September 29, 2005

SCHOOL SCENEin Almaden Valley

Local schools making a difference: Hurricane humanitarians

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

If ever Hurricane Katrina had a silver lining, this is it. Almost overnight, younger kids hardly old enough to know what the word tragedy means are opening up cookie and lemonade stands on Saturdays, while middle school students canvass Almaden neighborhoods, collecting coins, or plastic bottles and teens gear up for the next car wash, garage sale, or money-raising event—what ever it takes to raise money to help the victims and their families get back on their feet.

Many Holy Spirit students enjoyed walking to raise funds for the Hurricane Katrina victims and foreign missions.

In Almaden, some schools are already finished, while others have only recently nailed down the fund-raising strategies and are just starting their collecting efforts. Some kids have even taken their work outside of their neighborhood school communities and continued in an effort to help in any way they can.

GRAYSTONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Although the deadline for contributions isn’t officially over until Friday, Graystone is hailing its progress, thanks to a successful Take-n-Bake sale as last week’s Back-to-School night and the “magic Jar’ that has been a fixture in the front office since Hurricane Katrina efforts began, Graystone is about to cross the $5,000 and now hopes for a total in the $5,200 - $5,300 range.

A second project already underway, places little hands front and center.

“Our first graders are also making care packages for those who will need things ,like pencils, erasers and such,” said principal Dave Beymer. “We have over 120 kids working on them now.”

HOLY SPIRIT SCHOOL
This year’s Holy Spirit walk-a-thon took place on Sept. 16 and involved the whole school community. It was organized by Sheila Flanagan, second grade teacher and religious coordinator for the school. Students gathered pledges and then walked the campus to raise funds. This year’s event at Holy Spirit School raised over $15,000.

Holy Spirit School will donate 90 percent of this year’s collection to Catholic Relief Services for direct aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina. The school is reaching out to those who have a whole life to rebuild. The balance of monies raised is being sent to the Holy Childhood Association through the diocesan mission office, and mission schools that Holy Spirit School support in the poorest area of Peru.

Parent volunteers helped to make the walk-a-thon a success. They provided cold bottled water, orange slices during the event, and frozen treats to enjoy after the walk-a-thon. They also punched student cards to keep track of the distance covered each lap.

“With parent volunteer help, we had another great walk-a-thon as one of the community outreach projects that we sponsor each year,” said Principal Eileen Cully. “The students had a great time and for a very worthy cause.”

LOS ALAMITOS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
According to Los Alamitos principal, Shiryl McGuiness, all it took was one first-grade student and several parents were eager to jump on board a simple idea that netted big gains. Included, designing a flyer and passing them out with envelopes to each classroom. From there, each student took the information home and somewhere along the way, magic happened.

With her oldest daughter in first grade and a younger about to enter kindergarten, Leann Doughtery—although new to the school—stepped boldly and effectively into the contagious world of community service following Katrina’s wrath.

But she’ll also be the first to tell you why.

“My daughter is only a first grader and she got upset when she saw it on TV,” explained Doughtery. “I said it’s OK to be sad about things, but we can make a difference. Then we came up with suggesting $1 per child so they could all feel like they made a difference. Our goal was to get between $600 and $650.”

Try nearly 10-fold, however, the initial disappointment when they counted the 10 or 12 checks from the box was hard to mask.

“We were pretty disappointed because so many parents wanted to get involved,” laughed McGuiness. “But then Linda [school secretary] pulled out a huge box from under her desk. She had been hiding it.”

“We did fantastic,” Doughtery said of their original goal of around $650. “Instead, we raised $5,801 for the Red Cross. The kids feel real good about it. Everything makes a difference,” she added. “It’s not how much you give but that you do. My daughter is so happy now that we can make a difference. When she sees it on TV, she now says, ‘we sent our money to them.’”

Los Alamitos will be one of many schools recognized by the California Department of Education for its role in contributing to the hurricane relief effort through participation in Jack O’Connell’s California KidsCare initiative.

SIMONDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
When he’s not teaching water polo at Leland High School, Eric Rise doubles as Simon’s student council advisor alongside Steve Quoigley. Rise admits that the student council’s recent decision to hold a coin drive, as well as collecting recyclables for money, combined with the organizational skills that will be necessary to do both will serve as a good business lesson in philanthropy. The students have committed to a coin drive, collecting bottles, and creating advertising and posters.

“They will start up with the collection next week,” he says. “They have also decided to collect recyclables as an add-on.”

Rise also reflected on the years since 9/11 and how the one student council project used to consist of finding a family to support during the holidays.

“Each year we try to do something,” he said. “Unfortunately we’ve had a few rough years. Each one has been a world event. “

WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Back-to-School night brought with it a challenge this year, thanks to Noon-League director Tracy Cression, who created the Change-a-Life donation, a 6-day, spare change event that included a vow to match up to $775.

Students contributed a total of $810 in spare change, and bringing the total $1,535 donated to the Red Cross for Katrina victims.

In addition to its current book drive, now underway, Williams will be hosting a bake sale this Friday afternoon. Organizers are asking for cookie and cup cake donations, which can be dropped off Friday morning between 7:30 and 8 a.m.

“Stop by after school and buy cookies and cupcakes,” says Dixie Schubert. “Then enjoy, knowing that your contributions will help victims of the hurricanes.”

For more information on both the Book Drive and the Bake Sale, contact Dixie Schubert at williams_school@sjusd.org or send an email to: malinisubramaniam@yahoo.com.

BRET HARTE MIDDLE SCHOOL
In an effort to see how quickly a little adds up, ongoing collections are still being taken in the classrooms and in the cafeteria, where students can decide to add to the bucket and forgo their desert of drink for the day during lunchtimes, according to principal Don McCloskey, the school held a fund-raiser Tuesday night at Chevy’s, where 20 percent of the total bill for the evening would be added to their hurricane fund.

McCloskey admits he has even bigger plans and is currently investigating the possibility of adopting an entire middle school and establishing student-to-student relationships.

CASTILLERO MIDDLE SCHOOL
Probably the most creative means of measuring a collection effort can be found at Castillero Middle School, where “your change can make a CHANGE” remains the motto. For the past three weeks, every time a student donates to the cause they put their names on a paper “bead” (with bright Mardi Gras colors) that is added daily to a “bead chain” running around the Indoor Commons.

The Castillero “Mardi Gras” fund-raising effort was organized with aplomb by Leadership and Cornerstone students who are handling the collection efforts under the direction of leadership teacher Una Hernlund and teacher Gwen Anderson. Pictured above, left to right: Brantley Jessee, grade 6; Brittani Cedano, grade 6; Joelle Shuster, grade 7; Christopher Ezaz, grade 6; and Francisco Falcon, grade 6.

“Every time you make a donation, you get a piece of construction paper to make a bead, write your name in and attach to the chain,” said principal Susan Walker. “It’s very colorful and we so far we raised $1,919.39 to give to the Red Cross for Katrina.

Students and staff have responded to the slogan “your change can make a CHANGE!” and made contributions at snack and lunch. They’ve surpassed their goal of at least $1 for each student and staff member on campus, which would have totaled over $1,300.

“We wanted to see how making small contributions at snack and lunch times can add up,” stated teacher Gwen Anderson. “It has been encouraging to watch it grow! We are hoping to finish collecting this Friday, and have pushed up our goal to $2,000.”

The fund-raising effort was organized with aplomb by Leadership and Cornerstone students who are handling the collection efforts under the direction of leadership teacher Una Hernlund and Anderson.

“The nice thing about this is that we really weren’t selling anything for a reward but for the intrinsic satisfaction of making the world a better place,” said Walker. “It’s important to just let kids feel good about things without having to reward them.”

Dartmouth Middle School
The Dartmouth Middle School will be holding a fund raiser for the victims of Hurricane Katrina on Thursday, Sept. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the school courtyard. The event entitled “Barbecue for the Bayou” will feature dinner and dessert donated by local businesses and families. There will also be games and Dixieland music in honor of those who lost their homes in New Orleans. Tickets are $5 per person for dinner and $1 for dessert and $1 for games.

A STATEWIDE INITIATIVE
Participating schools will receive recognition by the State and we will announce the total funds raised by California public schools at the end of the fundraising drive.

