Mommy & Me Read Aloud Hosted by Tutors for Tots Will Begin July 5

Long Beach Poly Girls Track Finishes 2nd at Nationals

By Ryan ZumMallen|LB Post/Sports Book|June 28, 2011


What do you get Bill Gates for Christmas?

That's essentially the dilemma that seems to face Long Beach Poly fans, who year after year boast the highest expectations in the country. After decades of C.I.F., State and even National titles, it's almost impossible to get the Jackrabbit faithful to claim a season successful. At this point, the football team of 17 and 18-year olds would need to win the Super Bowl for fans to raise an eyebrow.

Well, after a remarkable State championship victory for both squads, the Poly boys and girls track teams found themselves in the Super Bowl of their sport last weekend: The Nike Track Nationals in Eugene, Oregon.


Full article LBPost

Teacher shot at South L.A. elementary school

By Andrew Blankstein|Los Angeles Times|June 28, 2011|5:01 p.m.


Los Angeles police said Tuesday they are investigating an incident at a South Los Angeles elementary school in which a teacher who had just finished a training session with other educators was shot by errant gunfire that came from off campus.


View full article, Times (Teacher Shot)

Two Months of Summer Vacation Causes Scholastic Retention In Students

By Jeff Harris|The Beverly Hills Math Factor|June 27, 2011|9:36 a.m.

Summer Slide. Brain Drain. Learning Leak. While it may sound like I’m describing a decaying water park, in reality these are terms used to explain the effect summer vacation has on young students and scholastic retention. If those terms don’t incite fear, they should. Students can lose more than two months of previous year math knowledge in the short time between signing yearbooks and picking out a first day of school outfit.

We have all seen the recent headlines mocking the United States in world education rankings when compared to other developed countries.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, American schools average 180 days of instruction per year, versus countries at the top of the math rankings, such as Japan, which average 240. The additional 60 school days in the Japanese academic calendar prevent prolonged breaks that cause students to lose their skills in the absence of regular instruction. This gives students in high achieving countries more instruction time not only because they have more school days, but because their academic calendar eliminates the need to spend the first month back from summer break reviewing last year’s material. As a middle school math teacher, I find this kind of review unnecessarily time consuming and wasteful. I am always hopeful that my students have independently kept their minds sharp over the summer, but unavoidably I end up reviewing last year’s material for a solid month before I am able to expand into new concepts.

Johns Hopkins Center for Summer Learning has done extensive studies proving that because of the United States public school system timeline, kids are unable to preserve their math lessons from the year over summer break. This has become such an issue that many groups have begun calling for reform in the academic calendar. Even President Obama andEducation Secretary Arne Duncan have called the traditional school system antiquated and inadequate. However, until taxpayers decide they want to fund an extra two months of schooling for our nation’s children, summer enrichment programs designed to bridge the gap are the best bet for concerned parents. After experiencing firsthand the effects of the summer slide, a fellow math teacher and I decided to create our own summer math program, The Beverly Hills Math Factor. Keeping kids entertained with fractions and times tables can be difficult enough during the school year however, so during the summer we take a much different approach to learning, incorporating technology such as iPads and inventing activities such as “Math Twister”.  So far, we have found the kids to be very receptive to the kind of fun learning we are able to implement, making their retention unconscious and therefore more effective. Also, kids that have graduated from our program have commented on how much more comfortable they were with new math concepts than their peers. Until there are sweeping educational reforms to address the summer brain drain, our program and others like it will help to fill the gap that puts American students behind.

Senior pranksters leave manure in hallways, cause $2,000 in damage at L.A. school

By Kate Mather|Los Angeles Times|June 22, 2011|5:51 p.m.

Students and teachers at the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies arrived at their last day of school Wednesday morning to a few surprises.

A part of the annual senior prank, graduating seniors dumped manure in the hallways and soap in the campus ponds and spray-painted "2011" on the wall of the gym at the Mid-City school.

