CULVER PARK HIGH SCHOOL
March 2019 Student - Parent Newsletter
Principal's Message
I look forward to working together to ensure that students meet their graduation requirements and are prepared for their next step beyond high school, whether that is going to college, going to a trade school, or going to work. Feel free contact me via phone or email to discuss any questions, suggestions, comments or concerns you may have.
Get to know the teachers!!
My name is Stephanie Bentsvi, I have been teaching at Culver Park for almost 10 years. In their time at Culver Park your student will have me for all Social Science core classes and electives. Currently I am teaching United States History, Economics and World History as well as running Student Council. If you have any questions or concerns about your student’s progress, please feel free to email at stephaniebentsvi@ccusd.org. Just a reminder Spring Break is coming up and our term ends a few days after we return. Students should be working on any missing assignments and to boost their grade over break.
My name is Marc Ketchem. I teach the English and theatre classes at Culver Park. I am always available at marcketchem@ccusd.org. I make every effort to keep students abreast of their progress in my classes. With Spring Break on the horizon, I will be offering extra credit to students who want to improve their grades in any of my classes.
My name is Anitha Matilda, and I am in my 12th year at Culver Park. This year, I am teaching Biology, P.E and Exploring Art. I teach because I love art, I love science and most importantly, I love people. I strive to make my classroom an environment where students feel supported, engaged and free to take risks. I hope that my passion for learning is evident and contagious. I highly encourage my students to come in during my prep period if they need any support or academic assistance. It is my goal that students will leave my classroom as stronger scientists, artists and critical thinkers, and most importantly, as more confident students and people. Feel free to contact me at anithamatilda@ccusd.org
Hi, I’m Dee Montealvo and I have been a part of the Culver Park community since January 2017. I teach Mathematics at Culver Park. My educational background is in Asian American Studies and Political Science from the University of California, Davis and I started my career in elementary education teaching 5th grade in the Bronx, NY and Baltimore City, MD. I took a break from teaching to work as a case manager in HIV/AIDS intervention. Having 30 clients to manage their physical, emotional, and social well being was very similar to the work of managing a classroom so I returned to teaching High School Mathematics in South Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Inglewood, and now Culver City. I feel as though Mathematics is the gatekeeper for a lot of young people to get into higher education. I teach Math because it is a part of my social justice background and values. I am always available for all students, staff, alumni, and even parents that need help with Mathematics! Feel free to reach out to me at deemontealvo@ccusd.org or call the office between noon and 1 p.m. with any questions or concerns.
Academics
There are 9 school days left in Quarter 3; 5 days before spring break and 4 days after spring break. It is critical that students make the most of these days in order to pass all their classes this quarter. Get to school on time every day and work, work, work!!!
Parents, you can help by making sure they don't miss any school, checking AERIES to make sure they don't have missing assignments, and email their teacher if you notice missing assignments so they can get work to do during spring break.
Feel free to set up an appointment with Ms. Montes anytime, to discuss your child's progress towards transferring back to CCHS or towards graduation.
Arts
Thanks to generous donations from CCEF and Sony, students just completed their 2nd session of ArtworxLA with a public presentation at USC School of Architecture by students Sebastian Sevilla (12) and Jorge Hernandez (11). In the final project, students work explores forms of abstract, typographic and protest art to create their pieces of “Art Advocacy,” for Homes for Hope: Art and Design Address Housing in Los Angeles.
College
Some seniors will be going on a field trip to WLAC on Tuesday, March 19th. Parents, make sure you respond to the field trip email when you get it.
The Exchange Club of Culver City is offering a scholarship to a deserving 12th grade Culver Park student who has overcome some adversity during their high school years, will graduate in June and is going to college later this year. To apply for the A.C.E (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Scholarship, students must write two 250 word essays, one describing the event or events in his/her life that the candidate is most proud of and the other describing how the candidate will work to make the future a better place to live. I must submit the applications by April 15th. Let me know if you are interested in applying for this scholarship so we make sure you get any help you need.
Correction: Congratulations to Haley Fugett who was accepted into the University of Kansas!!!
Career
Parents, please email me at veronicamontes@ccusd.org, if you would be interested and willing to talk to students about your job/career.
We are also working with board members Anne Allaire to provide a Resume Workshop and CTE Pathway discussion and Dr. Steve Levin to talk to students about being a rocket scientist and working at JPL.
By the Way …
- Parents often ask, "How can I tell if my child is vaping or using drugs?" Come to the parent information night on Wednesday, March 20th from 6:30-8:00 PM at the new Frost Auditorium to better understand popular teen drugs. See flyer attached.
- Congratulations to Isaiah Anaya for being selected as Culver Park's March Citizenship Award winner.
Student Council
Hello Everyone, It’s your local Student Council Member,
I hope everyone is having a great day and enjoying the beautiful view of the migrating butterflies. So a couple things going on, we have the Pennies For Patients Fundraiser from The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the purpose is to spread awareness and raise money for Cancer Research. Another announcement, we are still accepting any designs for the Culver Park sweaters, this is an opportunity to get your child/students artwork on the sweater. Please check your student’s Aeries, the term is so close to ending, if your student is behind in their class.and on Tuesday 4/9 from 2:45- 5 student council will be sponsoring “Culver Park Cocoa & Catch Up.” If you have any questions or concerns please contact stephaniebentsvi@ccusd.org and everyone have a wonderful day.
Calendar of Events
3/4/19 - Student Led Circles - PDA
3/5/19 - Student Led Circles - Respect
3/6/19 - Staff PLC Meeting
3/7/19 - artworxLA Session 2 Presentation at USC School of Architecture
3/8/19 - Schoolwide Activity - Student Council Presentation on PDA, Consent & Respect
3/12/19 - School Site Council Meeting- 2:45 PM
3/13/19 - Staff Meeting
3/18-3/22 - ELA CAASPP Testing - 11th grade only
3/19/19 - West LA College field trip
3/20/19 - PLC 6-12 Articulation with CCHS and CCMS
3/20/19 - Parent Info Night 6:30-8:00 PM at the Frost - Understanding Popular Teen Drugs
3/22/19 - Early Dismissal schedule
3/25-4/5 - NO SCHOOL- SPRING BREAK
4/8/19 - Return from Spring Break
4/10/19 - OPEN HOUSE, Senior Parent Night, Parent Meeting regarding 19-20 School Year
4/17/19 - Staff Meeting