“I know that you all share my compassion for the families whose lives have been torn apart due to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina,” O’Connell states. “Many of these families are already making their way to the homes of relatives or friends right here in California. At a time like this, we all must be ready to help in whatever way we can.”

Students from elementary through high school want guidance from adults on how they can make a difference. "CALIFORNIA KIDS CARE: Collecting Pennies (and More) for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina" is a statewide initiative to collect money to help with humanitarian aid.

“We will be sending a separate letter directly to principals around the state and ask for your assistance in encouraging as many schools as possible to collect money,” says O’Connell.

This collection effort will run through September 30, 2005. Registration forms due by October 10. Questions regarding the initiative should be directed to Deb Kennedy, 916/319-0818 or dkennedy@cde.ca.gov.

Almaden Country School sends 200 uniforms to school kids displaced by Hurricane Katrina

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

Although nearly 200 displaced children are now back in Houston schools sporting brand new uniforms, and they have no idea where they came from or who sent them.

Lisa Gilday, right, spearheaded a four-day effort that resulted in uniforms for nearly 200 school–age children who were victims of Hurricane Katrina. In her spare time, Stephanie Kirchick agreed to help Lisa Gilday with a pet project of her own—raising enough to purchase and clothe students with uniforms.

To Almaden Country School parent Lisa Gilday, it doesn’t matter if they know, she is just grateful to fight off the feelings of guilt and helplessness she felt while watching the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina unfold from the comfort of her home. The need to get involved—to help in some small way—will reap its rewards for years to come.

According to members of the Assistance League, which conducts “Operation School Bell” each year, uniforms for over 135,000 underprivileged kids are provided. Studies have shown a marked increase in confidence, self-esteem and grades. That’s a gift keeps on giving.

Gilday said simply watching the news and seeing all that was happening from the comfort of her own home compelled her to do something.

One image remained ingrained in her mind—actually thousands. Thousands of kids still sheltered in the Houston Astrodome were trying to return to some semblance of normalcy by enrolling in Houston area schools.

“They had nothing to wear,” Gilday said “I thought this was something we could do as a school, to help from our school to theirs.”

After receiving a nod of approval from Almaden Country School Managing Director Steve Hayden, the search for a specific needy school district ensued, while emails reached out to parents willing to contribute to the cause.

Less than four days later, Gilday had $3,100 to put toward the uniforms. She shopped for sale items and negotiated prices, which allowed her to buy enough blue, white, and khaki inventory to clothe 200 kids.

“I don’t know if the school district even knows they came from us,” Gilday said. “They went straight from the uniform place to them. But that wasn’t the point. When several parents said that their children contributed their allowances. That’s what it was really all about.”

And the next time Gilday sits down to watch the news and sees 200 crisp white shirts staring back, she’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that she and countless others in the ACS community made a difference.

Out of the Past

Remember the time…

Almaden Union Grammar School reunion sparks
memories of the ‘valley of heart’s delight’

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

A group of original “valley of heart’s delight” residents recently shared stories of the old days when agriculture ruled at a reunion lunch at Cinnabar Hills Country Club. And they all had one thing in common. They attended Almaden Union Grammar School.

Photo of Almaden Union School courtesy of Margery Pfeiffer Calcaterra

The school was built in 1929 and enrolled first through eighth grade students from Hacienda, Pioneer and Valley View Schools. Almaden Union Grammar School was located at Blossom Hill and Almaden Road [which is now an expressway].

Many of the youngsters arrived by bus as the distance was too far from where they resided to walk through the orchards. The children’s parents were farmers; growing prunes and apricots. It was a simpler time; no tracts of homes dotted the hillsides and television had yet to be invented. Young imaginations were fueled by the radio, news print and the wide open spaces.

Alfred Hansen attended Almaden Union School in 1939 and organized the first “old timers” school reunion in 1991. The group celebrated at the Casa Grande picnic area. For the past four years, the luncheon has been at the Cinnabar Hills Country Club. In attendance this year, were 70 of the grown-up kids who attended the four schools spanning the years of 1925 through 1954.

