“What’s Good In Education” is a recurring publication released by the William S Hart District.

The August issue is displayed in full below.

[view:node_ad=5]Students, Staff Ready for Back to School

Classes don’t actually start until Aug. 14, but it’s already starting to look like back-to-school at many Hart District campuses. The district’s 40-plus new teachers officially reported for duty Aug. 6, starting with sessions with the district’s Peer Assistance and Review team.

A new teacher lunch and orientation hosted by the Hart District Teachers Association is scheduled for Friday. An estimated 900 returning teachers officially report back on Aug. 11, and a projected 23,295 students arrive Aug. 14. Many of those students already are facing the prospect of back-to-school as they attend their school’s summer check-in to take ID photos, pick up class schedules and textbooks.

Camp Darfur Focuses on Genocide

Students from Canyon High School have a newfound appreciation for cultures which have undergone genocide, thanks to a Camp Darfur exhibition set up by the school’s Student Task Force. The students established a simulated United Nations refugee camp to bring attention to the plight of refugees in Darfur, Africa, and other countries of the world.

Each tent housed displays and speakers addressing such historical genocides as the Holocaust, Cambodia and Kosovo, as well as current situations in Africa. One display with which students could identify contrasted a typical daily diet for an American teen compared to the meager rations available to refugee children.

Students were encouraged to write messages decorated with their “bloody” handprints urging an end to cultural genocide.

Sequoia Promotes Summer Success

Sequoia Charter School has completed a successful summer session, both in the level of community participation and in individual student success. The school welcomed television and film actor Richard Gant, who spoke to Sequoia’s Film as Literature class.

His most recent role was playing Dr. Ford on General Hospital, and he has also appeared in movies such as Rocky 3, Nutty Professor 2 and Daddy Day Camp.

Kevin Loamis, owner of Xyon Corporation, spoke to the school’s Life Management class about preparation for the work force.

New Sequoia Principal Kathy Hunter reports that a record number of students achieved Level 5 this summer—the greatest percentage of students to achieve the school’s highest standard of behavior since the school started.

Riverhawks Aid Summer Blood Supply

School may have been out for the summer, but that didn’t stop Rio Norte Junior High School from its continued program of community service. The school hosted four days of blood drives from July 30 to Aug. 2, sponsored by Radio KLOS and the American Red Cross.

Rio Norte was one of 11 Southern California locations selected for the campaign to help restock the Red Cross’ depleted summer supply of blood. Principal John Costanzo was one of many donors who joined community and staff to take part in the campaign, many of whom responded to a summer call for support on the school’s telephone message system.

Summer School Grads Receive Diplomas

Nine students from high schools across the valley took advantage of Golden Valley summer school to earn their diplomas. Family, friends and Hart District administrators gathered at Golden Valley to watch the seniors, garbed in the colorful robes of their home schools, accept their diplomas.

The program honored six students from Golden Valley, one from Hart and two from Canyon, all of whom were lauded for their determination to complete their last few requirements for graduation.

The Golden Valley ASB hosted a reception following the formal ceremony. “It was nice to see students from different schools celebrate together,” remarked Golden Valley Principal Sal Frias. “Many students in similar situations don’t make the choice and commitment to complete their work during the summer.”

Students Complete Mural Project

The mural project at the City’s Sports Complex was completed in mid-July, thanks to the efforts of 12 students from Sequoia Charter School. The team spent four days touching up the mural with the final roller coating of a graffiti guard to complete the project.

Students from Valencia and West Ranch high schools and Arroyo Seco Junior High also worked on the project through the Special Children’s Art Foundation. The City of Santa Clarita will schedule a dedication for the mural once classes resume this fall.

New Opportunities Available for ROP Students

The Hart District Regional Occupational Program (ROP) is launching three new and exciting opportunities for students this fall: ROP Culinary Arts, ROP Plumbing, and ROP Virtual Enterprise. These classes provide students with an opportunity to explore and strengthen career areas and marketable skills.

All three courses will be held outside of regular school hours, allowing students to explore career opportunities while enrolled in a regular school day. Students 16 years of age and up, and adults (on a space-available basis), are welcome to enroll.

Culinary Arts will be hosted at West Ranch High School; Plumbing will be held at Saugus High; and Virtual Enterprise will meet at Golden Valley. More information and signups are available through high school site ROP advisors. Contacts

and current class schedule information are available at www.hartrop.com, or by calling (661) 259- 0033, extension. 234.