November 25, 2004

SCHOOL SCENEin Almaden Valley

Steeped in pride and tradition
Looking forward, Castillero takes a look back

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

“Next to Disneyland, Castillero has to be the happiest place on earth.”
—California Distinguished School site visitor

When the Castillero Middle School community found themselves examining the potential demise of their school, parents, alumni and community members held their breath, but not their tongues, as they rallied to save not only part of their past, but their future as well. It was quite an impressive effort.

Castillero Principal Sandy Engel gives parents the news they had been hoping for, after a press release revealed that Steinbeck will be closed next June.

Finally, Almaden united in a unanimous community-wide effort—a refreshing alternative to the recent flood of neighborhood rivalries over soccer fields, animal rights and campaign mudslinging.

And while the quest to balance the dismal school budget took center stage, and the district attempted to reduce expenditures and ease declining enrollment, the determined Castillero community stole the show right out from under them.

In the words of a California Distinguished School site visitor, “Next to Disneyland, Castillero has to be the happiest place on earth…”

…Especially now that the district has handed the cut to Steinbeck.

But happiness wasn’t on the list of criteria. Neither were test scores, national recognition, or community participation—the same dedication and commitment that found many putting daily routines on hold to make phone calls, hang banners or travel door-to-door in quest of signatures that would keep the school open. Others huddled over computer keyboards—crafting media kits and monitoring the Web site created to keep the community up to speed. Political campaigns never had it that good.

Although no specific reason was given as to why the district headed in the direction it did, those who answered the battle cry gave the decision makers an up front and personal glimpse into the very model of community support that the district strives to attain. One couldn’t help but notice.

And while the final word won’t come down until next month, the show went on—as the Performing Arts Program celebrated its latest performance at a CPA show last night. Meanwhile, a new cast of aspiring fifth-grade performers has now taken their places in the wings.

With a new district line that threatened to separate families along Redmond Avenue, the closure would have divided a neighborhood in half. But, for Judy Armacost, it would have divided her family as well. Now, her fifth grade daughter, who longs to follow in the dance and drama footsteps of her seventh grade sister, will be able to realize her dream.

“People were concerned,” says Frank Polito, as he exhales, relieved that his fourth grade daughter will have an opportunity to attend Castillero and audition for a spot on the Dance Infinia team, like her seventh-grade sister did. Moreover, she’ll be able to stay in school with kids she had grown up with. “It would have been a shame if kids who attended Los Alamitos together weren’t going to be able to go to middle school together. That would have driven a stake through this very cohesive community.”

Polito says their strength lies in the fact that Castillero is not a community school, rather a school that has the support of the community, an attribute that the district seeks to replicate, yet one it shunned when establishing the criteria for closure.

As stated in their National Blue Ribbon School application, Castillero “vibrates with the energy and vitality of students enthusiastically engaged in a comprehensive academic, visual and performing arts magnet program.”

“We want the best for our kids and we also believe in the community that we live in,” Polito adds. “Castillero is an icon here and plays a very important role in developing really well rounded students.”

Looking Back
That vibration continues to reverberate well beyond the eighth grade, as Castillero boasts a rich history of parent involvement through the same visual and performing arts that served to build bridges across cultures and languages.

In 1988, eleven parents and a vocal music teacher planted a seed in the school’s foundation with the creation of the Music Booster Club. The energy was contagious and 16 years later, the mighty oak has become the backbone for the school’s success—with a Music and Dance department, seven full-time teachers and over 500 active family members sitting on its branches.

And the sensation continues to spread throughout all areas of the school to foster organized groups, including the School Site Council, Gate Advisory Committee, Site English Language Advisory Committee, Castillero Education Foundation, PTA, the Academic Expedition committees and, of course, additional Booster Clubs for music, dance, drama and art.

According to school records, conservative estimates tally volunteerism at nearly 15,000 “reported” hours each year—and that’s just those who stop long enough to jot them down.