“People like coming out here because they used to live out here,” said Helen Hansen who helped her husband organize the event as did Margery Pfeiffer Calcaterra. “But I’m not doing this again. Let’s get someone younger!”

“Al’s the instigator,” said Margery Pfeiffer Calcaterra teasing her friend from childhood. “He put it together and calls all the different people.”

Alfred Hansen’s family had prune orchards near Branham Lane and Jarvis. The couple still lives nearby. Helen Hansen remembered when Almaden Union Grammar School was demolished in 1968.

“They thought the school wouldn’t survive an earthquake,” said Hansen. “When the bulldozers came, it wouldn’t come down. It was built to last.”

Palma Cassibba Nichols attended Almaden Union Grammar School in 1936. She retired from working at Walgreen’s Drug Store after 18 years the day before the reunion. She remembers well the prunes and apricots that her family tended to in the Robertsville area.

“McKean was Uvas Road then,” said Pat and Natalie Scimecca Musselman. “My father’s ranch was there.”

Irene Aceves Ogan just turned 95 this past June and had the honor of being the oldest “student” at the luncheon. She attended with her second cousin, Ed Fagalde, and remembered her life in the early 1900’s vividly.

“I lost my parents in 1918 during the flu epidemic,” said Ogan. “I lived with my aunt and uncle where Gunderson School is now. We had prune orchards and bare land. I loved it there. And I used to baby-sit Ed—he was a crybaby!”

Ed Fagalde, Irene Aceves Ogan and Louise Pfeiffer share memories of Almaden Valley’s past.

They remembered how Almaden Valley stretched forever with rich and fertile with prune and apricot orchards and everyone knew each other. Jack and Louise Pfeiffer met through one of his cousins. They reside on Graystone Lane where many of the Pfeiffer’s still live but instead of fruit trees and farm animals they now have African pigmy goats.

Art and Janet Greathead attended Sunday school and first grade together in 1939. When asked why they decided to marry Art quipped it was because he “was such a good catch.”

“He impressed me when he got out of the service,” said Janet thinking back to their courtship.

Norene Pfeiffer Wyszynski remembers when there were only four houses on Graystone Lane.

“No one knew where Almaden was then,” said Wyszynski, one of the youngsters in the group. She attended the school in 1947.

Times change and everyone in Santa Clara Valley knows where Almaden is now.

Not everyone remembers when the land harvested abundant apricot and prune orchards. Or when the kids “cut cots” in the summer. But the alumni of Almaden Union Grammar School remember their past fondly and with great pride. After all, it wasn’t called the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” for nothing.

Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

Katrina Kare

Leland High School to host concert fund-raiser Friday night

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

As the country watched and witnessed the devastating destruction from Hurricane Katrina, so did Leland High School staff and students. And they decided to take a multi-step approach to raise funds to help the victims.

From left, ASB President Cory Hammon, ASB Treasurer Michelle Man, ASB community service outreach Kristen Thomas, film studies and English teacher Rich Ajlouny, ASB Secretary Will Son and ASB Vice President Ashley Chang. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“All the teachers and kids were asking what they could do,” said student Jen Lee. “It was Mrs. [Bernadette] Troyan’s idea for donation containers in every classroom. Starbucks donated some and then the school bought the rest of them.”

Some of the teachers are matching funds collected; others are competing with other classes to see who can raise more money. The fundraiser began Tuesday, Sept. 13 and runs through Friday, Sept. 30.

Posters are plastered all over the school announcing “Katrina Kare - Donate money to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. There are containers in every class to donate to. No amount is too small and every penny counts. Our goal is $5,000.” Donation containers are in every classroom at Leland and all funds go directly to the Red Cross.

But that still wasn’t enough. Film studies and senior English teacher Rich Ajlouny is a member of a band, Scapegrace, who will donate their time for a benefit concert this Friday at the school cafeteria. The Associated Student Body [ASB] has prepared a 20-minute slide show of the victims of Katrina set to music, which will be viewed before Scapegrace’s performance. And they are inviting all members of the community to attend.

