The 2020-21 LAUSD Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon has shown the continuous potential of integrating technology into scholastic competitions. In addition to entirely transitioning from a paper-based to a paperless competition, we have managed to fully hold virtual Speech, Interview, and Awards ceremonies, launch our monthly newsletter, as well as start our social media journey.
As much as some of these initiatives were part of an exceptional solution to this year’s remote learning challenges, Beyond the Bell’s goal for next year remains the same: to provide a fun, engaging, educational in-person competition experience to LAUSD schools. Obviously, as we start planning for the 2021-22 season, we will consider the pluses we learned from this year, and apply them to next year’s season.
In the meantime, summer is almost here. Have a wonderful break!
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Russian soldiers carry a banner reading “Communism” in Moscow during the Russian Revolution in October 1917; At the American National Exhibition in Moscow in 1959, in a model American kitchen, Soviet premier Khruschev (left) and Vice President Nixon (right) debated the merits of communism versus capitalism
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The 2nd annual LAUSD Academic Pentathlon Regional Competition concluded in late April after another successful virtual competition. Congratulations to all students for your arduous work and determination.
8th Grade
1. Lake Balboa College Prep Magnet K-12
(Coach: Carrie Wan, Principal: Robert Clarke)
2. Holmes Middle School
(Coach: Cris Avina, Principal: Kim D’Aloisio)
3. Vista Middle School
(Coach: Allison Gorjian, Principal: Pia Damonte)
7th Grade
1. Vista Middle School
(Coach: Allison Gorjian, Principal: Pia Damonte)
2. John Burroughs Middle School
(Coach: Shauna Segal, Principal: Jaime Morales)
3. Millikan Affiliated Charter Middle School
(Coach & Principal: Felica Drew)
6th Grade
1. Reseda Charter High School
(Coach: Emily Bliss, Principal: Melanie Welsh)
2. Young Oak Kim Academy
(Coach: Sarah You, Principal: Justin Lauer)
3. Migrant Education Program
(Coach: Jennifer Trochez, Coordinator: Victor Gonzalez)
Coach of the Year
Allison Gorjian
(Vista Middle School)
Administrator of the Year
Felicia Drew
(Millikan Affiliated Charter Middle School)
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PENTATHLON - INDIVIDUAL AWARDS |
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The race to being the top scorer for each grade level was once again very tight. A perfect Pentathlon score (based on the 5 objective tests students took on Fine Arts, Literature, Mathematics, Social Science, and Science) is 5,000 points. Here are the LAUSD top scoring Pentathletes:
- Hillary Tong (8th grade): 4,156 points
- Aahana Sinha (7th grade): 3,307 points
- Naomi Goldman (6th grade): 3,216 points
We asked this year’s top scorers to share their thoughts on this season’s Pentathlon competition.
“I believe the biggest takeaway is expanding my knowledge. The pandemic stripped away many factors that made Pentathlon fun, like working with others in person. Yet without all of that, we still made it. The greatest challenge was how everything had to be adapted to zoom. My greatest memory from this year’s Pentathlon was definitely the day of the competition because of the mutual support our Pentathletes gave each other. I would absolutely recommend students to join the Academic Pentathlon. No participant needs to have prior knowledge to succeed. All they need is an enthusiastic attitude and an insatiable thirst to learn. And above all, I had fun.”
Hillary Tong (8th Grade Top Scorer)
John Burroughs Middle School
“Pentathlon this year was a great experience for me. I learned new things, got to meet new people, and make new experiences. Though staying focused and coordinating was a bit challenging. I hoped that we could have an onsite competition, but this year's virtual competition was also great. Having coaching sessions, and the competition were some of my favorite memories of this year’s season. I will recommend participating in the pentathlon to the people who are unsure of joining this program, because they won’t regret it later. Pentathlon was fun, engaging and at the same time a knowledgeable experience for me. I am really thankful for the coaches and Ms. Segal for guiding and helping me.”
Aahana Sinha (7th Grade Top Scorer)
John Burroughs Middle School
“The academic pentathlon has been an amazing experience. I’ve learned more than I can imagine about the topic. Not only that, I have been able to meet so many new people and make so many new friends. Due to the pandemic this year, the competition had to be held in a virtual setting. The hardest part of this was probably that all the pentathlon meetings were online. There is a huge difference between being online and in person. It is much easier to make friends when in person, and you get more of a balance of learning and socializing. But still, all in all, the pentathlon has been one of the best parts of my school year, despite being online. I think that my favorite memory from this year was the award ceremony because after all the hard work, we all got to watch the ceremony and have fun. Being able to spend time with everyone was so much fun and really made getting the results so much more exciting! If you are skeptical about joining the academic pentathlon, I would say that, yes, it is hard work. However, the experience is so beneficial to anyone who loves competition, learning, and having fun with friends! The academic pentathlon has been really fun! I have been able to make new friends, indulge in my competitive nature, and learn so much.”