View full article Times

Laurie Okum Partners Up With Margo As EVP

 By Dupé Aleru|June 23, 2011|10:43 a.m.

Laurie Okum, a Marriage and Family Therapist, is no stranger to the Beverly Hills community or the PTA Board for Beverly Vista School. As last year’s PTA President, one can agree that Okum will excel as the upcoming school year’s EVP.

Okum, who lives in Beverly Hills with her husband (Beverly alum) and three children, decided seven years ago that she wanted to be a part of her children’s educational experience and accepted her first board position.

In the last seven years, Okum has held numerous positions such as: BV Pride (two years), president (two years), secretary, site council (three years), in addition to executive board for BHEF (two years).

“I think it’s very important that we all contribute for all the kids,” said Okum, who has tried along with her board colleagues to involve the school community by administering social nights.  “Community involvement is so important for our kids, teachers and school spirit,” Okum continued.

With the generosity and support from families, BV was able to upgrade its computer lab.

 “The PTA works really hard with the staff and the teachers to make sure that their classrooms needs are met. What the district can’t cover we augment and supplement,” said Okum.

“I look forward to new projects and continued support from our community.”

Beverly Vista Welcomes Noah Margo As PTA President

Noah Margo and family

By Dupé Aleru|June 22, 2011|1:58 p.m.

Noah Margo seems to wear a lot of hats, but he plans to bring it all together in his new position as PTA President for Beverly Vista School (BV).

With tremendous organizational skills, artistic skills and his extensive background in education, Margo plans to build on what BV has already established in previous years and is hopeful for a successful year.

Margo started his educational journey as an elementary school teacher for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). After ten astonishing years inside the classroom, he retired and began volunteering at BV—his educational background has prepared him for the journey ahead.

As it pertains to fundraising, Margo believes that there are many BV families that heavily support the school and are extremely generous, and then there’s of course a population he would like to see get more involved for the upcoming school year. In turn, BV will build a bigger sense of community.

 “Beverly Vista has wonderful community, wonderful staff and great parent participation,” said Margo.

 “If I was being sarcastic I would say I look forward to next June (laughs),” answered Margo jokingly when   asked what he looks forward to in his new position. “What I look forward to the most is the effect the PTA has on the kids’ education. In the end it’s about kids coming into a classroom and coming into a school ground and learning. The PTA is there to support that experience,” continued Margo in a more serious tone.

Mature trees may be removed to make way for new high school track

By Gretchen Meier|Times Community News|June 20, 2011|8:53 a.m.


Burbank city officials may have a handful of half-century-old trees removed because their roots and canopies could damage a new track planned for John Burroughs High School.


A dozen camphor trees along the 300 block of North Keystone Street in Burbank line the sidewalk across from residential homes and will hang over the new track at Memorial Field, which is under construction,according to the Burbank Leader. 


Full article Times

Wasserman Foundation donates $1 million to L.A. Unified

By Jason Song|Los Angeles Times|June 18 2011


A private foundation has donated $1 million to the city school district to help pay for several academic programs and new positions, officials said Friday.

The Wasserman Foundation, headed by entertainment/sports entrepreneur Casey Wasserman, has donated more than $4.3 million to the district since 2009. It now pays for about 10 positions in the district.


Full article Times

Eleanora Goldberg Proceeds As Horace Mann’s PTA EVP

By Dupé Aleru|June 18, 2011|7:42 a.m.

Eleanora Goldberg will pick up where she left off for the upcoming school year, as Horace Mann’s EVP for PTA.

According to Goldberg, a large part of HM’s fundraising campaign steam from “direct ask”. In addition, the bulk of funds are collected during the first few weeks of school during September.  Establishing convenient ways to donate such as letter form, online, the first day of school, envelopes, credit cards and the like, allow parents to seek options that better fit their needs.

Lacking in years past, Goldberg’s goal is to explain the importance of donating to the parents and community and discuss where the money is going. “It’s really important to help everybody understand what the PTA does and where the money goes, that’s the only way people will donate,” said Goldberg.