Scapegrace is a local band, featuring mandolin, acoustic guitar, bass and drums and trumpets. Ajlouny and David Alexandrou lead the band. Other members include Ryan Westphal, Adam Aharon and Leland music director Rian Rodriguez. Ajlouny says that their music is inspired by the Beatles, Bob Dylan and David Bowie. (To find out more about the band visit their Web site at www.scapegracemusic.com.)

“We’re all grateful how everyone has pitched in to help with this,” said ASB President Cory Hammon. “We’ve already raised $2,400.”

But the kids don’t want to stop there. They’d like to see a company or individual match funds collected for the Katrina Kare drive.

“I’ve been calling companies trying to see if they would be willing to match our funds raised,” said ASB community service outreach Kristen Thomas. “It hasn’t happened yet but we’re still calling around.”

And so from one small idea of raising money for the Hurricane victims the plan snowballed into a whirlwind of creative fundraising.

“It’s terrific that our kids are stepping up and showing compassion,” said Leland High Principal Bob Setterlund.
“They did it for the tsunami victims and now they’re doing it again. And it’s great that the teachers are teaming up with the students to help.”

The Katrina Kare benefit performance is this Friday, Sept. 30 at the Leland High School cafeteria. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. There is a $7 donation requested at the door.

Los Alamitos teacher receives prestigious Crystal Flame
award from Santa Clara County Office of Education

Debbie Merrell recognized for performing arts work

By Sheila Sanchez
Staff Writer

A dramatist with a passion for the arts who once dreamed of going to Hollywood is the recipient of this year’s Teacher of the Year award given by county education officials.

Los Alamitos Elementary School teacher Debbie Merrell is one of 30 Teachers of the Year recognized by the Santa Clara County Board of Education. Photo by Sheila Sanchez

Los Alamitos Elementary School teacher Debbie Merrell received the prestigious Crystal Flame award from the Santa Clara County Office of Education along with 29 other educators during the countywide 36th annual Teacher Recognition Day awards ceremony the evening of Sept. 26 at the historic Heritage Theatre in Campbell.

Wearing a beautiful long grey satin gown Monday evening, Merrell accepted the award from Santa Clara County Board of Education President Leon Beauchman and Teresa O’Neill, president of Santa Clara County School Boards Association.

The San Jose Unified School District selected the 32-year-old Merrell for the coveted award for her ability to exceptionally communicate the subject matter to her students in an interesting, relevant and effective manner, using creative methods in classroom instruction, continually upgrading and updating her education through classes, training or staff development programs, participating in activities within the profession, keeping aware of issues and trends and encouraging professionalism, and serving as a champion for students, schools and community.

“Enthusiastic and effervescent are Debbie's middle names. Besides teaching in the classroom, she has choreographed and even coaxed the school staff to dance in front of the students at our Walk-a-Thons. She has served on numerous committees, including the music and foundation committees, and created an after-school musical production group that performs several times a year. A busy lady!” read a paragraph written by the district's nominating committee.

Merrell received her undergraduate degree in drama from the University of California-Irvine in 1994. She danced for 20 years and participated in several drama clubs and choirs. "I was going to go to Hollywood, but decided that teaching was really where my heart was and I would still get to act in front of the students while I was teaching," she said.

Merrell, who's married and is expecting her first child next March, obtained her teaching credential from San Jose State University in 1996. The San Jose native landed her first teaching job at Los Alamitos Elementary School where she teaches second grade and coordinates performing arts programs.

“One of my favorite parts of teaching is hearing the students say, ‘I get it,’ and seeing them so eager to soak up knowledge. Another favorite thing is having such a wonderful, loving, supportive staff to work with and parents who are so involved,” she said.

“I was so honored to be chosen as teacher of the year by my colleagues. It was so heartfelt that they thought of me … It has been a fabulous ride with all the congratulations and compliments,” she added.

The 2005 honorees teach every grade from kindergarten through high school, as well as special education and alternative school programs. Some have taught for as few as four years, others for as many as 38 years.

“These teachers epitomize excellence in classroom teaching,” said Colleen Wilcox, Santa Clara County schools chief. “Their skill, creativity and commitment to success for every student makes a real difference and inspires their students and colleagues alike.”

