Recently, I started supporting ERHP CoS. While I have known ERHP CoSA Tony Cortez for a few years, I thought it would be helpful for me and the readership to get to know him better through this interview. Here is the interview I conducted with Mr. Cortez. -Region East Community Representative So Noh

How long have you been working at LAUSD?

I have been working at LAUSD since 1994, so this will make it my 29th year!

What is your LAUSD Background?

I started off as a Teacher at Cahuenga Elementary School (ES), where after a few years, I became the Categorical Programs Coordinator. I served in many positions after leaving Cahuenga. I worked as a Teacher Advisor for the Lincoln Family of Schools, an Assistant Principal at Commonwealth ES, and an Assistant Principal at Frank Del Olmo ES. After that, I was the Founding Principal at Judith Baca Arts Academy. I left the school site to serve as Operations Coordinator and Lead Operations Coordinator, and now I am the Community of Schools Administrator for the Eagle Rock/Highland Park Community of Schools.

Where did you grow up, and what schools did you attend?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I attended Florence Avenue ES and Edison Middle School (MS). I then enrolled at Roosevelt High School (HS) under its College Incentive Magnet Program. After high school, I attended UCLA and majored in History with an emphasis on Latin American History. I received my Teaching Credential at Cal State LA and Administration Services Credential and Masters in Education Administration at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

What influenced you into becoming an Educator?

I first considered teaching when I was in high school. As a high school student, I felt supported and challenged in the magnet program I was in, but sometimes I felt my peers, who were not in the program, did not have that same support system. I realized I wanted all inner city students to have opportunities to learn and to go to college. I also wanted to be a good role model for students and help them realize that if somebody like me from their community could go to college, then they can too.

Who has been one of your greatest role models, and why?

I have had many role models and mentors throughout my career in LAUSD. One of my role models has been Mr. Houske, the first principal I taught under. He helped me to understand how to work with parents, not just by answering parents' questions but by providing them resources and training and helping them understand the school system. Under Mr. Houske's guidance, I learned how helpful it is to work with smaller groups in the classroom setting. He valued diversity, language, and families. Mr. Houske especially honored our immigrant families who sacrificed so much to start over in places so different from where they grew up and lived. I am grateful to have had so many mentors as I have transitioned through many positions in LAUSD.

What is your vision for ERHP CoS?

My vision for ERHP CoS is tied to LAUSD's Strategic Plan of being "Ready for the World" by being ready for college and careers. Our schools need to provide students with a well-rounded curriculum that is challenging, nurturing, and tied to real-life applications and solutions.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to play the guitar. Music is a passion of mine. I also like to woodwork which would include building and creating. I believe working with wood is therapeutic. I enjoy spending time with my family, including my wife and children, and I like to make wooden objects for my daughters, my mom, and close friends.

February is Diversity and Black History Month

Black History is American History

How to Celebrate Black History Month at Home

• Check out the local museums (California African American Museum - Virtual Tour)

• Study African American culture and recipes from Kids Kitchen: Black History Month.

• Study influential African Americans based upon your child’s own interests.

• Check out other local kid-friendly events in your community.

• Watch this video of Black History Month explained by Kids!

Did you know that books can be Windows and Mirrors?

Mirrors: Ways to see yourself represented in literature and the world around you.

Windows: Ways to learn and understand different cultures and connect with others.

As you read, A Is for All the Things You Are - A Joyful ABC, discuss the following:

• Do you see yourself or family in any of these characters and places? (Mirrors)

• What might you learn about other people? (Windows into different homes, cultures, and traditions)

• Draw a picture or glue pictures/photos to make a collage that celebrates your family- All the Things You Are!

Watch a read aloud of the book, A Is for All the Things You Are - A Joyful ABC.

Greetings, Wonderful Parents! I am Catalina Barrios, Mental Health Consultant for the Eagle Rock/Highland Park Community of Schools. I would like to invite you to all our monthly parent workshops on mental health topics. All workshops are facilitated by Region East Mental Health Consultants and are held on a Friday at 9 a.m. via Zoom (https://lausd.zoom.us/s/89391523201). The scheduled workshops are:

• 02/10/23: Promoting and Supporting Healthy Relationships in Your Child
• 03/10/23: Parent Road Map
• 04/21/23: Supporting Students with Depression
• 05/12/23: Mental Health Awareness

Please spread the word by sharing the attached flyers with fellow parents. We hope to see you there!