Additionally, the Student and Parent Voice Team and the Equity and High Standards Team now provide further education and support for parents, while assisting in the education of their children. Coupled with the Homework Hotline, the line of communication between home and school flows constantly.

A unique opportunity to shine at the CPA
For some, last night’s annual CPA show at the Center for the Performing Arts was the performance of a lifetime—the culmination of a dedicated three-year commitment. Yet, those who barely got their feet wet can now dive in—reassured by the fact that the next two years of dedication will plant them on center stage.

“When you talk to the people involved with the CPA, their eyes glow when they talk about the talent of the kids and the dedication of the parents,” says Polito. “There’s a degree of passion that comes out of Castillero that even the people on the outside say cannot be matched.”

Dedication and commitment from teacher stricken with cancer
For Choral Director David Finch, the initial announcement marked the second of a one-two punch in October, when he was diagnosed with cancer, necessitating the removal of the malignant tumor and his right kidney. Although his doctor warned that delaying treatment posed a risk and the cancer could spread, Finch stood firm on his decision to put it off another month, because the show—now more than ever, must go on..

“He wanted to do the surgery in early October,” explains Finch. “I told him I just couldn’t do it. This is too important.”

It was a selfless, yet risky move for the 53-year old choral director and sound technician who left a student population of nearly 3,000 at Central High School in Omaha, Neb. to join the Castillero faculty two years ago. He admits that it didn’t take long to become completely attached to the kids and their dedication.

“It was exactly what I was looking for—an opportunity to go to a new area and a school for the performing arts,” he says. “It’s a wonderful program. We’ve really dug in and have made great progress—they’re starting to sound like a high school group. This one’s becoming one of the best in the country—not just the state.”

The highly anticipated CPA show has grown over the years to boast an enthusiastic participation rate of approximately 500 students, who perform in the advance or jazz bands, orchestra, six choir groups or Dance Infinia. And most, according to Finch, learned together, rehearsed together and expect to perform together next year.

“There’s nothing else like this in the state at the middle school level,” he says. “It’s such a huge program and the kids work so hard.”

Last year, Castillero returned home from Disneyland with a clean sweep of top honor nods in the form of Heritage Music Festival Gold awards. That was topped off with a sixth grade choir performance during the Showcase Music Festival at Great America, where they walked away with the competition and the Sweepstakes Trophy, leaving seventh, eighth and ninth grade competitors in their wake.

“The head of the contest said it was the best sixth grade choir he’d ever heard,” boasts Finch. “My sixth graders this year are even better, so it’s going to be pretty exciting.”

A no win situation
Even though Steinbeck drew the short straw, the state’s shift from desegregation to area population and redistricting will still crush many eighth grade ambitions, as some students will be forced to abandon up to three years of vested interest in the program to attend another school—much akin to plucking the lead dancer from the stage on opening night.

“If you split up the student population, you split up the program—you will lose the ensemble that it has taken three years to create,” stresses Julie Hartman, whose seventh grade daughter plays with the advanced band. “You just can’t replicate the progression and learning that these kids have together here—years of working up to that gold medal type of performance by the time they reach the eighth grade. Even with Castillero staying open, how many eighth graders who have devoted three years to these performing groups will have to be sent back to their boundaried schools?”

“This is why these kids came here in the first place,” adds Finch. “If you send them to a school where they can’t perform at the level they’re used to, to me it’s a loss and it takes away the opportunity for them to use the strengths they have.”

“I’m hoping everything comes out okay for him,” says Principal Sandy Engel about Finch’s decision to delay treatment. “I tried to encourage him and make sure he was doing the right thing—he says he was.”

With surgery scheduled for next Tuesday, Finch leaves confident that his kids will be in the best of hands when former Music Director Shirley Garner comes back on board during his two- to three-month recovery. Because her teaching credentials had expired, the district initially denied the request, but repeated attempts to fill the spot, including an offer to retake the test convinced the county to waive it and grant her the position. After all, she returns with a history-rich resume.

