Galatzan Gazette

Tamar visits Northridge West Neighborhood Council to discuss the complicated nature of LAUSD funding, LAUSD's budget shortfall, Charter schools and to take questions from the audience.

Tamar hosted her 5th annual holiday mixer for the community.

Bassett Elementary recently received a welcomed visit from Los Angeles School Police Department's non-profit arm. Friends Of Safe Schools Los Angeles (FOSSLA) presented students with school supplies as well as a presentation on anger management.

To read the full story, please see: http://www.galatzangazette.com/home1/2011/11/1/the-valley-academy-of-arts-and-sciences-hosts-red-carpet-gra.html

To read the feature story on this event, please view: http://www.galatzangazette.com/home1/2011/11/1/a-musical-mission-of-peace-at-daniel-pearl-magnet-event.html

Tamar met in an intimate home setting with the Encino Neighborhood Council Education Committee to discuss school budgets, her fight to have all schools equip with wifi, and where she stands on the issue of Public Schools Choice.

Lokrantz Special Education Center celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, September 10. Full story here: http://www.galatzangazette.com/home1/2011/9/15/lokrantz-celebrates-50th-anniversary.html

There was a fashion show at Lokrantz Special Education Center on August 23, to mark the culmination of the Glam Squad Academy, a four-week course for occupational therapy clients. For complete story, click here on our Feature Stories page.

A press conference was held at Reseda High on Monday, August 15, 2011 with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, Board Member Tamar Galatzan, Superintendent John Deasy, and other district officials and partners, to announce the gains in the 2011 Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR), which are taken by second to 11th grade students each year.

The Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences is a new high school located in Granada Hills which was built to relieve growing student numbers at surrounding schools. Students will learn through Common Core California Standards using a project-based pedagogy infusing the arts and sciences to engage every student with the content.

Please see under the "Features" tab to view the story about LAUSD's donation of archives to UCLA's library entitled: "Out of the Tunnel, Into the UCLA Library."

The community of Shirley Avenue Elementary School teamed up for a 5K walk to promote healthy lifestyles. Over 350 people showed up to the Reseda school's event, held in mid-June.

On Friday, July 1, 2011, Tamar was sworn-in for her second term at the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education. She is the representative to Board District 3 in the San Fernando Valley, which covers over 100 schools.

Today was LAUSD School Board Member Yolie Flores’ last meeting. The board recognized her for her service at LAUSD from July 2007 through today.

Over 650 North Hollywood High School students graduated on June 23, 2011. For full story click on "Schools" tab.

On June 23, 2001, over 420 Reed Middle School students celebrated their culmination. Congratulations, Champions! For full story, click on "Schools" tab.

On June 23, 2011, the Bassett Street Elementary School community in Lake Balboa celebrated the culmination of their fifth grade class.

On June 23, 2011, over 370 Mulholland Middle School students celebrated their culmination from 8th grade at Birmingham High's athletic field. Congratulations, Cascaders!

On Monday, Superintendent John Deasy joined Tamar and hundreds of magnet school parents in North Hollywood High School's auditorium to discuss the future of magnet school programs. Dr. Deasy publicly stated his commitment to the magnet program and the transportation funding levels.

For the last 9 years, Granada Elementary hosts a Healthy Choices Fun Fair for students to learn more about healthy foods and healthy lifestyle choices. This year's theme was "Veggies". Coordinated by parent volunteers and supported by a Nutrition Network Grant and YMCA funds, all students participated in 20 minute rotations of jumping rope, learning about vegetables, and watching an original film about mathematics.

Tamar and Superintendent Deasy met with the Sherman Oaks Homeowner's Association to discuss budget and performance standards.

Story featured under "Feature Stories."

Lankershim Elementary School in North Hollywood had a centennial celebration on June 10, 2011. For full story, click here.

Last week, Tamar's office helped City Year team up with Anatola Elementary to create beautiful murals on its campus. Universal Sports generously sponsored materials and volunteers for a successful event.

On the evening of Tuesday, May 24, 12 students from Mulholland Middle School were ecstatic to discover that they had placed first overall in the 2011 Academic Pentathlon (Division II) competition put on by the Orange County Department of Education. Full story here: http://www.galatzangazette.com/home1/2011/5/25/mulholland-middle-school-takes-first-place-at-academic-penta.html

Canoga Park High School hosted a Prom Dress Giveaway to benefit students who otherwise would not be able to purchase a gown or tuxedo to attend prom. Tamar Galatzan's office helped make the event happen by donating money to help purchase dresses, tuxedos and accessories.