Naomi Goldman (6th Grade Top Scorer)
Millikan Affiliated Charter Middle School
For a full list of winners visit the Beyond the Bell Academic Pentathlon webpage HERE.
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The United States Academic Pentathlon (USAP) held two national-level competitions this year. The Virtual National Competition gathered the states’ highest scoring 7th and 8th grade teams to crown the official Pentathlon National Champion. Congratulations to Fairmont Historic Anaheim (20,518.80 points) and Arborland Montessori (18,266.30 points) for winning the California Pentathlon Competition and representing the state at the Virtual National Competition.
The Online National Competition gave teams who did not qualify for the Virtual Competition the opportunity to compete against other states’ teams and measure their skills. Congratulations to Burroughs Middle School, Sepulveda Middle School, Revere Charter Middle School, Millikan Affiliated Charter Middle School, Lake Balboa College Prep, and Young Oak Kim Academy for their participation.
Also, special mentions go to Hillary Tong from Burroughs Middle School for placing first in the Honors category of the 8th grade competition with 3,919.51 points, and Naomi Goldman from Millikan Affiliated Charter Middle School for placing third in the Scholastic 8th grade competition with 2,670.93 points.
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President John F. Kennedy announces a goal of reaching the moon in his May 25, 1961, speech to Congress; Explorer 1 team members Dr. William H Pickering, Dr. James van Allen and Dr. Wernher von Braun holding a model of Explorer 1
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As we have seen in past Spotlights, it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to be an Academic Decathlon coach. This month’s newsletter highlights Maria Guerra, the coach at Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences. Ms. Guerra brings a unique perspective to being an Academic Decathlon coach as she was once a Decathlete herself in high school.
When asked about her experience as a Decathlon coach and Decathlete, this is what Ms. Guerra had to say.
Q: How many years were you a Decathlete in high school?
Regrettably, I only participated in Academic Decathlon my senior year. By the time the awards ceremony rolled around I was certainly wishing that I had another opportunity. The topic that year was Looking Forward: Creating the Future. The music was jazz and is still my favorite Decathlon soundtrack!
Q: What are your favorite memories & themes as a Decathlete?
There are three things I remember clearly about that year...1) My teammate and I spray painted T-shirts so we could all have a "uniform" of sorts 2) The team and coach went out to eat at some Mexican restaurant after super quiz and 3) the banquet and awards were at the Bonaventure Hotel downtown...we had a real sit-down dinner, and it was super fancy!
Q: What were your biggest takeaways as a student from competing in Academic Decathlon?
My biggest takeaway is that teamwork is important - even when competing in something individually. Together we can achieve so much more!
Q: How many years have you been a Decathlon coach and how did you become involved?
I have coached for so many years that I cannot count...:-) I will be starting my 14th year. My first topic was China back in 2006-07. I did take a couple of years off in the middle but couldn't live without decathlon, so I quickly returned. I got my second official teaching position from Birmingham because they were looking for a decathlon coach.
Q: How do you think your experience as a Decathlete has helped you as a coach?
Just understanding the enormity of the material was super helpful. Also, remembering that feeling I had at the awards ceremony my senior year. I so wanted another shot at it, but it was too late. I try to pass on that feeling to my students, so they make the best of their time in the program.
Q: Do you think your first-hand experience of being a Decathlete has made you a better coach?
Absolutely! I had to figure out the best ways to study and approach the competition and I can share that info with them. While the program continues to change, the basics are still the same. I also think my students get a kick out of seeing my Top Scoring Student Plaque. I use that for motivation - not for students to earn the top score, but to help them push to win a medal. I somehow earned the top score on my team - but no medals. My teammates had medals and they got to wear them at graduation, but I couldn't wear my plaque. 20 years later and that still bugs me! I was so elated when my team won at Regionals and State because I finally got a medal (or two) and I hang them proudly in my classroom.
Q: What are some recommendations you have for other coaches?
Breathe. No, seriously. My biggest recommendation is to let the students teach each other (and you) the bulk of the material. Yes, I explain some math and econ here and there, but they learn so much more by teaching each other. I used to spend copious hours learning the material each year to "teach" it to them. That is beyond unnecessary. I like to fall back on the idea of constructivism in education and remember that the best way to judge your knowledge on a topic is to teach it to someone else. The thing is...it isn't important for me to get to that point. I'm not taking the tests. The students are. When we feel the need to micromanage and teach them the content, we are taking that opportunity away from them. I would also say that you can be successful without staying at school every evening and every weekend. Use your time wisely and make sure your students know what is expected of them on their own time.
