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Take a Look at PEN: Pasadena Education Network
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When representatives from PEN speak, people listen. With nearly 10 years of involvement in Pasadena, and a network of more than 1,300 local area families, PEN is dedicated to providing information about PUSD schools, and helping parents navigate the enrollment system. They are also passionate about the importance of actually getting onto campuses to "see for yourself" the many good things happening in the district.
Known for connecting parents to one another, and well-prepared Fact Sheets about each school, PEN also offers educational opportunities for parents throughout the year.
Says Nancy Dufford, PEN's Executive Director, "Early on, we decided to focus on communicating accurate, credible information about the schools to the community and connecting families interested in learning more about their public school options." PEN is a valuable resource in the community that is serving children and families in a significant way.
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Get involved! Upcoming events include:
Public School Options for Altadena Families, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Altadena Library.
Click here for details.
Sign up for PEN's monthly e-news by clicking on the PEN logo below.
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The Vision | The children of Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre all grow up in a safe, stable,
and supportive environment that prepares them for success in school and in life.
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Altadena Holds Education Town Hall Meeting
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On Saturday, August 26, more than 40 people attended a Town Hall meeting for the new Altadena Town Council Education Committee at the Altadena Library. Led by Jennifer Lee, Chairman of the Committee, attendees heard from a panel that included members of the Altadena Town Council, school principals, parents and other interested community members. The theme of the morning was depicted by Lee's comments that public school students serve as a conduit for pulling people together, and that all residents should be involved in sharing the good stories of PUSD more widely. Other members of the Education Committee are Felita Kealing, Billy Malone and LeighAnn Samuels, all of whom have children who attend PUSD schools. To get on a list for notifications of future gatherings, email Jennifer Lee at
jennifer.lee@altadenatowncouncil.org
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There are many outstanding PUSD principals, and students and families at Altadena Elementary and Eliot Arts Magnet Academy are particularly blessed with two dynamic leaders: Benita Scheckel and Lori Touloumian.
Benita Scheckel
was recently promoted to principal of
Altadena Elementary School
and is quickly settling in to the new school year. Scheckel was named the 2017 Most Promising New Administrator by the Association of California School Administrators. She has served as Assistant Principal of Marshall Fundamental Secondary School and was also previously the K-8 curriculum resource teacher at McKinley School and coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at Blair School.
“I am passionate about joining together with the talent at Altadena Elementary School to create a premiere school for the arts and dual language immersion,” said Scheckel. “I look forward to making Altadena my home for a very long time.”
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Prior to her position as interim principal of Eliot, Touloumian served as the magnet program coordinator for PUSD where she managed a $7.9 million federal grant to create magnet schools at Eliot Arts Magnet, Washington STEAM Magnet Academy, Jackson STEM Dual Language Magnet and Washington Elementary STEM Magnet.
“I am thrilled to continue the wonderful work we have begun to transform Eliot Arts into a premier arts magnet in PUSD,” said Touloumian. “It is truly an honor and a pleasure to work the Eliot Arts administration, faculty, staff, parents and community.”
Touloumian has been with PUSD since 1999. Before her position as magnet program coordinator, she served at Pasadena High School (PHS) as assistant principal, chair of the English department, and a 10th and 11th grade honor English teacher.
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The best way to learn about Altadena Elementary and Eliot Arts Magnet is to tour each campus.
Click here
for PEN's website to explore dates and times of upcoming tours.
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"Don't Miss It" Opportunities
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Collaborate PASadena's Supportive Communities Work Group is dedicated to supporting children and families through the improvement of the quality of life in our community's neighborhoods. Two important opportunities are happening soon:
1)
Neighborhood Summit
-- September 18, 2017, 5:30-8:00 p.m. at La Casita del Arroyo.
2)
Collaborate PASadena Neighborhood Leadership Institute
-- 10 weeks of leadership training,
building capacity for collaboration, open to all, begins September 12, 2017.
Click on each flier for more information.
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The Launch is Coming!!
By 2025, Pasadena will be known as an Early Learning City. All children ages 0 to 5 will thrive in their physical, emotional, cognitive and social well-being and their ability to learn when they enter school. Credible research shows the first five years of children’s lives shape their future learning, behaviors and health. Come to the launch of Pasadena as an Early Learning City on
Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brookside Park. The day will include activities tailored to different age groups, healthy snacks, cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, community resources related to parenting and early childhood and much more.
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Youth Leadership Conference
For two days before the start of school, more than 70 young people gathered at the first
LevelUP Youth Leadership Conference, held at the Pasadena Central Library on August 10 and 11. It was sponsored by the Youth Leadership Network, a group of local agencies that provide services for youth in the Pasadena area. Speakers Dominick Correy, District Rep for State Senator Anthony Portantino, and Tyron Hampton, Pasadena City Council, inspired attendees. Dr. Kristina Turley, PUSD College & Career Academies, and member of the Youth Leadership Network said, “This was an exciting event and a true collaboration of city resources for our youth. PUSD was proud to be a part of this event and we look forward to more collaborative experiences with everyone.”
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News and Events
Click here to find the latest news and events on the Collaborate PASadena website! We happily post partner news and events on our site and on our Facebook page. Submit to
elizabeth@collpas.org.
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Partner Praise
We believe that students should feel supported in their college-going endeavors. We're not gatekeepers or admissions counselors. We're a student-centered support system that serves any student who opts into our services, and we do our
best
to foster meaningful interactions during their college access and success journey.
CAP's
best
is
outstanding
-- and they transform hundreds of young lives throughout the community each year!!
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am-pluh-fahy
v. to make stronger; enlarge; extend
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