Reading over summer keeps skills sharp

It really is not too soon to begin planning for the start of the upcoming school year by marking Monday, Aug. 29 on calendars as the first day of classes. Glendale Unified School District has a three-year calendar available for viewing at its website, www.gusd.net, in order to provide parents, families, community and staff the ability to plan vacations and other events around school schedules.

But despite the first day looming early this year, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the summer months with some suggestions from Wilson Middle School Principal Richard Lucas. Parents should make summer safety a key point, he advises, by talking to children about who they are to contact in case of an emergency, since summer usually means a change in daily routine. And just as would be done during the rest of the year, parents are wise to acquaint themselves with their children’s friends, since summer activities often bring new friendships with them. While parents may relax the amount of time children can watch television or play video games, Lucas also encourages children to read a good book to keep reading and study tips sharp for fall.

While reading is always good, creativity can also be nurtured as students begin their 2011-2012 PTA Reflections art projects during the summer months. Entries can be worked on any time from now until they are due in October. The theme is “Diversity Means …” and categories are Dance, Choreography, Musical Composition, Literature, Visual Arts, Photography and Film Production.

Glendale High School

Keeping things moving smoothly with PTA, Outgoing President Sydney Swainston bids farewell after a two-year term by turning leadership over to Karen Veloz and her new board.

“I wish them much success and joy in serving,” said Swainston. Assisting Veloz will be First Vice President, Director of Programs Dawn Landery; Second Vice President, Director of Parent Involvement and Membership Patty Schermer; Recording Secretary Rachel Imperio; Treasurer Karen Spencer; Historian Irene Sarian; and Auditor Laura Keen.

Wilson Middle School

Wilson classrooms are currently in use for summer school, which runs through July 28. Outgoing PTA President Hilda Hovsepian congratulates the 2011-2012 PTSA Executive Board members who are eager to get planning for the new school year. There are a few positions, however, still open for Committee Chairs: Red Ribbon Week; Welfare (Food and Toy Drives); and Korean and Spanish Language Liaisons. Please contact Laurakeen@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in helping out.

Verdugo Woodlands

Summer break provides a perfect transition time for PTA leadership and Verdugo Woodlands’ lineup is ready to go after being installed recently at the annual PTA/WAVE Executive Board Installation Luncheon at Oceanview Bistro in Montrose. Concluding a two-year term, PTA President Janet Lazier handed over her gavel to Lori Tsaparian and her new board. Outgoing Co-Presidents of Verdugo Woodlands’ Foundation Michele Long and Ester Moran welcomed Incoming President Lolly Gallup, who is taking over leadership of that organization.

Edna Karinski covers the Glendale High cluster PTA. Email Ekarinski@aol.com.