The gala ceremony was co-hosted by Wilcox and Leigh Weimers, a columnist for the San Jose Mercury News Honorees were presented with engraved awards, entertained by student musicians and featured in video profiles.

Under the theme, “Remember your greatest teacher?” Wilcox said county education officials have always understood the importance of excellent teachers like Bill Golden, teacher of the year from the Sunnyvale School District, who came to Columbia Middle School when it had no music program.

A few years later, Golden is said to have motivated 250 students to perform in six choirs and instrumental groups. Monday evening, Golden’s advanced choir entertained the hundreds of teachers, school board members, superintendents and principals who attended the ceremony.

Besides the beautiful engraved awards, the Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union gave each teacher a $200 check for personal use and a $100 check certificate that can be applied to any County Federal account.

National Semiconductor Foundation also gave each teacher a $300 check for personal use. American Musical Theatre of San Jose gave each teacher show tickets and the San Jose Mercury News published a full-page Tribute to Teachers of the Year in its Sept. 25 issue. Resource Area for Teachers, better known as RAFT, donated 30 RAFT memberships and each teacher walked away with bright red gift bags filled with free tickets to Paramount’s Great America, Children’s Discovery Museum, Computer History Museum and Monterey Bay Aquarium.

“Tonight we honor great teachers. Those who not only teach us the subject matter, but also inspire us and enable us to discover our passions and pursue our dreams,” Wilcox said.

Quoting Einstein, John Stuart Mill and Carl Jung, Wilcox said great teachers awaken the joy of learning, inspire young people to leave the world better than they found it and have an understanding heart and can not be esteemed highly enough.

“In naming you great teachers, your school districts have shown the high esteem in which you are held, not only for exceptional classroom teaching, but also, in their words: for the sparkle you bring to students’ eyes, for energy and passion that help students succeed, for giving each and every child a chance to shine, for your unique ability to make each child feel that what’s being taught is just for them.

“That ability to make a student feel truly special and able is what wins a great teacher a special place in our hearts.”

Wilcox remembered “Mr. Ken Beausong,” her favorite eighth-grade speech and drama teacher. She said he was talented, could act, direct, play the piano and sing.

Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools Colleen Wilcox honored 30 teachers during the countywide 36th annual Teacher Recognition Day awards ceremony the evening of Sept. 26 at the Heritage Theatre in Campbell. Photo by Sheila Sanchez

“But that’s not why I remember him. I remember him because he smiled so big and encouraged us so often, he greeted us by name and talked with us in the hallway, he laughed at our jokes, he convinced us that we were extraordinary, that we could do anything above and beyond what we thought we could do—to achieve dreams we had not yet dreamt.”

She recalled how after class, Mr. Beausong would give students hand-written notes on yellow sheets of paper commenting, cajoling and sometimes criticizing them and then drawing a stick figure to keep it upbeat.

“I kept every one of those notes. They were proof that I mattered. The message was clear: You are worth my time. You’re someone special. There is a bit of Mr. Beausong in every teacher we honor tonight,” Wilcox said.

Santa Clara County Board of Education President Leon Beauchman, and many county education board members joined Wilcox in expressing appreciation to the honorees.

Wilcox also thanked the Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union for co-sponsoring the event for 11 years. Under the leadership of President and CEO Michael Delmonico, the credit union has been a generous and constant advocate for education. Wilcox also thanked National Semiconductor for co-sponsoring the event for the past seven years.

Diane Foote, president of the 6th District PTA, thanked and congratulated the teachers for their dedication to children. “Not every parent has a high vision for their child,” Foote said, recalling how a counselor encouraged a girl with limited dreams to pursue a law degree—rewarding the educator with an invitation to her law school graduation. “The actions of teachers are like pebbles. They’re little ripples that keep going out to everyone and every once in a while you’re going to create a huge wave. That’s what is important,” Foote said.

Shahin Maleksalehi, a sophomore at Prospect High School in the Campbell Union High School District, entertained the honorees with two piano performances. Maleksalehi is an honor student and one of the best tennis team players at the school.

Many state, city and county lawmakers also attended the event including Assemblyman Ira Ruskin and Santa Clara County Supervisor Jim Beall.