1. No category

SPRING 2015
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE
Principal’s Message
1
Important Date
1
Assistant Principal’s
Message
2
PTSA President’s
Message
3
2015-2016 PTSA
Board
4
2015 Honorary Service
Awards
5
Teacher of the Year
6
Family Fun Night
8
Battle of the Bands
9
8th Grade End of the Year
Activities
10-12
Leadership
13
Principal’s Message
The end of the year is just a few weeks away. April 27-May 8 students will be taking
the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) state
tests. Which includes over twelve hours of testing on iPads. Please ensure that
students come to school on time, stay focused, and take the tests seriously.
Mrs. Kim Barr’s peers nominated her as Parks 2015 “Teacher of The Year”. Mrs.
Barr recognized at a celebration on May 14. She is an incredible teacher! Please
congratulate her on her accomplishments.
This year’s Battle of the Bands competition will be held on Friday, May 15, 2015 in
the Parks Theatron from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Please join us to enjoy great music
performed by junior high students from the Fullerton School District. Bands from
Nicolas, Ladera Vista, Fisler and Parks will be performing.
As the year winds down and the eighth grade students prepare to move on to high
school, there are still many activities and events planned. This includes the Promotion
Dance on Wednesday, May 27, a trip to Disneyland on Tuesday, May 26, and the
Promotion Ceremony on Wednesday, May 27, at Buena Park High School at 9:00
a.m. The address is 8853 Academy Drive, Buena Park, California. More information
will be sent home with your child regarding the end of the school activities for eighth
grade students.
As the 2014-15 school year comes to an end, I want parents to know that I am truly
honored to work with our Parks Panthers and the incredible staff at Parks. As I
frequently say, “Thank you for the gift that you give us each day, the opportunity to
work with your children.”
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
April 27- May 8 Common Core Testing
April 27- May 6 Disneyland and Promo Dance Ticket Sales
April 29, Wed 7th grade Algebra & Reading testing / 8th grade science testing
May 6, Wed PTSA Installation Luncheon at Café Hildalgo at 10:30am – cost $18
May 8, Friday Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
May 15, Friday Battle of the Bands
May 26, Tuesday, 8th grade Disneyland Trip
May 27, Wednesday, 8th grade Promotion 9am Buena Park High
May 27, Wednesday, 8th grade Promotion Dance 6pm Spring Field Banquet Center
May 28, Wednesday, Last Day of School, Promotion Certificate Distribution
PARKS PAW PRINTS
PAGE 2
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Assistant Principal’s
Message
Box Tops for Education
Semester 2 PAWS Success Party
Parks didn’t quite reach our goal of raising
$1,000 in Box Tops, but we did get close!
Seventh grader Ben Luque turned in 11 collection
sheets, and 8th grader Brian Song turned in 15
collection sheets. They were the top two
individual clippers for the Box Tops promotion in
Semester 2 and earned lunch delivered to school
for themselves and two friends. Mrs. Wilmoth’s
1st period class was the winner for the Homeroom
Pizza Party promotion with a whopping 35
collection sheets! We couldn’t have done the Box
Tops fundraising without the help of the amazing
parent, Sophia Slaughter! She donated her time,
energy, and talent to making this a success.
Thank you, Sophia!
As we approach the end of the 2014-2015 school year,
we continue to celebrate the success of our students
who have been respectful, responsible, and purposeful
(our 3 pillars of PBIS). We have scheduled our PAWS
Success Party for the afternoon of Friday, May 22nd
during period 7 and 5. Students who have qualified to
attend the party will receive a special invitation the
week before. The deadline to earn an invitation will be
Wednesday, May 13th and the requirements to attend
are as follows:
• Earn and turn in at least 1 Panther Pride Card in
Semester 2
• No N’s or U’s in Citizenship
• No Academic Dishonesty Violations
• No more than 2 tardies to school
• No Office Detentions or Office Referrals
• No more than 3 absences (unexcused or
otherwise)
Parks is asking for families and community members
to donate water bottles, individual bags of chips, and
individually wrapped candies for the party. All items
can be delivered to the office the week of the party.
Chaperones are always welcome, and can contact Ms.
Hopton at [email protected] to
volunteer. We are keeping the planned activities very
hush-hush, but we are sure that our respectful,
responsible, and purposeful students will truly enjoy
the party.