Goldberg continued to state that if parents understand the importance and the value, then they are more likely to give versus not knowing where the money is going and/or not agreeing to where the money is going.

“This year has been an amazing year. It’s the best year we’ve ever had, due of our new principal Kessler as well as our new president Howard and the whole PTA board. We really got so many things accomplished this year and the things that I’m most proud of, is bringing our Star Science to our K-5 as well as the Science Olympiad for the third graders,” said Goldberg who has a PhD in the Sciences. 

Goldstein Resumes As PTA President For The Upcoming School Year At Horace Mann

By Dupé Aleru|June 17, 2011|8:04 a.m.

Howard Goldstein will remain in his position as PTA President for Horace Mann, in the upcoming 2011-2012 school year.

In his industrious life as an attorney in Class Action Litigation, husband, and father, Goldstein finds time to take part in an executive board position in a community where he attended school—Beverly Vista in Beverly Hills.

Goldstein started his diligent involvement as a parent volunteer for seven years prior to his appointed position as PTA president for Horace Mann, last year.

Horace Mann’s assembled plan for the 2010-2011 school year was different than years past. With a welcomed back breakfast for the entire school community that was held in September, Horace Mann was able to give something to the HM community—a sense of unity. In turn, HM PTA received 305 out of 487 potential membership donations.

Putting the “fun” in fundraising for the families and community was the key. Families saw the events as a fun time for the community, rather than a “need to give” event. “We want them to want to give for the right reasons, for the benefit of the kids,” said Goldstein.

With the generous donations, HM was able hit the infrastructure by remodeling its lobby, launching a student ran “Husky Student Store”, rewiring 40 PC computers in the computer lab, purchasing 20 new Mac computers and much more.

“Between my professional education and experience, my wife, and with intelligent and caring input from the wonderful parents that make up the Horace Mann PTA Executive Board, I have a deep understanding of the educational environment that faces this community today,” said Goldstein.

BV Entertainment Presents Its ‘Spring Choral Concert And Instrumental Music Concert’

By Dupé Aleru|June 16, 2011|9:25 a.m. 

Under the direction of Music Specialist Judith Chan, Beverly Vista, 200 S. Elm Dr. hosted its “Spring Choral Concert” was held yesterday at 6:30 p.m. and “Instrumental Music Concert” will be held today at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium.

The musical gala featured four choral ensembles from second through eighth grade, making the total 150 students. 

 The students sang songs by Austrian composer Franz Peter Schubert, German composer, pianist, organist and conductor Felix Mendelssohn and composer Edward Benjamin Britten.

Accompany the choir was harpist Theodore Nichelson. Furthermore, songs were sung in German, French, Japanese and Spanish.

For more information about Beverly Vista, visit www.bv.bhusd.org or call 310-229-3669.

Beverly Hills Math Factor Summer Enrichment Begins July 5

Beverly Hills Math Factor

By Dupé Aleru|June 15, 2011|9:34 a.m.

The Beverly Hills Math Factor— a math enrichment program designed to help students get ahead for the upcoming school year, will host its summer enrichment program starting in July.

Math Factors goal is to help bridge that gap in a fun and exciting way.  The program is directed by BHUSD math teachers Jeff Harris and Jesse Meyen.

“Studies have shown that over the summer, students lose over two and a half months of math knowledge that they have learned the previous school year,” said Co-Director Jeff Harris.

Student engagement is a vital part of the MF program as students will learn math through the use of games, technology such as the iPad, music, and videos.

This hands-on engagement will help stimulate and perpetuate a lifelong interest in math for all students.

Classes will be held at Temple Emanuel Academy Day School, 8844 Burton Way. Classes begin July 5 and run through August 11.  Three-week and Six-week classes are available.  

For more information, visit www.bhmathfactor.com. To register, email JHarris@bhmathfactor.com or call 310-926-2385.

Former LAUSD Teacher Works For CCS California, Training Teachers On SMART Products

Nicole Gordon

By Dupé Aleru|June 14, 2011|10:08 a.m.

