Culver City Adult School
May 2018 Bulletin-Revised
Student Learning Outcomes - SLOs
- Lifelong Learners
- Critical Thinkers
- Technology Users
- Strong Members of Their Families & Communities
Principal's Message
CELEBRATIONS!!!!!! Join me in celebrating Culver City Adult School's
Teacher of the Year
Margery Dickens has been dedicated to students in adult education for the past 25 years. In Culver City Adult School's Adult Basic Education program, she teaches English Language Arts and Math. This year, she also spearheaded an online hybrid Distance Learning class and, as part of a Professional Learning Community, has been integral in the department's integration of College and Career Readiness Standards for reading, writing, and mathematics. Margie also has been an educational therapist and teaches an Adults with Disabilities class at L.A. Goal. Born in Santa Monica, she attended Venice High School and University High in Los Angeles. She received degrees from Santa Monica College, California State University Long Beach, and the College for Developmental Studies. Margie enjoys spending her free time with her husband Richard, salsa dancing, swimming, hiking, traveling, and eating healthy food. Margie says, “I have taught people of all ages —from 2 to 102—but the most rewarding experience I have found is teaching the classes I am currently teaching at Culver City Adult School.” Congratulations, Margie, from all of your colleagues at CCAS.
Classified Employee of the Year
Jose Lopez has worked for CCAS for 17 years and is the first person students see when they walk in the door. He is very personable and takes time to get to know each student. Jose has a long history with the ESL and ASE departments in many different roles and is currently responsible for placement testing school-wide, which includes our ESL, ABE and ASE programs. He doesn’t just administer tests, but asks questions to make sure students are placed correctly according to their past training, current abilities and future goals. Jose runs our ESL Distance Learning program as well, which requires placing students, giving work, correcting as well as recording. Jose finds the time to share observations with program coordinators, and it is always valuable, insightful information. Jose also communicates with our evening T.A. to help keep her up to date with changes. Jose is always learning and taking himself to task. He challenges himself in big and little ways that set a great tone for the students and everyone who works with him. With all of this and more, when a new project or change in procedure arises, we always hear Jose say, "I can do that". As the ESL Coordinator, I find myself saying, "No, you have enough to do already"! Jose happily and humbly is of service to our entire adult school community. He has food to share, makes coffee, and even keeps the kitchen clean and organized. Jose Lopez is central to us creating a sense of community here at Culver City Adult School.
Volunteer of the Year
Jan Harmon has been a volunteer in Culver City Adult School’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program since 2009. Having taught English, Political Science, and other subjects, she could think of no happier project than to teach others to read. Jan volunteers twice a week, and always goes above and beyond her tutoring duties. Having worked as an environmental program officer in Texas, for the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission in Mexico, and for the City of West Hollywood, Jan is an advocate for civic involvement, and encourages students to be knowledgeable about world affairs. The simple act of bringing in a newspaper each week and engaging students in discussion about their communities has enhanced the classroom culture. Jan believes in every student’s ability to learn with the right approach and guidance, and she remains dedicated to working with students through challenging situations. Her favorite quote from Mark Twain sums up her humor and approach to learning: “Always do the right thing. It will gratify your friends and annoy your enemies.”
This is TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK. It is the perfect opportunity to let your teacher know how much you appreciate what they have taught you.
We are excited about our new partner, The Family Alliance who provide critical support to Culver City Adult School students in a variety of ways, including the Free Farmer's Market, CARECEN, and Dulce Kubota. Please take advantage of the the Free Farmer's Market every Wednesday at 11:30 am or at 1:30 pm. It is located in the parking lot between Farragut and the Middle School, near the old adult school classrooms.
To keep our students and staff safe:
- Drive slowly and carefully on campus
- Park only in marked spots; do not block others
- Lock bikes on the bike racks
- Throw trash in appropriate bins
- Keep bathrooms clean by flushing the toilet after use & throwing trash in the trash can
- Report suspicious individuals or packages to the office right away
Important Dates
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ~ Free Farmer's Market (at Farragut Library/Culver Park)
May 5 ~ Tribute to the Stars
May 7 ~ Data Team Meeting (2 pm)
May 11, 18 ~ HiSET
May 11 ~ ABE PLC (12 pm)
May 14 ~ Leadership Team Meeting (2 pm)
May 15 ~ Grad Meeting (12 pm & 6:30 pm)
May 18 ~ LARAEC Open Public Meeting (1:30 pm TBD)
May 22 ~ ESL Department Meeting (3 pm)
May 28 ~ NO SCHOOL Memorial Day
May 30 ~ Employee Recognition (11 am)
ABE News
The ABE Department is proud to be home to two special honorees this month, Culver City Adult School's Volunteer of the Year (Jan Harmon), and Teacher of the Year (Margery Dickens)! Jan is in her 9th year volunteering two afternoons per week in the afternoon class, and Margery is in her 25th year of teaching at the Adult School. Both women will be honored at various District events during the month of May. Please congratulate them when you see them!
Special dates in May for ABE students:
- May 14 & 15: Final CASAS testing
- May 16: Final ELA research project presentations
- May 23 & 24: Final TABE promotional testing
ESL News
It's May already!
We have some important things to finish up for the semester.
- EL Civics projects
- CASAS testing
- Technology Rubric
- Cumulative Exam
Remember that attendance every day is important! Let's finish the year strong.
Sometimes ESL students need information and don't know where to find it to improve daily life, family life or work life. If this is true for you, please talk to your teacher or to Dulce. Maybe we can help you find what you are looking for!
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA - HiSET INDEPENDENT LEARNING CENTER (ILC) News
AFTERNOON CLASS at the ILC
The afternoon session in the Independent Learning Center (3:15 – 5:15 PM) offers classes to Culver City and Culver Park High students who need to retake a class or improve a grade. For example, fifteen high school seniors are now taking their last class to graduate in June. We’re now preparing for the summer session to help even more seniors finish before they attend college in the fall. Sophomores and juniors also come when they need a friendly place to catch up with their studies. Most of our classes are on-line, so students may progress at home and finish faster. All academic classes are free requiring only an application and a visit to the counselor.
Counselor's Corner
Be on the look out for the Saturday workshops for California Colleges