Ms. JaimeAnn Hopton
Assistant Principal
Parks Junior High School
(714) 447-7785
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
~Benjamin Franklin
PARKS PAW PRINTS
PAGE 3
PTSA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
2014-2015 Parks
PTSA President’s
Message
Dear Parks Families, Teachers and Students,
It doesn’t seem possible, but spring is here with just a
few short months remaining in our school year! February
and March have flown by and we look forward to the
activities and events still to come.
their group of volunteers they ensured the night would be
a great success…and so much fun too! We also want to
acknowledge and give our sincere thanks to the special
sponsors of this event; All Pro Builders, Inc., Kohl’s
Cares and Carlos Godinez Landscaping. Also, Thank
you Al Jenkins for the donation of the Lakers Jersey. You
helped us take Family Fun Night to a new level and we
are truly grateful!
In March, we all enjoyed Spring Break and then quick to
follow was Open House. Our PTSA honorary service
awards were given out to many deserving individuals
who have put in the extra effort to create positive
experiences for your students. We were very proud to
acknowledge five teachers and two parents at our
ceremony in front of family and colleagues. After the
ceremony, the school was open to everyone to view and
celebrate the accomplishments throughout the school
year.
First, on a business note, in our last newsletter we
included an application and brief description of each
PTSA position available. We thank those of you who
took the time to review and consider serving in this
capacity. Our nominating committee, under the direction
of Mary Nguyen, has been working very hard to
comprise a slate of new officers and committee chairs for
next year. We are still in need of a Membership chair. If
you are interested, please contact Mary Nguyen at
[email protected]. At our April meeting, the new slate
was presented to our PTSA membership and everyone
was voted in. Our installation luncheon is scheduled for
May 6, 2010, at 10:30 am at Café Hidalgo in downtown
Fullerton.
Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up at the
beginning of May. The PTSA puts on a luncheon
honoring the teachers for all of their hard work
throughout the school year. Teachers and school staff
play a key role in student success, and sometimes a
simple thank you helps them know they are valued. If
you have time, write a note or send an email of
appreciation to show your support.
Did you hear about Family Fun Night? What a night we
had at Sunny Hills High School! One of our talented 8th
grade students, Francesca Lemus, opened the game with
a solo performance of the National Anthem. Great job
Francesca! It was the much anticipated basketball match
up between our Parks students and teachers… this is
serious stuff! Having lost a heartbreaking game to the
students last year the teachers were primed to take back
bragging rights! The game had it all…excitement, high
energy and drama (especially in the last quarter) and a
packed gymnasium! The faculty gave it their all, but
ultimately it was the students who wound up victorious at
the final buzzer!
I have enjoyed serving the community this year at Parks
and I want to thank all of the wonderful staff members
and parent support that has truly made this job personally
fulfilling. The Parks Jr. High School community is very
fortunate to have such special people involved in your
child’s education.
We want to give special acknowledgement and thanks to
our Family Fun Night Melissa Barrow for doing an
outstanding job organizing this event! Together, with
Best Wishes,
Melinda Atnip
Parks Jr. High School
Our school is coming quickly to an end. High School
decisions have been made, testing is right around the
corner, spring is in the air and before you know it, the 8th
graders will be commencing at Buena Park High School
on Wednesday, May 27th.
As always, we welcome your input and greatly appreciate
your support. If you have a student returning to Parks, we
hope that you will join us at our monthly PTSA meetings.
If you have an item of interest or concern that you would
like to share, please feel free to contact us at any time.
We welcome your comments!
PTSA President
Melinda Atnip - [email protected]
PARKS PAW PRINTS
PAGE 4
2015-2016 PTSA NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Elected Positions
Co-Presidents: Elaine Moline & Debbie Berry
Vice President Membership:
Treasurer: Nicole Yi
Position Available
Recording Secretary: Nivie Jahawar
Auditor: Tina Wu
Historian: Chandrani Halvadar
Appointed Positions
Parlimentarian: David Lee
Hospitality: Fotini Dakaliakis & Shirley Ramiriz
PE Sales: Cheri Carr & Terry Petersen
Volunteer/Communication Coordinator: Melissa Tabello
Council Representative: Nivie Jahwar
Programs: Michelle Rajcic
Website Coordinator: Mary Nguyen
Family Fun Night: Billy Hong
Reflections: David Lee
Pathways of Hope: Stacie Alvarado & Mutsumi Gonzales
PARKS
INVESTOR
PAWNEWSLETTER
PRINTS
ISSUE N°3
PTSA HONORARY SERVICE AWARDS
Pictured from top left to right: Honorary Service Award Recipient and family, Ann
Stoddard, Panther Awards: JaimieAnn Hopton, Jeaneth Khamvong, Dr. Tricia Hyun
and Jason Chong. Honorary Service Award Recipient Gary Spangler and Melinda
Atnip and family.