Local Beverly Hills resident Nicole Gordon began her career as a teacher. Holding a master’s degree in Education from the University of Southern California (USC), Gordon worked as a full-time teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District. 

After numerous years inside the classroom, Gordon transitioned to a career that will train teachers, working for CCS California—one of the nation’s leading audio video integrators.

Gordon’s passion for teaching and enthusiasm for technology landed her the job in the education division as one of CCS’ Education Consultants.   

  

Audio video technology purchases and installations normally occur during the summer and off months of the school year. These million dollar investments allow the installations to be properly installed without disrupting the classroom environment.

Every install is followed by an extensive training for teachers and students. As an Education Consultant/ SMART Trainer, Gordon’s focus is on SMART products such as interactive white boards, projectors and interactive learning tables.

By providing the follow-up training to teachers and students, schools not only get the most out of their investment, but teachers learn how to use the technology effectively and to its full capacity.

“The idea of change, along with the challenge of learning how to do something new can be very scary for teachers. It is my job to work with educators to ensure that they become aware of the ease and use of SMART Technologies,” said Gordon. 

“In addition, I work with teachers to discover that these technologies can not only make learning more engaging for students but they also simplify teaching and assist as a classroom management tool for instructors.”

“I absolutely love what I do and believe that these classroom solutions, when used effectively, can have such a positive impact on all kinds of learners—auditory, visual, kinesthetic, etc.,” concluded Gordon.   

First Lady Michelle Obama Shuts Down Doheny Drive In Beverly Hills

Photo credit Brenton Garen

By Brenton Garen|The Beverly Hills Courier|June 13, 2011|10:40 a.m. 

First lady Michelle Obama is currently in Beverly Hills at the Writers Guild Theater, taking part in a panel discussion about the challenges faced by military families.

The Beverly Hills Police Department has Doheny Drive closed between Wilshire and Charleville.

BHPD traffic bureau Lt. Mark Rosen told The Courier Doheny would reopen before the lunch hour traffic rush period begins.

Obama is expected to attend a lunchtime fundraiser in Pasadena.


Full article, visit BH Courier

From grunts to undergraduates, Marines deploy to Stanford

Photo credit William Treseder

By Tony Perry in San Diego|Los Angeles Times|June 13, 2011|7:56 a.m. 

They were Marine "grunts" in Iraq and Afghanistan and now they're undergraduates at one of the world's  most prestigious universities.

By one count, there are 10 military veterans among the roughly 7,000 undergraduates at Stanford University. Of those 10, seven are Marines.

The Marines are determined to make the most of their time at the rarefied atmosphere of the place called The Farm.

William Treseder, 28, and Chris Clark, 25, are developing a consulting firm to work with the military on its energy policies both stateside and for deployed units.

Full article Times

Shalhevet Junior Wins City-Wide Israel Studies Competition

By Dupé Aleru|June 12, 2011|11:05 a.m.

                               

Shalhevet junior Josh Meisel brought home the bacon as he competed against other Jewish high school students in a city-wide competition called the “Israel Jeopardy Challenge”.

Sponsored by Bnei Akiva, the annual “Israel Jeopardy Challenge” tested student’s knowledge of Israeli history and culture. Furthermore, the final competition, hosted by B’nai David-Judea Congregation on Pico Boulevard, took place Yom Yerushalayim (June 1^st this year)—the anniversary of the day Jerusalem was reunited during the 1967 Six-Day War.

Shalhevet went head to head with students from YULA in an intensive academic marathon that consisted of three elimination rounds. Shalhevet’s four finalists were Josh Meisel, Ariella Joffe, Michael Silver and Adam Ashkenazi. 

And the winning question…“At which Zionist World Congress was the Jewish Agency founded?” Meisel’s answer...the event took place at the 16^th Congress.

“It felt great to win because I was representing Shalhevet,” said Meisel, who had woken up at 3 a.m. that morning to study. “When you put in hard work, you get results.” 

