Neighbors invited to community forum
Parents, educators, students and interested community members from Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, South Pasadena and surrounding communities are invited to a Community Forum on Public Education from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 29 at the Pacific Community Center, 501 S. Pacific Ave., Glendale.
Glendale Council PTA President Elizabeth Manasserian explains that this collaborative effort of PTAs and school boards features presenter Mary Perry of EdSource, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that clarifies complex educational issues. The forum is free, but attendees must register at https://www.ptaforum.info. Sydney Swainston, Glendale High PTA president, adds that attendees will hear how schools in California are financed and what is happening on the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind legislation.
Glendale High School
It’s the season for winter sports, namely, girls’ and boys’ basketball, soccer and water polo. Glendale High welcomes the public to these games, and schedules are posted at https://www.glendalehigh.com.
In PTSA news, it’s nominating time.
“We need nominations for Honorary Service awards for people or organizations who have served our school and children in our community,” said President Sydney Swainston.
A nomination form is available on the PTSA page of the school’s website. In addition, nominations for people who would like to serve on next year’s PTSA board are needed from students, parents, teachers or other volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering to serve on the board can call Judy Rezvani at (818) 445-3383.
Verdugo Woodlands
The PTA and Woodlanders Volunteer program are sponsoring Students Act The Classics, an after-school educational drama program. Students will explore Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” for grades one to three and “Macbeth” for grades four through six, with focus on text, character development and performance technique for a period of eight weeks. There is a modest enrollment fee, and registration opens Jan. 10.
Yellow Ribbon Week touting violence prevention is observed Jan. 18 to 21, culminating with an assembly by the Bully Dudes on Jan. 26. Save the date if you love the sizzle of the griddle! The Dads’ Club will have its annual Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon Jan. 29.
Publicity Liaison Madelaine Motallebi reminds everyone of the second annual “got heart?” VWPTA Blood Drive taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Dads’ Club. PTA President Janet Lazier says Verdugo Woodlands students, also known as Pint-Sized Heroes, show they’ve “got heart!” by inviting teachers and adult friends and relatives to donate blood on their behalf.
Donors choose between three shifts: 9 to 11 a.m.; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and 1 to 3 p.m. For those who regularly donate blood, you cannot have donated after Dec. 11 if you plan to participate. “Be the Match” Bone Marrow Registry will also be onsite. A simple and painless cheek swab is all that is necessary to become a member and potentially a match that could save a life. To participate, contact Lazier at jslazier@aol.com.
EDNA KARINSKI covers the Glendale High cluster PTA. E-mail Ekarinski@aol.com.