FALL
PAGE20
5
PARKS PAW PRINTS
PAGE 6
PARKS JR. HIGH TEACHER OF THE YEAR: MRS. KIM BARR
PARKS PAW PRINTS
CLUB D.C.
PAGE 7
PARKS PAW PRINTS
42ND ANNUAL PARKS JR. HIGH FAMILY FUN NIGHT
PAGE 8
PARKS PAW PRINTS
PARKS FOUNDATION BATTLE OF THE BANDS
PAGE 9
PARKS PAW PRINTS
END OF THE YEAR 8 T H GRADE ACTIVITIES
PAGE 10
PARKS PAW PRINTS
PAGE 11
8th GRADE DISNEYLAND TRIP
Tickets to Disneyland & the Promo Party
Will be sold on the following dates/times:
Mon 4/27-Fri 5/1 at lunch on the Theatron stage,
Mon 5/4 & Tues 5/5 at lunch on the Theatron stage AND
after school in the Media Center,
Wed 5/6 only after school in the Media Center.
Tickets will only be sold for 8 days without exception.
8TH grade trip to
DISNEYLAND!
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
$75 Cash or Check
(This includes ticket and transportation. Checks made out to Parks PTSA)
Annual Pass Holder Cost = $6 (Transportation Fee)
A bus permission slip must be completed and turned in at the time of ticket purchase.
No exceptions. Students will receive their ticket when they get off the bus at
Disneyland.
Students may use their Disneyland Annual Pass (check “Black-Out Dates”), but must
turn in this permission slip and pay the $6 transportation fee. You must show your
current (not expired) annual pass to PTSA for verification. Students may not attend
Disneyland on this date without riding with the school.
Students must bring money for lunch and snacks or choose to carry their own with
them. No refrigeration or storage will be provided. BRING YOUR ID.
School dress code will be strictly enforced. Students are representing Parks JHS and
the Fullerton School District. No tank tops, spaghetti straps, bare midriffs, short shorts
or skirts, or sagging pants. Undergarments may not show.
All school rules apply. If you get into trouble with Disneyland Security, you will be
held at their office until a parent comes to pick you up. You will not be allowed to
participate in the promotion ceremony if you get into trouble on this trip.
This is a regular school day. Students must be at school by 7:40am and the buses depart
at 9am. All school projects must be completed prior to the Friday before this event &
all detentions served.
PARKS PAW PRINTS
PAGE 12
8th GRADE PROMOTION
Promotion Ceremony
Wednesday, May 27, 2015 Ÿ 9am-10: 30am
Buena Park High School Stadium 8833 Academy Drive, Buena Park
Dress Code Guidelines: No prom-type formals, long dresses, t-shirts or jeans. No
strapless, spaghetti straps, bar midriffs, dresses that are too short, or sagging pants. No
hats or gum. If you could wear your outfit to a wedding or church, it should work for
your 8th grade promotion. Ladies, please remember you will be walking on grass, so
choose your shoes wisely. This is a special day and you will be walking in front of a
lot of people. Make sure you represent yourself in the best possible way. All school
rules regarding dress and behavior apply.
Parent/guardian, families, and guests: Noisemakers are NOT allowed at the
promotion ceremony. Please respect other families and their desire to hear their
student’s name called out as well. Parking is available in the parking lot and
surrounding areas, just not in the alleyways. You may be ticketed or towed if you park
in an alley or block a driveway. Please try to carpool. Handicapped seating is available.
Students: Check-in at the promotion ceremony to be counted as ‘present’ on
homeroom attendance for the day.
