your choice. Open Enrollment
is granted on a space available basis. If granted, it’s like a
permanent permit; you only need to go through the process one
time. Your open enrollment status continues through the
elementary, middle and high school years – so the student would be
expected to continue to attend the feeder schools in the area to
which he/she has applied. This would change only if you applied for
a permit to go elsewhere or moved out of the district. Open
enrollment applications are available in the school office if you are
interested in participating in the program. Your application must be
delivered in person to the Child Welfare and Attendance office at
2335 Plaza del Amo February 2-27, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; March 2-
13, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; or March 14, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. No
applications will be accepted via telephone or fax.
If you are a Torrance resident and wish to have your child attend a
school other than your “home school” you can apply through Open
Enrollment for the TUSD School of your choice. Open Enrollment
is granted on a space available basis. If granted, it’s like a
permanent permit; you only need to go through the process one
time. Your open enrollment status continues through the
elementary, middle and high school years – so the student would be
expected to continue to attend the feeder schools in the area to
which he/she has applied. This would change only if you applied for
a permit to go elsewhere or moved out of the district. Open
enrollment applications are available in the school office if you are
interested in participating in the program. Your application must be
delivered in person to the Child Welfare and Attendance office at
2335 Plaza del Amo February 2-27, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; March 2-
13, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; or March 14, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. No
applications will be accepted via telephone or fax.
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
At our April SSC meeting we edited our Parent Involvement Survey
that will be sent home this coming month. Please take a few
minutes to complete the survey and make sure it gets back to the
school office. Your responses will help us serve you better in the
future. We are also recruiting new members for next year’s SSC.
At this time we have three openings. If you would like to serve
your school, have input in developing the school’s School
Improvement, EIA/LEP and Title I budgets, and help develop next
year’s school plan – SSC is the place for you. Nomination forms
are available in today’s Thursday packet.
At our April SSC meeting we edited our Parent Involvement Survey
that will be sent home this coming month. Please take a few
minutes to complete the survey and make sure it gets back to the
school office. Your responses will help us serve you better in the
future. We are also recruiting new members for next year’s SSC.
At this time we have three openings. If you would like to serve
your school, have input in developing the school’s School
Improvement, EIA/LEP and Title I budgets, and help develop next
year’s school plan – SSC is the place for you. Nomination forms
are available in today’s Thursday packet.
SOUTH BAY ENRICHMENT ACADEMY (SBEA)
Torrance Education Foundation is launching the South Bay
Enrichment Academy (SBEA) summer school program. We
would like all of you to have information regarding this exciting
new opportunity for the students of Torrance and the South
Bay. SBEA will offer enrichment and advancement classes for
elementary, middle, and high school students. High school
students may also enroll if they need to make-up credits or are
interested in grade improvement. Any questions regarding this
program or registration can be found at www.tefsbea.org or you
can call 310-850-4671.
Torrance Education Foundation is launching the South Bay
Enrichment Academy (SBEA) summer school program. We
would like all of you to have information regarding this exciting
new opportunity for the students of Torrance and the South
Bay. SBEA will offer enrichment and advancement classes for
elementary, middle, and high school students. High school
students may also enroll if they need to make-up credits or are
interested in grade improvement. Any questions regarding this
program or registration can be found at www.tefsbea.org or you
can call 310-850-4671.
THANK YOU TO OUR ADAMS DONORS
Thank you to Tyler Pioch’s parents for donating copy paper to
our front office. Thank you also to Torrance Tykes for the
donation of the many beautiful plants that have been planted
around campus.
Thank you to Tyler Pioch’s parents for donating copy paper to
our front office. Thank you also to Torrance Tykes for the
donation of the many beautiful plants that have been planted
around campus.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
We have completed Kindergarten Round-Up, but will continue
to enroll kindergarteners through the end of school, and again
late August through the start of school in September. If you
know anyone who plans to enroll a kindergartener for 09-10
school year and hasn’t yet done so, please encourage them to
stop by the office – the sooner the better. Early registration
helps the school to better plan for the fall
We have completed Kindergarten Round-Up, but will continue
to enroll kindergarteners through the end of school, and again
late August through the start of school in September. If you
know anyone who plans to enroll a kindergartener for 09-10
school year and hasn’t yet done so, please encourage them to
stop by the office – the sooner the better. Early registration
helps the school to better plan for the fall
REMINDER – ALL PERMITS, CAREGIVERS AUTHORIZATION AFFIDAVIT,
AND NOTARIZED RESIDENCY MUST BE RENEWED ANNUALLY
If your child is attending Adams on any one of the above, please remember that these have to
be renewed every year. If you need direction on how to complete the process, please call the
school office. Your child will not be placed in a class in September until the paperwork has
been completed.
AND NOTARIZED RESIDENCY MUST BE RENEWED ANNUALLY
If your child is attending Adams on any one of the above, please remember that these have to
be renewed every year. If you need direction on how to complete the process, please call the
school office. Your child will not be placed in a class in September until the paperwork has
been completed.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PTA SCHOLARSHIP
WINNERS
Each year our PTA Scholarship Committee selects two
outstanding seniors from Torrance High who attended John
Adams in their elementary years to receive a $300 scholarship.
This money is to be put toward their college expenses. This
year’s recipients are: Brian Gnerre and Tiffany Giordano
Brian attended Adams from Kgn. to 5th grade. Brian plans
to attend Whitman College, University of Tuget Sound, or
Willanette University in the fall. Brian has been very active at
Torrance High. He is a member of the California Scholarship
Federation (CSF). He has also participated in the Human
Relations Club and volunteered for HELP. He was part of the
track and field team as well as very active in soccer (AYSO).
