Greetings from Placerita!

On October 27 th , we were informed that Ms. Jody Liss-Monteleone has been selected as one of ten finalists for Region 8’s Educator of the Year for the California League of Middle Schools. Ms. Liss-Monteleone has enthusiastically embraced and led our staff into alignment with the National Standards for School Counselors. Largely because of her relentless drive for perfection, our counseling department was the proud recipient of the SPARC (Support Personnel Accountability Report Card) award for four years. Last year, Ms. Liss-Monteleone endured a rather significant health setback that resulted in an extended hospital stay and a prolonged convalescence. During that time, her fierce devotion to kids resulted in her conducting business via email, and over the telephone while recuperating at home. Congratulations and thank you to Jody Liss-Monteleone for her commitment to do whatever it takes to help our kids grow.

On October 29 th , Mrs. Christine Parr was recognized as one of sixteen Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year. Mrs. Parr was honored for her passionate commitment to Placerita’s English Language Learners. During the recognition breakfast, Mrs. Parr was cited for her department leadership that has helped change the academic culture from one that celebrates “Success for Some,” to one that embraces “Learning for All.” Mrs. Parr’s prestigious designation as a Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year came after she was honored as Placerita’s Teacher of the Year and as the Hart District Teacher of the Year. The final sixteen were selected from a pool of over 60 district Teachers of the Year, so Mrs. Parr is truly among the “best of the best!” Congratulations to Mrs. Christine Parr for her recognition as a teacher truly making a difference in the lives of her students.

Modernization
As I write this article, I am pleased to report that the first phase of Placerita’s modernization project is nearing completion. During the week of November 10 th through the 14 th , our staff began moving back into buildings 800, 900 and 1000. Among the many highlights of this phase is the work done in Ms. Spula’s music room, which includes new carpeting, new cabinetry, new instrument storage, and acoustical tiling. We are also are excited to report that Mrs. Schindewolf’s art classroom and Mr. McCall’s science classroom have been equipped with new technology that integrates computers, ceiling mounted projectors, and a “Voice Lift” system that upgrades the sound projection for lectures and audiovisual presentations. Mrs. Patten’s food classroom has been equipped with new appliances and Mrs. Sucheck’s dance room now includes a specialized dancing floor and new wardrobe cabinetry. Very soon, we will be opening a new computer lab in room 802 that will service Placerita Junior High during the day and Golden Oak Adult School at night. We anticipate that two beautifully modernized science classrooms in the 300 building will be reoccupied in late November. The 200 Library building is scheduled to be completed in January, and we are looking forward to work beginning in Tanner Hall and the gymnasium very soon.

Thank you for your patience during this process. With the passage of Measure SA, we look forward to a completely renewed facility that will support our efforts to improve student achievement. There are many exciting things in store for the Placerita community in the coming months. It is truly a new day for Placerita Junior High School.

Best wishes

Mike Kuhlman
Principal