PROMOTION PARTY
Wednesday, May 27, 2015 Ÿ 6pm-9pm
Springfield House Ÿ 501 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton Ÿ $40 cash or check
(This includes a buffet-style dinner, unlimited photo booth, and music by a DJ,
rated one of the best in the OC! Make checks out to Parks JHS ASB)
Dress Code Guidelines: Suitable for “dress-up” occasions. School dress code will be enforced. No
strapless, spaghetti straps, bar midriffs, dresses that are too short, or sagging pants. No hats or gum.
Ladies, wear an outfit that will allow you to move freely so you don’t have to worry about exposure
when you dance. Remember, this is not Prom or a nightclub, so wear shows you can dance in.
Gentlemen, wear dress slacks and a nice shirt. Ties are optional. No tuxedoes. No t-shirts or jeans.
Pants must fit at the waist without a belt.
All School rules apply from when you arrive at the party to until you go home. This party is for Parks
8th grade students who are promoting and no visitors or guests will be allowed. This is not a couples’
party and dates are NOT encouraged. Bring cameras and phones are your own risk. You will not need
spending money. NO LIMOS. No yearbooks will be allowed. Remember, this is not a prom. BRING
YOUR STUDENT ID TO THE PARTY.
Students, you will need to provide your own transportation. Parents, please pick up your student
promptly at 9pm.
PARKS PAW PRINTS
PAGE 13
THE LEADERSHIP CORNER
Our leadership class of 2014-2015 has been a very busy and successful start to the New Year. We are proud to
announce that we have just recently added eight wonderful new seventh graders to our class! In February,
Leadership held a series of activities throughout the week called Kindness Week from the 10th to the 13th. This is
a week nationally celebrated to promote kindness. The activities we held included selling fortune cookies called
“Kindness Kookies” for the entire week. This fundraiser has been the most successful one leadership has held so
far this school year by raising a total of $89.05! Also, we hosted a sports tournament called Supportive Softball.
Like many of our other sporting events this was a huge hit. Many students were found on the sidelines cheering
and screaming for their favorite team! In addition to these activities, Leadership also held an activity called
Kindex Cards. We handed out index cards to every student and had them write a kind message on it. Then, after
they were collected, we put them up on a huge colorful banner that said KINDNESS. This activity was simple,
easy, and fun, and was a great way to brighten up our school.
In addition to these, we also had four spirit days in honor of Kindness Week. These included Red and Pink day.
Heart day, Tie-Dye day, and Twin day. The spirit day with the most participation turned out to be Twin Day,
an all-time favorite. One of our most successful lunchtime activities so far this entire year was held on the 25th
of February. This was called the Lip Sync Battle. The whole Theatron was packed with students and teachers
as they watched some brave members of our school compete in this hilarious activity. Leadership held this
competition to promote Family Fun Night (FFN). The turnout of FFN suggests that our advertising succeeded!
Leadership had planned many exciting events so far, and we hope to continue to have more. Throughout
The next two months we are planning to have a very exciting competition called the Battle of the Classes. This
will be a series of lunchtime activities spread out over four Friday’s in which 7th graders and 8th graders will
compete to win and receive points. Whichever grade ends up with the most points by the end of the “battle” will
receive an extended lunch and an ice cream party! Moreover, we are planning to have a charity drive called
Pennies for Patients. This drive is for Leukemia and Lymphoma patients. The funds from the charity drive will
be used by the Leukemia Lymphoma society for research to cure Leukemia and to help current patients and their
families. Leadership will be tying this drive into our Battle of the Classes by having a competition of which grade
can raise the most money. One of the activities will be “taping a teacher to the wall”. Stay posted on Leadership
activities by reading about them from posters around the school. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Leadership
PARKS PAW PRINTS
PAGE 14
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS: FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM
www.fullertonsd.org/parks
https://www.facebook.com/ParksJuniorHS
http://instagram.com/
PARKS PAW PRINTS
PAGE 15
D. Russell Parks Junior High School
1710 Rosecrans Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92833
Principal: Sherry Dustin
Vice Principal: JaimeAnn Hopton
PTSA President: Melinda Atnip
Phone: (714) 447-7785
Fax: (714) 447-7753
Office E-mail: [email protected]
Internet Address: http://fullertonsd.org/parks
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
Regular school hours are 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (except Wednesdays which are
7:40 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.)
Office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
School phone number is (714) 447–7785.
Phone messages (especially student absences) may be left after hours on the
answering machine.