Brian was the Boys state delegate for Torrance High School.
Tiffany attended Adams for grades 4-5. She plans to attend
UCLA, UCSD, or UCI. At Torrance High she was a member
of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF). She was very
active in sports where she was captain of her club volleyball
team as well as captain of the softball team.
We couldn’t be prouder to recognize these fine scholars/leaders.
WINNERS
Each year our PTA Scholarship Committee selects two
outstanding seniors from Torrance High who attended John
Adams in their elementary years to receive a $300 scholarship.
This money is to be put toward their college expenses. This
year’s recipients are: Brian Gnerre and Tiffany Giordano
Brian attended Adams from Kgn. to 5th grade. Brian plans
to attend Whitman College, University of Tuget Sound, or
Willanette University in the fall. Brian has been very active at
Torrance High. He is a member of the California Scholarship
Federation (CSF). He has also participated in the Human
Relations Club and volunteered for HELP. He was part of the
track and field team as well as very active in soccer (AYSO).
Brian was the Boys state delegate for Torrance High School.
Tiffany attended Adams for grades 4-5. She plans to attend
UCLA, UCSD, or UCI. At Torrance High she was a member
of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF). She was very
active in sports where she was captain of her club volleyball
team as well as captain of the softball team.
We couldn’t be prouder to recognize these fine scholars/leaders.
NEW START TIME FOR ADAMS
As many of you are aware, the State of California is in a major financial crisis that will directly
impact the funding for local school districts and schools, including John Adams. TUSD and
Adams will face cuts in the coming school year that will reduce the number of teachers at each
school site, increase class sizes, and reduce categorical program budgets that directly support
our students in their academic development. TUSD has had to cut approximately $9 million
dollars from the budget this year alone due to the state’s decreased budget and has had to
look at every avenue for saving money with one of these avenues being transportation.
Currently, all 30 TUSD schools have had different starting and ending times. Because of the
lack of busses and drivers to cover these schools and their different starting and end times,
TUSD has spent approximately $500,000 each year to hire private charter busses to cover all
the students at all of the schools. Beginning in September 2009, all TUSD schools will have
uniform starting and ending times. Elementary schools will start at 8:50 a.m., middle schools
will start at 8:10 a.m., and high schools will start at 8:00 a.m. With these uniform start and end
times, TUSD will no longer have to charter private buses and save $500,000. We are sorry
for any inconvenience this may cause your family and thank you for your understanding.
Following will be John Adams daily schedule for next year. Please note that the playground
will be open with supervision at 8:30 a.m. each morning and breakfast will be served at 8:15 a.
m. in the cafeteria. There is no supervision before then, so please do not drop your children
off before that time. If you are interested, we do have a before school care program with the
YMCA on campus and you can contact them for more information by calling (310) 325-5885.
8:15 Breakfast
8:30 Campus opens with before school supervision
8:50 Class instruction begins
10:30 Morning Recess (15 minutes)
12:00 K-2 Lunch (45 minutes)
12:30 3-5 lunch (45 minutes)
1:50 Kindergarten dismissal
2:15 Afternoon Recess (10 minutes)
3:03 1-3 grades dismissal
3:12 4-5 grades dismissal
Early Out Wednesdays
1:50 Kindergarten dismissal
2:18 1-3 grades dismissal
2:27 4-5 grades dismissal
As many of you are aware, the State of California is in a major financial crisis that will directly
impact the funding for local school districts and schools, including John Adams. TUSD and
Adams will face cuts in the coming school year that will reduce the number of teachers at each
school site, increase class sizes, and reduce categorical program budgets that directly support
our students in their academic development. TUSD has had to cut approximately $9 million
dollars from the budget this year alone due to the state’s decreased budget and has had to
look at every avenue for saving money with one of these avenues being transportation.
Currently, all 30 TUSD schools have had different starting and ending times. Because of the
lack of busses and drivers to cover these schools and their different starting and end times,
TUSD has spent approximately $500,000 each year to hire private charter busses to cover all
the students at all of the schools. Beginning in September 2009, all TUSD schools will have
uniform starting and ending times. Elementary schools will start at 8:50 a.m., middle schools
will start at 8:10 a.m., and high schools will start at 8:00 a.m. With these uniform start and end
times, TUSD will no longer have to charter private buses and save $500,000. We are sorry
for any inconvenience this may cause your family and thank you for your understanding.
Following will be John Adams daily schedule for next year. Please note that the playground
will be open with supervision at 8:30 a.m. each morning and breakfast will be served at 8:15 a.
m. in the cafeteria. There is no supervision before then, so please do not drop your children
off before that time. If you are interested, we do have a before school care program with the
YMCA on campus and you can contact them for more information by calling (310) 325-5885.
8:15 Breakfast
8:30 Campus opens with before school supervision
8:50 Class instruction begins
10:30 Morning Recess (15 minutes)
12:00 K-2 Lunch (45 minutes)
12:30 3-5 lunch (45 minutes)
1:50 Kindergarten dismissal
2:15 Afternoon Recess (10 minutes)
3:03 1-3 grades dismissal
3:12 4-5 grades dismissal
Early Out Wednesdays
1:50 Kindergarten dismissal
2:18 1-3 grades dismissal
2:27 4-5 grades dismissal