January 2018 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
   
 


 
   
 
 

Dear District 6 Families and Community,

 Happy 2018! I hope you all had a wonderful winter break. We are now halfway through the school year, and I’ve had the pleasure of visiting over 75 schools in my district. We’re well on our way to visiting every school this year! It’s been a great way to connect to our community and hear from our excellent teachers, staff, and principals about what’s happening in our schools.

  I’ve been seeking feedback from those who know our schools best. My office recently held two Teacher Listening Sessions to discuss policy ideas to help the District achieve college and career readiness for all kids, empower teachers and school leaders, provide a positive school climate, and meaningfully engage parents. We heard lots of great ideas, and I’m looking forward to learning more from our incredible and talented teachers. I’ve also been working with our principals to identify what supports can help our students be ready for success in college and careers. Read more about how I’ve been working towards my policy priorities below.

    Lastly, this month Superintendent Michelle King announced her retirement to focus on her health. I want to thank Dr. King for the dedication she has brought to our families, schools, and community during her 33 years in LAUSD. While we will miss her leadership deeply, our schools remain in good hands with interim Superintendent Vivian Ekchian. I am confident that, with her leadership, we can continue our steady progress toward providing high-quality public education that prepares all students for success in college, careers, and life.

Sincerely,

Kelly Gonez

 
 
 
 

Our Priorities

 
 
 
 

Expanding College and Career Readiness

Next Steps on Creating Pathways to Lifelong Success for Our Students

My first resolution, passed unanimously in September 2017, considered a number of supports to better prepare our students for college and careers. Since then, I’ve been working with administrators throughout Los Angeles to get their feedback on how best to implement the resolution. In partnership with AALA, we conducted a survey with secondary principals, and we held a focus group with our BD6 principals to get more in-depth insights. From college counselors to a free, in-school SAT for every student, we’re finding new ways to ensure lifelong success. 

Creating a Birth to Eight Roadmap for Success in Los Angeles

College and career readiness begins at birth. That’s why I cosponsored a resolution that focuses on the earliest years of a student’s life. This resolution creates a steering committee, including city, county, business, community, and family partners, that will develop a plan for literacy and learning success among children from birth to age eight. By investing in early education for our students, we put them on a path to success. Read more here  

 
 
 

Improving School Climate 

 
 
 
 

Attendance Matters

El Dorado Elementary won first place and $10,000 from Local District Northeast for increasing their attendance on the last day before winter break. Go Bears! Check out La Opinión’s article (en Español) here

 
 
  
 
 
 

Supporting Our Teachers

When teachers have real input on school and District decisions, positive things happen for students. We held our first two sessions of our Teacher Listening Tour this month. This has been a great opportunity to hear from teachers, from all BD6 schools, to listen to their experiences and have collaborative conversations resulting in ideas as to how our office can help support their students’ learning, their school’s climate and their own leadership development. 

 
 
  
 
 
 

Engaging Parents and Families

 
 
 
 

LA School Board comes to District 6

We were thrilled to host the School Board at this month’s Committee of the Whole at Pacoima Middle School. This was an awesome opportunity to bring our Board meeting to our District 6 community and share some of the great things happening in the East Valley. 

 
 
 
 

Board District Highlights 

 
 
 
 

LA School Police Delivered Toys to Langdon Avenue Elementary Families

Over the winter break, the Los Angeles School Police Department, the L.A. Unified Transportation Services Division and Santa Claus spread holiday cheer to the families of Langdon Elementary School! Thank you to all who contributed to the L.A. Unified Annual Toy Drive.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

School Experience Survey

Congratulations to our 14 LDNE Schools for their exceptional participation in the District’s annual survey! This meaningful engagement will allow our schools to continue to grow, collaborate and succeed.

 
 
  
 
 
 

    Egypt Day at Mt.Gleason Middle

    On January 12th, sixth grade students at Mount Gleason Middle School in Sunland-Tujunga hosted their annual “Egypt Day” to extend the depth and breadth of their learning about Egyptian civilization. Through this interactive learning experience, students analyzed the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the early civilizations of Egypt. Go Mustangs! 

     
     
      
     
     
     

    Schools in the Spotlight 

     
     
     
     

    Panorama City Elementary Playgroups

    Panorama City Elementary is one of four schools piloting a program designed to promote school readiness while enhancing parent and community engagement. The pilot program uses everyday activities and items to teach parents the skills their children will need when they start kindergarten. Read more here

     
     
     
     

    January Committee of the Whole Board District 6 Honorees

     
     
     
     

    Byrd Middle School  

    We recognized Principal Wiltz and her special education team for providing a warm, full-inclusion program to all of their students.  Byrd Middle School special education students also performed a fantastic multicultural musical montage.

     
     
      
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Pacoima Middle School’s Film/Media and Performing Arts Magnet

    We recognized Principal Garcha and Pacoma’s Film/Media and Performing Arts Magnet for their outstanding achievements in providing an enriching learning experience for students such as their film crew, stage crew, and the Tacoma Singers and Dancers. Thank you for the diverse and exciting opportunities you provide for Pacoima students! View Online

     
     
      
     
     
     

     Olive Vista STEAM Magnet 

    Principal Wright and his excellent team of educators at Olive Vista Middle School are talented and deeply committed to their students’ learning.  We recognized Olive Vista for their important investments to their science, math, and arts curriculum. Students are enrolled in a cutting-edge digital learning platform, which includes a career exploration component and a state-of-the-art Engineering Lab. Keep up the great work! View Online

     
     
      
     
     
     
     

    Opportunities  

     
     
      
     
      
     
      
     
      
     
     
    We want to hear from you! Send your BD6 story to: esmeralda.marcial@lausd.net 
     
     
     
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