“It’s weird that someone who taught here for close to 20 years wouldn’t be able to come back and sub after retiring from the district,” says Finch. “I’m glad to hear that—we’d already planned the winter concert, and I know I can trust her.”

“She went to the county and found out that the Human Resources Department could approve it if she took a test, but they waived it,” explains Engel. “She’s up and ready to go, so the students will be prepared for their competition in April.”

If fierce, “unwavering community dedication” had been added to the list criteria, one thing is certain; Castillero would never have made the list in the first place. Instead it is, for now, guaranteed a prosperous future filled with the horns, keys, taps, shuffles, laughter and harmony that have resonated in the halls for over 30 years. And yet, the memories have left a permanent high note in the hearts of all who have walked its halls and no one can take that away from them.

Holy Spirit School seventh grader is Principal for the Day

Scott Scileppi seated at the principal’s desk learning about the school’s daily operations.

Seventh grader Scott Scileppi recently spent the day with Holy Spirit School Principal Eileen Beck learning what a busy life all principals have, thanks to his parent’s winning bid for the “Principal for the Day” auction item at the 4th annual fundraising gala held last spring.

The day started when Scott was introduced to the entire school as Principal for the Day at the morning assembly.

Right afterwards, Beck gave Scott an overview of her job, sitting at the principal’s desk, and just getting a feel for the many duties and responsibilities of running an elementary school. They shared a coffee and hot chocolate break while Scott wrote an e-mail to the entire faculty and staff telling them what a good job they are doing at Holy Spirit School.

Then Beck and Scott toured the entire school, from the new Pre-K program to the eighth grade. Scott had good comments for the teacher and students at each class. After a lunch at Togo’s, Scott was asked what he enjoyed the most about the day. He replied, “It was fun, and meeting all the people who teach and work here was great. Mrs. Beck has lots to do each day and works hard.”

Holy Spirit Brownies and Girl Scouts beautify Graystone Park

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

With 300 daffodil bulbs and rakes and spades in hand, several Holy Spirit School Brownie and Girl Scout troops recently participated in a community service beautification project at Graystone Park as a way to give back to their community.

Brownie and Girl Scout troops beautify Graystone Park.

“Being so close to Thanksgiving, we felt this was a good time to show our thanks and gratitude for living in such a great community,” expressed Brownie Troop 771 leader Maria Martino. “Whether it’s beautifying the park, helping senior citizens, or collecting books for underprivileged children, Girl Scouts encourages girls to get involved in the community, help others, and look beyond their immediate environment. It’s the little things that mean a lot.”

When Holy Spirit volunteer Manizheh Homara learned of the city’s Adopt a Park program and daffodil planting project, she thought it would be the perfect choice for their Brownies and Girl Scouts. The leaders of Brownie troops 224 and 771, and Girl Scout Troop 890 agreed. “Graystone Park is the location of our annual family picnic, and one of our nicest local parks,” commented Martino.

In addition to planting daffodils, the girls were also involved in a general cleanup of the park, as well as weeding and raking leaves. For their efforts, the Brownies will receive an Earth is Our Home Try-it badge and the Girl Scouts’ time will go toward fulfilling their community service hours.

“Girl Scouts is such a good organization; it’s not just about arts and crafts,” stated Martino. “There are so many great programs, including helping the community. We hope that other girls will be inspired and encouraged to participate in similar programs in the future.”

The Brownie and Girl Scout troops have put away their gardening tools for now, but they look forward to seeing the daffodils sprout in the spring and continuing their community service projects in the future.

Almaden teen participates in Washington leadership conference

By Sheila Sanchez
Staff Writer

Richard Wellington Photo courtesy of R. Wellington

Expect big things from Leland High School junior Richard Wellington after 2006 when he graduates and enters college.

He could be our next political rising star.

