October 31, 2007

Jeanne Kumagai: McPherson comes through with fire relief
Families and staff collected and packaged items for Santiago fire relief.
By JEANNE KUMAGAI
Contributing writer

The McPherson students, families, staff, and community actively involved themselves in alleviating some of the suffering incurred by those devastated by the recent fires. They collected items for their Fire Relief Drive, and made care packets for distribution to those displaced by the fires. Thanks to the efforts coordinated by the McPherson Magnet School Education Foundation, items such as toiletries, food items, and children's items were placed in sealed baggies and distributed. Not only did these baggies deliver necessities, they brought with them the acknowledgement that others care.

SILVERADO ELEMENTARY

Welcome back to the students, families, and staff of Silverado, the only school in OUSD that was closed due to the fires. Know that the community is supporting you and offering the best of wishes!

TAFT ELEMENTARY

Taft Elementary School hosted a fundraiser on Wednesday, October 24 at the McDonald's Restaurant on North Tustin Ave. The school donated all of the proceeds from the fundraiser to the victims of the Santiago Fire. Kudos to Taft for their quick and much appreciated action, and to the management of McDonald's, for their support as well.

CANYON HIGH

On Thursday, October 25, Canyon High Principal Greg Bowden held the first of two scheduled "Meet The Principal" forums. Dr. Bowden began the event with a slide show presentation that displayed the different academic and athletic programs offered at Canyon. He gave his perspective on ideas he has for the school in line with the superintendent's priorities. He shared some programs that he has already put in place such as freshman orientation evening, weekly informational phone calls, counseling list serves, technological expansion, and partnerships with local businesses. Dr. Bowden explained that the school will soon be going through a 2-year accreditation for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges that will involve assistance from parents and students. The evening concluded with a question and answer period. The parents very much appreciated this informative event.

At the "E for All Expo," the BBC film crews filmed several CHS students, including Steven Bustamante, Takahira Karasawa, Kris Flores, Stephen Kem, Haruki Kimura, and Sean Nishimoto. They were captured on film playing video games or walking around the venue. This is being shown on the online BBC Technology and BBC Entertainment News. They also interviewed CHS student, Brandon Chavez, about playing and analyzing a video game. They thought this was very cool!

Canyon recently held its annual Club Carnival in the school quad featuring the campus clubs available for the students. The Carnival gives students the opportunity to join one or more of the fifty clubs on campus. Canyon prides itself on providing many different clubs to meet the interests of the diverse student body.

ORANGE HIGH

The seniors at OHS are busy taking the SAT and ACT tests, and applying to colleges. This year, Vikki Pham, from CSUF, helped the seniors map out the college application process to the CSU schools. Cristina Flores of UCI's EAOP (Early Academic Outreach Program) was on hand providing assistance to those applying to the UC system, giving feedback on writing personal statements and helping them maneuver the on line application process. A representative from Santiago Canyon College was also available to offer advice to the seniors. Students were encouraged to meet with these representatives for help in applying to the colleges of their dreams.

RUNNING SPRINGS ELEMENTARY

Running Springs Elementary School will be holding their Annual Round Up from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 2, at the Running Springs "Ranch". The festival will feature carnival games, country music, food items, and family photos. A raffle will also be held for the extraordinary raffle baskets. Today is the last day to purchase your raffle tickets for the presale price of 50 cents each, or twelve for $5. Grab your cowboy boots and hats and come on down to this year's Round Up!

VILLA PARK HIGH

Mounds of gratitude to Deena Arnold and Robin Lyall, the co-chairmen of the 14th Annual Spartan Classic event! With their leadership and the generosity of so many people, the night was a huge success, with the auction alone, netting a profit of over $70,000! Special thanks to the guests who numbered over 375, the volunteers, the auction bidders and buyers, and to all who played a part in this event. Congratulations to the school-wide raffle winners: Mina Aalaen, Movie Passes for a year; Kristine Peterson, $100 to Coffee Grove; Angie Alvarez, 100 gallons of gas; and Natasha De La Cruz, a new iphone. However, the true winners of this event are the students who will greatly benefit from the efforts of all.

VPHS has a new club this year called "Spartans for CHOC" or simply, "SFC." Their goal is to support CHOC and the Jack and Jill Guild of CHOC. On Sunday, Oct. 21, approximately 25 students participated in the CHOC Walk at Disneyland. They raised more than $2,700 in sponsorship money that will go directly to helping the sick children of CHOC. Students are urged to join SFC, and to find out how to make the world a better place for the patients at CHOC.

CANYON RIM ELEMENTARY

Calling all Canyon Rim students, families, and staff - past and present! Your presence is requested at the Tenth Anniversary Celebration at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 16 at the Canyon Rim Field. Refreshments will be served. Participants are asked to bring a blanket to sit on, an adult to be accompanied by, and memories to share. Congratulations on your decade of achievement!