The Youth Policy Institute honored LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy at their gala event last week at the W Hotel in Hollywood. Hill Harper and Antonio Manning were also honored. At the event, Monroe High School students Fanny Aburto, Sokhean Chea, and Carla Herrera received scholarship awards from YPI. Tamar was at the event, along with Board Members Nury Martinez, Steve Zimmer, and Board President Monica Garcia.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa invited LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy to meet with San Fernando Valley residents at Monroe High School in North Hills on Monday night. School Board Members Tamar Galatzan and Nury Martinez were joined by Local District 1 Superintendent Linda del Cueto and about 30 community members.

Dearborn Elementary School celebrated winning the Bravo Award on May 5,2011.

LAUSD Board Member Tamar Galatzan hosted a first-ever Science Fair for Board District 3 students on Thursday, April 14 at Bassett Elementary School.

Tamar judged and presented awards at the 2011 El Camino Complex Spelling Bee at Pomelo Elementary. Photos by Darren Thorne.

Dearborn Elementary School and Reed Middle School were the big winners at the 29th annual BRAVO Music Center awards. Congratulations to Principals Donna Tobin, Debra Hirsch and the rest of their staff for bringing amazing arts programs to our students.

The School Board held a public hearing on Sherman Oaks Elementary School's charter application at a special meeting on March 1. The Board voted in support of the item.

This week, Tamar discussed the dire budget situation, charter schools, and the new school slated to open in Porter Ranch next year at the monthly meeting of the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council.

Science Teacher Jennifer Cheng worked with the school to obtain grant funding for a new Marine Science Lab, complete with salt-water fish tanks. Students opened the ribbon-cutting ceremony with music and speeches.

Tamar joined Enadia Way parents and students, along with members of the Los Angeles Conversation Corps, to mark the lst Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and to celebrate a green school becoming greener. Full story under "Schools."

Tamar congratulates John Deasy, chief deputy to Superintendent Ramon Cortines since August 2010, for his new appointment as Superintendent. He will take over for Cortines when he retires this spring.

The current weather conditions may be chilly, gray, and very wet, but most of the year, sunshine reigns in Southern California, enabling LAUSD’s schools to showcase some terrific green projects--organic fruit and vegetable gardens, reading gardens, rose gardens and many others. Tamar wanted to share some highlights to tout beautiful schools in Board District 3 and perhaps inspire others to create more green space at their school. For more information on creating “green” projects at your school, visit: http://mo.laschools.org/green-spaces/ If your school isn’t here, contact our office so that we can include your beautification and environmentally-friendly projects--we’d love to see more!

Tamar and Los Angeles School Police Officers brought toys for students at Melvin Elementary School in Reseda. Full story under "Schools" page.

Tamar and Los Angeles School Police officers distributed toys to students at Napa Elementary School in Northridge. Full story under "Schools" page.

This week, students, parents, community members, and District staff gathered at Tamar's field office for some light appetizers and music to celebrate the holidays. Tamar thanked everyone for attending her fourth annual holiday mixer and noted that LAUSD's successes would not be possible with everyone's contribution.

Parents and teachers joined Calahan Elementary students in the school auditorium to make gingerbread houses as an annual holiday tradition.

Tamar joins outgoing LACYD president Kate Hennigan at the LACYD Holiday Party/ 2011 Executive Board Election at the W Hotel in Hollywood.

On November 18, a celebration was held to honor retired School Board Member Julie Korenstein and the opening of the North Hollywood School named in her honor. Full story under "Schools" page.

Last week, Tamar attended the 31st District PTSA Legislative Committee Reception in Chatsworth. The group was feted by Tamar and other elected officials for their dedication to improve LAUSD's schools.

In November 2010, Tamar met with a group of parents at Vintage Magnet Elementary School. She congratulated the staff on their excellent math and science programs, including their work as a NASA Explorer School.

Tamar joins Councilmember Greig Smith and Principal Brian Bauer to celebrate Granada Hills Charter High School's 50th Anniversary.

Tamar was the guest speaker at the November 2010 meeting of the Dixie Canyon Avenue Elementary School PTA.

Tamar celebrated the opening of the renovated Science Lab at Bassett Street Elementary School on October 27, 2010.

Tamar spoke about the top issues facing LAUSD and about the impact of future bond funding at North Hollywood High School. Residents expressed an interest in working more closely with the high school and in having a student representative sit on the Neighborhood Council Valley Village.

Tamar spoke about the challenges ahead for LAUSD during Valley Industry & Commerce Association's Education Committee. Tamar stressed the importance of funding flexibility, a proper special education funding formula and more resources for non - Title 1 schools.

Tamar meets with the 31st District PTA to discuss the future of LAUSD in regards to the budget, teacher effectiveness, and facilities. These active Valley parents want to work with Tamar to combat the $1.1 billion in expected cuts next year and get more resources for BD3 schools.

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September 22, 2010

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