PTA NEWS:

Summer classes and sports camps are in full swing at Glendale High School. Sydney Swainston, PTSA president, shares that the PTSA theme is “Dare to Dream,” and with this theme comes the invitation to all the high school’s students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to join in the PTSA’s efforts to make the school the best place for learning.

PTSA information can be accessed through www. glendalehigh.com.

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WILSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Summer school is in session, with classes ending July 30. Families of former Wilson students who have moved on to high school and no longer wish to receive eBulletins may send an e-mail to: Wilson Knights-unsubscribe@ yahoogroups.com. For summer reminiscing, eighth-grade promotion ceremony and promotion dance pictures will be posted soon on the Wilson website.

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R.D. WHITE

Kristin Pardo, PTA historian, is keeping summer alive by personally being involved with an Adopt-a-Block program at R.D. White. Sponsored by the city of Glendale, the Adopt-a-Block activity takes place from 11 a.m. to noon one Saturday a month at the school.

“We will continue our efforts during the summer,” said Pardo, who is also a teacher. Upcoming gatherings are Saturday and Aug. 15.

The school’s neighbor, Whole Foods, has donated snacks and water for these events, and appreciation is extended for the store’s generosity in making this a truly “neighborly” activity.

According to Pardo, if monthly clean-ups are continued for one year, and random inspections by the city are passed, the school and Whole Foods will together earn a plaque acknowledging their work. R.D. White families and neighbors are urged to join the team, headed by custodian Robert Struck, librarian Kari Vanda and Pardo.

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COLLEGE VIEW

Summer school is in session at College View, said PTA President Andrea Crissman.

“Our Independence Day celebration included a parade and dance,” she said.

A pirate theme is taking the school onto the seas through Friday, led by Teacher of the Year 2008-09 Paula Nakaya. Valentine’s Traveling Nature Class brings live animals July 15, made possible by the PTA as part of “Hurray for Nature” week.

“With help from generous community partners, we are planning two trips — bowling at Pickwick Bowl and exploring sea creatures at the Long Beach Aquarium,” Crissman said.

The second annual Car Wash has been set for July 31, with Glendale High School students assisting. Mark your calendars for a great time and a clean car!

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VERDUGO WOODLANDS

Because the 2008-09 school year has drawn to a close, Principal Janet Buhl thanks those who helped make the year special, including outstanding teachers and support staff who made each day rewarding and students with dedication and enthusiasm who made coming to school a daily joy. Also the parent volunteers who were factors to the school’s success, including the dads in Fathers’ Follies.

Also to be thanked are PTA members and Presidents Launa Penza and Lolly Gallup for time, talents and energy; Leann Arcia, Echoes newsletter editor for two years; School Site Council members for their leadership; Foundation and Woodlanders Volunteers members; and President Lisa Labellarte, for fundraising efforts.

We also thank instrumental music teacher Kay Ladani and choral music teacher Nancy Abbott for outstanding work with performing arts programs.

A special thank-you to the support team — Sherry Kully, teacher specialist; Lawrence Le Blanc, assistant to the principal; Kathy Dorsey, administrative secretary; Pat Barker, health clerk; and Kathy Nagel, school nurse.

Though difficult to imagine Verdugo Woodlands without these “graduating” families, Sharla Bohman, publicity liaison, said it must say goodbye to the Schowengerdts, the Frenches, the Raskins, the Homan/Millers and the Cuberos.

“It is impossible to list all that these families have done for our school and community and how many dreams have become realities because of them,” Bohman said.

The school will also miss key kindergarten teacher Sharon Burton, who retired after 34 years of teaching. At the June flag ceremony, her current students each brought her a single rose.

“When done, Mrs. Burton had over three baskets overflowing with roses,” Bohman said.

Kathy Dorsey, administrative secretary, has also retired. She has clocked countless hours and worked on too many projects to name in order to support staff, students and parents.

Special thanks to Deb Beyer for her music program; Gary Raskin for the website and eNews; Danny Huynh for carrying on; and Hilda Hacobian and Ella Boghossian for a month of graduating sixth-grader activities.

And heart-felt thanks to Lolly Gallup, Cathy Boyack, Maggie Mason and the Denim & Diamonds committee for planning June’s benefit; more than 150 guests attended the dinner dance and $35,000 was raised.

?EDNA KARINSKI writes about the PTA for the Glendale High School cluster and can be reached at (818) 253-5152 or e-mail Ekarinski@aol.com.