Meisel was awarded a free round-trip ticket to Israel in addition to an exemption from his final exam for his Modern Middle East class. 

Participating schools included Shalhevet, YULA Girls, YULA Boys, Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy, Maimonides Academy and Yeshivat Yavneh.  

The NAPCA Launches Inaugural USC Summer Residential Program

By Dupe Aleru|June 11, 2011|2:58 p.m.

The University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education and the National Association of Peer College Advisors (NAPCA) will offer four residential and commuter week-long camp programs on the USC campus for current eighth through eleventh grade students, starting June 19. 

The program will run from June 19-24, June 26-July 1, July 10-15, and July 17-22. The pre-collegiate six day program provides students with an opportunity to stay on the USC campus overnight while being exposed to different facets of college life. In addition students will have the opportunity to strengthen their academic skills while being provided with information and resources to help them be better prepared and competitive for admission to the college of their choice.

“As a result of the economic impact most school districts are experiencing, counseling staff is being reduced on a large scale, leaving a huge void in schools being able to get kids on the right track early in their high school life,” states NAPCA Director, Aaron Smith.  “Research continues to show the crisis level that proper college counseling has reached at the high school level with student to counselor ratios averaging almost 500:1.”

“The concept of NAPCA (National Association of Peer College Advisors) is to assist the counseling staff in developing peer advising chapters where students can mentor each other and develop the necessary skills and tools to navigate the path to the college or university of their choice,” Smith continues. Students completing the NAPCA summer program will be eligible to begin a peer mentor group in their own high schools.

The National Council Of Jewish Woman To Host 'Panel Discussion'

By Dupé Aleru|June 10, 2011|10:44 p.m.

                                

The National Council of Jewish Woman (NCJW) of the L.A.—a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action, will host Navigating The Nursery School Admissions Process: Everything you wanted to know about choosing a school and getting in, on June 15 at 7:30 p.m. at 543 N. Fairfax Ave.

The NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for woman, children and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedom.

Attendees will learn what the different educational philosophies mean, how to get the most out of the school tour and what the key factors are in choosing the right school for their family.

Panelists include Baudelia Taylor, Ilise Faye, Sherry Fredman and Karen Dudley.

The event is $75 per couple and $40 per person. All proceeds benefit NCJW/LA Woman Helping Children Art and Literacy Programs for Youth and Woman Helping Woman Community Counseling and Support Services.

To register, visit www.ncjwla.org or send a check payable to NCJW/LA or credit card info to Attn: Susan Sysler.

Questions? Email susan@ncjwla.org or call 323-852-8512.

Charlene Liebau Wishes You A Happy Summer

By Charlene Liebau|June 9, 2011|7:03 a.m.

College Admissions Editor

The 2010–2011 school year is quickly coming to a close. For students graduating from high school thoughts turn to fall and the next steps. For others, summer plans are most likely in the final stage of planning: summer school, a job, community service, a research project, and/or travel. 

Whatever the summer holds, I hope you will include time to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the past year. Take time to think about your goals. And take time to think about how you choose to spend your discretionary time—are you using it in productive ways? Are you using it in ways to meet your goals? We all get caught up in the “doing”—it is important for each of us to take the time to reflect on what we are “doing” and why.

With that thought in mind, I will be spending my summer months visiting college campuses and preparing articles for the 2011–2012 school year.

 If, in the meantime you have questions or would like me to write on a specific topic of interest, please contact me at cliebau@collegecounsselingservices.org

Until then, wishes for a healthy, productive, restful, and reflective summer. 

Charlene Liebau is the former director of admissions for CalTech and Occidental College. She is also a finalist judge of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Tri-City Park Welcomes Dupe Aleru As She Reads From Her New Book, Animals in Action A-Z

Author Dupe Aleru

Tri-City Park Author Read and Signing

June 8, 2011|12:24 p.m.

Yesterday, Tri-City Park 2301 N. Kraemer Blvd in Placentia, welcomed Dupe Aleru as she read from her newly published children's book, Animals in Action A-Z.


