Artesia : Magnet School Proposed
The ABC Unified School District has proposed Niemes Elementary in Artesia as the site for its first magnet school.
The proposal to convert Niemes, with an enrollment of more than 500 students, was discussed Monday by the Board of Education and the public. The board is scheduled to consider approval of the magnet school program at its April 21 meeting.
Students from throughout the district will have an opportunity to attend the school as room becomes available, said Terry MacAlpine, district public information officer.
Teachers from throughout the 22,000-student district will have the opportunity to apply to work at the school, but the current 21 teachers at Niemes will be given preference if they choose to remain, MacAlpine said.
The program will include a “literature-based reading program” with an emphasis on writing, storytelling, choral speaking, poetry, “critical thinking,” science and social studies, MacAlpine said. A close working relationship with parents will be stressed, he added.
Staff training for the magnet school is expected to cost $10,000 in the first year.
The Cerritos-based ABC district covers the cities of Artesia, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens and portions of Lakewood.
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