The 17-year-old Wellington’s good study habits and community service paid off when he was selected from thousands of adolescents around the country to participate in the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. two weeks ago.

“I like watching CNN, reading the newspaper and keeping up with what’s happening around the world,” said Wellington of his affinity for current affairs.

After being nominated by a teacher last year, he joined 400 other outstanding scholars Nov. 9-14 to learn more about Washington politics, the Constitution, Congress and how to be a leader.

Wellington has been active in student leadership since entering Bret Harte Middle School as a sixth grader. When he was in the eighth grade, he helped raise about $4,000 to have every student at Bret Harte make, ship and deliver 1,500 teddy bears to school children affected by the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

During his freshman year at Leland High School, Wellington served in the Associated Student Body’s Electoral College running the election for school president. He also participated in several school fund-raising efforts.

After his nomination, Wellington was contacted by the Washington, D.C-based nonprofit and nonpartisan educational Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC) and was asked to fill out an application and submit two letters of recommendation to be considered for the conference. A few weeks later, the council notified him that he would be attending the prestigious event.

“It was really fun. It was really tiring because we had action-packed days of events and stuff to do, but it was worthwhile. It was a good experience,” he said. “It was quite an honor to have been selected.”

For six days, Wellington and other conference attendees stayed in Chevy Chase, Md., from where they were bused early in the morning to the nation’s capital to interact with Congressional workers and political appointees. Partici-pants put in long 13-hour days. “They gave us so much to do, which was really hard, but was really fun at the same time,” he said. “The conference allowed us to learn from each other and expand from that. We were encouraged to take what we learned and bring it back home to share with other students.”

Wellington said the most important thing he learned was that to be a leader you sometimes have to let others lead and not always seek the spotlight.

The conference’s theme was, “The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today” and was sponsored by the CYLC.

“What these students learn will enable them to build coalitions with one another and exercise their own leadership skills within communities around the country,” said Mike Lasday, executive director of the council.

Highlights of past conferences have included welcoming remarks from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and a panel discussion with prominent journalists at the National Press Club, in addition to meeting with senators and representatives or appointed staff members to discuss important issues facing the nation.

Wellington participated in a number of leadership skill-building activities and simulations. In one role-play activity titled, “If I were president,” students acted as the president and cabinet members responding to an international crisis.

Wellington said the students simulated the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where millions of people have died as a result of war, starvation and disease. Wellington was assigned the role of CIA director. “We had to figure out what we were going to do with the event at hand,” Wellington said. “We had to figure out whether to deploy military troops.”

Students also participated in “Testing the Constitution” by examining actual Supreme Court cases. Wellington studied the Fourth Amendment and reviewed a court case that required students involved in extra-curricular activities be tested for drugs.

“We were debating whether this was unconstitutional or not according to the Fourth Amendment,” he said. “We had a plaintiff and a defendant, two people presided and the rest were part of the jury. We asked questions about their case and how they would defend it.”

The conference culminated with an event called the “Model Congress,” in which Wellington and other scholars assumed the roles of U.S. Representatives and debated, amended and voted on mock legislation.

On the day the group visited Capitol Hill, students had meetings set up with three senators and U.S. representatives. Unfortunately, they never met with any government official but did meet with their aides. He said the most exciting part of the trip was to actually go on the floor of the U.S. Senate. “We were told that this was a big deal as some of the staff who works there doesn’t even get to go on the floor. It was really cool,” he said.

“I’m very blessed to have been brought up in a good home,” said the Almaden native about his promising future.
“Many kids my age don’t have a good upbringing. It’s been helpful in laying a good foundation for my life.”

Wellington has been a summer camp counselor for the South Hills Community Church for the past two years. He enjoys music, films and playing sports. He plays the piano, drums and guitar and is now learning the violin.

He lives with his parents, Margaret and Peter Wellington, and his two older brothers are away at college. He has also played football, wrestling and has now added playing lacrosse to his busy schedule.