The ABC extravaganza was organized by former LBUSD teacher/literacy specialist Raina Southwell. Participants and guests included the local "Mommy and Me" exercise group, who meet at the park weekly for a boot camp exercise with their children.

The event started with a book read, the Animals in Action sing-a-long and a game called the Animals in Action Spin the Wheel Alphabet Game. The children were thrilled to win a prize after choosing words that began with the letter the wheel landed on. Preceding the read aloud, Aleru autographed purchased books and CD's.

For more information about Animals in Action A-Z, visit Ed Enterprise Home Page.

L.A. would be biggest city to ban flavored milk in schools

Photo credit Gary Friedman|Los Angeles Times

By Mary MacVean|June 5, 2011|11:44 a.m. 


Los Angeles Unified would be the largest U.S. school district by far to eliminate flavored milk from its campuses. Schools in Berkeley, Compton and San Diego, as well as those in Boulder, Colo., Minneapolis and Washington, D.C., have decided to drop flavored milk in at least some meals.


Full article Los Angeles Times|Education

Dana Young Steps In As El Rodeo’s PTA President

Interviewed by Dupé Aleru|9:16 a.m.

Former Executive Vice President Dana Young spent one year as EVP under the position of Azy Farahmand, and now looks forward to her new position as PTA president at El Rodeo.

Prior to her EVP position, Young was co-chair for the multi-cultural committee with Farahmand. She also served on the community service and hospitality committee.

“I think Azy was a great leader and example to follow. She really taught me everything and helped me to do the best that I can, so that I can excel in my role next year as president,” said Young.

As for fundraising, Young acknowledges the strong parent body at El Rodeo. She went on to explain that parents are always anxious to help out in anyway, from selling water to working the car pool lane, all for the success of its school.

Young is thrilled to start the new school year and plans to rally for additional parental involvement in order to continue with the success of its school.

Azy Farahmand Steps Down As El Rodeo PTA President, Stays on as PTA Advisor

Interview by Dupé Aleru|11:03 a.m

As Azy Farahmand celebrates her last few weeks as PTA President, she reminisces over her outstanding two year position, before stepping down.

Though she was president for two years, Farahmand has been a part of the PTA for the past five years. Preceding to her five-year involvement, Farahmand was a stay-at- home mom. In addition, she was involved with the PTA at Temple Isaiah Preschool off W. Pico Blvd.

A large part of El Rodeo fundraising is the “Annual Fund”—where families are encouraged to donate $500 per child to the PTA. Such donations support the schools program functionality.

 “I’m going to miss this job so much. This was such an amazing experience for me. There wasn’t one rewarding thing. There were so many rewarding things. Working for the school that I love—when I say school I mean the kids in the school, the faculty and the administration, was a joy. Being there for all of them was number one for me. I loved doing it,” said Farahmand.

BHHS Senior Jacob Nierob Awarded Superintendent’s Award

By Dupé Aleru|June 4, 2011|11:34 a.m.

Beverly Hills High School senior Jacob Nierob, was the recipient of the “Superintendent’s Award” in a ceremony hosted by the Olympic Chapter of the California Association of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs (ROCP) at Cerritos College.

Nierob earned the highest score out of a total of 40,000 eligible students representing Los Angeles County ROP. In addition, Nierob joined other Student Award winners, representing the most outstanding students out of over of 120,000 students served by the ten Olympic Chapter ROCP’s.

Furthermore, Nierob was recently awarded the gold medal in the Los Angeles County Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Outstanding Student Recognition Competition at a ceremony that took place in May.

Participating in an interview and work product presentation process, Nierob was asked a series of questions simulating those in an employment interview. In addition, he was asked to perform a five-minute work product demonstration of his work from his Sports Marketing ROP class taught by Steve Rappaport. Last, he was required to complete a job application, résumé and personal statement on how his ROP class will help him in the future.

The Courier congratulates Nierob on his acceptance for an Academic Merit Scholarship from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor which he will be attending in the Fall—Sports Management program.