Ms. Guerra’s invaluable experience as both a Decathlete and coach is what has led to her successful Decathlon career. Her ability to connect with her students, the teamwork and camaraderie that she strives to instill in her teams, she might be inspiring the next generation of Decathlon and Pentathlon coaches.
Every month, the Spotlight section will highlight an administrator, coach, student, sponsor, or volunteer who has made an impact on our program. If you would like to nominate someone, please submit their name to academic.decathlon@lausd.net with a short description as to why they should be featured.
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The Arecibo Observatory radio telescope; John Glenn entering his spacecraft, Friendship 7, in advance of his successful orbital mission
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Sponsors allow Academic Decathlon & Pentathlon the opportunity to provide students with scholarships to assist with future educational needs. Here are some of this year’s Decathletes expressions of gratitude to our sponsors for their generosity.
“I am so thankful for the scholarship I received. College is going to be very expensive, and it is a big help to have even part of it covered. It was also a nice reminder of all the hard work me and my teammates put in over the course of the year.”
Summer Rogers (12th grade)
Northridge Academy High School
“It has been a great honor to participate in my Academic Decathlon team. My coaches’ leadership and fellow decathletes’ determination allowed me to stick around, even in these harsh times of digital learning. The scholarship money will help alleviate the financial troubles I will face as I partake in the college institution. Not only that, I am further away from the idea of taking the hard-earned money from my parents' pockets to aid me in my college life, a vital step for independence in my adult life. I am grateful for decathlon program and the sponsors that make it possible.”
Kevin Zhou (12th grade)
Lincoln High School
“I am incredibly thankful and appreciative for the scholarship prize that the Academic Decathlon awarded me with. This scholarship prize will relieve me of some of my college expenses! Thank you so much!”
Sona Asatryan (12th grade)
Verdugo Hills High School
“I am very grateful for this year's sponsors for Academic Decathlon. As a senior planning to go to a private college, I expected my tuition to be expensive, and I had planned to find a job as soon as possible to help cover my tuition while in school, but with this money I feel the financial burden is slightly lifted. Coming from a family with low income, every cent helps, and I couldn’t be happier seeing that, something I chose to participate in for the sake of seeing myself improve, would end up with me earning a reward that a select few can receive. Again, thank you so much to everyone at Academic Decathlon and its sponsors, I won’t let it go to waste.”
Giovanni Grajeda (12th grade)
Van Nuys Senior High School
“Thank you for the scholarship money! To me, this scholarship prize represents the hard work I put into Academic Decathlon this year and acknowledges the effort I devoted to the success of my team. Although I'm not yet applying to college, this money will go into a college fund that I've been accumulating to pay off my future college expenses. College tuition today can create financial troubles for many students paying off debt, so hopefully scholarship money like this can help all of the prize winners avoid such predicaments. I am extremely grateful to the sponsors and Academic Decathlon for the opportunities we have been given.”
Gwen Singer (10th grade)
Van Nuys Senior High School
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Proceeds enable Beyond the Bell to continue our work in building LAUSD scholastic competitions. If interested in donating, please make checks payable to LAUSD Academic Decathlon. Checks can be mailed to:
LAUSD Academic Decathlon
ATTN: Luis Mora
333 S. Beaudry Ave., 29th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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2021-2022 INTEREST TO PARTICIPATE |
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It is never too early to enter next year’s Decathlon & Pentathlon season. The Interest to Participate form is now available for schools to join the 2021-22 competition. Start planning now and be part of this extraordinary academic enrichment opportunity.
In addition to the traditional study guides and curriculum resources, new Decathlon schools will be granted free access to the Online Teaching and Training Center. This learning tool provides students with a unique combination of individual study sessions, head-to-head challenges against students from around the nation, as well as local, nationwide, and international scrimmages.
Pentathlon schools who are interested in participating qualify for free curriculum, resources, and competition registration fees.
For more information regarding next year’s theme, please visit the USAD website.
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This year’s competition would not have been possible without the help of many members of the LAUSD community. In particular, we would like to thank Local District Northwest for highlighting our program on their website homepage. |
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As we reach the end of our last 2020-21 newsletter, we hope that by now students and our readers will be able to answer the ultimate Cold War question:
What was the Cold War about?
a. It started in winter.
b. It took place during the Ice Age.
c. It was a bacterial warfare that killed thousands with the flu.
d. It meant the surrender of Alaska by the USSR to the United States.
e. None of the above.
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Do You Know Answer: None of the above |
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