Shalhevet Choir’s Modern Usage Of A Cappella Enchants Viewers

Shalhevet Choir

By Dupé Aleru|June 3, 2011|7:55 a.m.

                                                      

A Capella—Italian for “in the manner of the chapel” is a form of music that is sung without instrumentals.

Shalhevet Choir, lead by faculty member Joelle Keene, performed their Spring Concert without instrumental auxiliary—no piano or orchestra. 

Keene, who has her Master of Arts degree in Choral Conducting and Music Composition, wrote most of the arrangements for the musical gala. The Choir's repertoire consisted of secular, religious and Israeli music, ranging from contemporary to traditional.  In addition, alums were invited on stage to sing the final number, Hiney Ba HaShalom—Here Comes Peace.

In its eight years of music-making sensations, the Shalhevet Choir has performed dozens of concerts, including appearances for the Los Angeles Holocaust Museum (both the dedication and fundraiser held at the Beverly Hills Hotel), several Beverly Hills homes for the aged as well as the Daniel Pearl Festival. 

Former Shalhevet Choir alumni have gone on to be leaders in two of the top college choirs in the nation, Columbia University and the University of Maryland’s esteemed Kol Sasson—an eighteen member group that sings in both English and Hebrew.

Six-Year-Old Math Wiz Learns Algebra 1 Through Advanced Coaching System

Photo credit TechProtege 

By Dupé Aleru|June 2, 2011|8:25 a.m. 

First grade student Jared Holgado is a math protégé due to a new fast-track educational math system called “From Zero To Calculus”®—a strategic, streamlined math curriculum offered exclusively at TechProtege for students ages 6-16, in Century City.

TechProtege, LLC, 1901 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 200 in Century City, emphasizes on math concepts, problem-solving, and test-taking tips that help kids excel at math, years ahead of traditional schools.

Aired and seen last month on NBC Evening News, six-year-old Holgado computes ninth grade Algebra 1equations due to the advanced coaching from TechProtege.

For more information about the program “From Zero To Calculus”, visit www.fromzerotocalculus.com.

Sydney Gray Qualifies For State Day After Accepting The MVP Award

Head Coach Jeff Fisher and Sydney Gray

By Dupé Aleru|June 1, 2011|7:43 a.m.

Directed by Head Coach Jeff Fisher, BHHS held its track and field banquet last Friday at Bluebird Café, 8572 National Blvd., in Culver City.

Parent’s, loved ones and students joined the track team along with the coaches for a night celebration of the record breaking season and the hard work of its athletes and coaches.

Seniors Sydney Gray, Nick Harper and Erica Hendry were acknowledged by their peers and fellow athletes for their leadership qualities and phenomenal. Poems and letters were written and read to the outstanding threesome.

The night was filled with awards, certificates, harmonious laughter and fun. As track season is over for the team, there is yet one more meet for running sensation Sydney Gray, who qualified for State in the 800m in a time of 2:12.49, at last Saturdays CIF Masters Meet, held at Cerritos College in Norwalk.

Duking it out amongst the best of the best in all divisions in CIF, Gray came in ninth place, her personal best 2:12.49, being her qualifying time for state.

Grays time ranks her number sixty-four in the U.S. and currently number fifty (for the high school all American status).

“You have to give all the credit in the world to Sydney. These track meets are very difficult. There is a lot of anxiety approaching the race because of the level of competition and everything that's on the line. For her to not only get the job done of qualifying, but also have her best day doing it, speaks volumes about her character and the type of competitor she is. We are very proud of Sydney. She is a model of what we are about in the Beverly Hills Track and Field program. We look forward to the opportunity this Friday and Saturday at the state track meet,” said Head Coach Jeff Fisher.

What are Gray’s goals for State? Well for starters, making the State Finals top 9 from the State prelims, then breaking Beverly’s school record of 2:11.12 will be a treat, and finally the icing on the cake will be to make the top 50 in the U.S. as a high school all American athlete.