Author Archives: gomama

LAUSD 2016-17 Calendar Is Set!

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LAUSD logo

After a prolonged study weighing costs and data results, the proposal of 6 different options, much deliberating, negotiating, as well as the failed “telephonic survey” which attempted to capture parent input, the LAUSD School Board has decided the instructional calendar NOT for the next 3 years as anticipated, but for the 2016-17 school year only. And just what is their decision, you ask with baited breath?

Well, basically, it’s the same Early Start calendar as this year.

Because if after all the data drilling, surveying, bargaining, and deliberating you can’t make a decision, just delay it (again) and keep the status quo. (Insert emoji of your choice here.)

At least we have a decision and everyone can make plans.

Announcing the LAUSD 2016-17 Calendar:

First day of school Tuesday, Aug 16, 2016
1 week Thanksgiving Break Nov 21-15, 2016
Semester ends Fri, Dec 16, 2016
3 week Winter Break Dec 17, 2016- Jan 8, 2017
2nd semester begins Mon, Jan 9, 2017
1 week Spring Break- April 10-14, 2017
Last day of school Friday, June 9, 2017

(2017-18 and 2018-19 to be determined later.)

If you’re interested in learning the results of the District Survey from September, 2015, click HERE.

More than 58,000 parents and employees responded to the (glitchy) phone survey in September. Total responses from parents and employees (54,236) reflect elimination of duplicates and unverified responses.

On the first spreadsheet, according to the data listed LAUSD received 41,345 Survey Responses from Parents.

542,433 students are currently enrolled in LAUSD, according to its own Fingertip Facts. That’s not a high turnout by anyone’s standards.

By comparison, 7,684 Employees responded of 59,823 District Employees. (12.8% participation)

*Remember, the 101,060 students currently enrolled in Indie Charters are not impacted by LAUSD calendar decisions as those schools have the autonomy to create their own calendars.

Well the show is over folks, you can get on with it. At least for now. Stay tuned for the repeat engagement next year.

Click for more info:
Calendar Press Release
Calendar Survey Results
LAUSD Fingertip Facts

Michelle King Selected As New LAUSD Superintendent

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Screen Shot 2016-02-03 at 2.40.05 PMAfter an exhaustive and arduous search, the LAUSD School Board has voted in our new leader, former Deputy Superintendent, former Local District Supe, former admin, principal, teacher and LAUSD graduate, Michelle King.

One of the questions that continues to swirl around her is will she be a visionary leader who boldly goes after solving any of the many problems that plague the district, or will she be a placater spouting platitudes about “building pathways” and “educational outcomes” that lead to “student success.” Only time will tell.

So I’ll leave you with this Hillel Aron LA Weekly piece, and re-quote from it with what I feel are spot-on observations:

“Either we keep doing what we’re doing, which is blaming charter schools as the reason for declining enrollment, or we really roll up our sleeves and figure it out,” Rodriguez concedes. Which is why some are wondering if maybe the board should have chosen more of a visionary than Michelle King.

“The exodus to charter schools is the biggest indicator that parents have lost faith in the district,” says Nicholas Melvoin, a former LAUSD teacher, who’s now a lawyer and school reform advocate. For the school board to value unanimity in making decisions, he says, “doesn’t mean anything. I’d rather have 4-to-3 board votes — and know that the district is innovating.”

Read the whole piece HERE.

Take the LAUSD Calendar Survey Today!

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CalSurvey

Hey LAUSD Parents,

It’s bigger than a pop quiz! This survey will help decide the fate of our school calendar (First Day of School, Last Day of School, Holiday Breaks) for next fall and through 2019!

Your voice counts – please participate in the survey.

Online survey available NOW through Dec 6th.

Five little questions with big implications.

Click HERE to Do It Now!

Here’s your test prep:

2016-19 LAUSD Instructional Calendar Survey Questions

Question 1: In your opinion, the school year should start:

  1. Early August
  2. Mid-August
  3. Late August
  4. After Labor Day
  5. It does not matter to me.

Question 2: The winter break should be:

  1. Two weeks
  2. Three weeks
  3. It does not matter to me.

Question 3: The District should explore a different, “modified early August” calendar. This option provides a four-week intervention during a shortened summer break. In addition, the winter break would be extended by four weeks to provide interventions. The winter break would last about seven weeks.

  1. I strongly agree
  2. I somewhat agree
  3. I neither agree or disagree
  4. I somewhat disagree
  5. I strongly disagree

Question 4: It is important that both elementary and secondary schools follow the same calendar.

  1.  I strongly agree
  2.  I somewhat agree
  3.  I neither agree or disagree
  4.  I somewhat disagree
  5.  I strongly disagree

Question 5: The first semester should end before the winter break.

  1. I strongly agree
  2. I somewhat agree
  3. I neither agree or disagree
  4. I somewhat disagree
  5. I strongly disagree

Ok, now you know what the questions are. Get to the SURVEY and get it done!

Splash page with links to a deep dive of additional info HERE

SITE: http://achieve.lausd.net/schoolcalendars

Please note: “Survey opinions will inform Los Angeles Board of Education members when voting to approve the calendar. Their decision will cover the next three years.” It will still come down to the School Board vote.

Westside Elementary School Forum Nov 10

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EL Schl Forum15

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I’ll be giving the opening talk at this year’s Westside Elementary School Forum, hosted by Westchester Parents Nursery School and held at Loyola Village Elementary School.

Over 30 area schools will be represented including neighborhood schools, magnets, charters, parochial, even privates! UPDATED: In addition Wiseburn Unified will also be coming to talk about their schools (Anza, Cabrillo, Da Vinci, and more), St Anthony, Westchester Lutheran, Venice Lutheran, St Mark’s and for the first time, private Los Angeles Area Independent Schools (laais.org) be represented well!

It’s going to be big!

Bring your questions and an open mind and meet the school reps! I’ll also have a table and will be selling my latest edition guidebooks there, so stop by and say “Hi!”

Tuesday, November 10, 2015 
7-9p

Loyola Village Elementary School Auditorium
8821 Villanova Street
LA , CA 90045

$10 suggested donation/free for WPNS members.

Call WPNS for more info: 310.670.5522

New Webinars! Mastering MAGNETS: Everything You Need to Know, Mon NOV 2 & 9, 7p

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New! Join one of my upcoming live and interactive webinars and learn from the comfort of your own home. No sitter, no driving, no parking required. Just the straight info you need without the hassle of LA traffic!

Presented by Tanya Anton, creator of GoMamaGuide.com

eChoices15Hdr2

Points have you clueless? Didn’t know you were supposed to be applying?

Introducing…
Mastering MAGNETS: Everything You Need to Know (Those Points!)

In this 60 min webinar you’ll learn all about the LAUSD Magnet system:

  • Magnet schools – what are they?
  • How (and when*) to apply…to get in, to NOT get in, *to get points!
  • That darn “Point System” demystified. Let’s break it all down.
  • Step-by-step instructions on the online app: I’ll walk you through it
  • Common mistakes to avoid
  • How to maximize your options for next year (and beyond!)
  • Recommended for LAUSD parents of incoming K-12th graders

TWO LIVE SESSIONS with Q&A! Both before the 2016-17 Magnet Deadline.
Got Questions? You’ll be able to ASK ME LIVE! 

Mon, Nov 2, 2015 7p
Mon, Nov 9, 2015 7p

$30 $25

register now

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Can’t make the live event? No worries. Participants will receive a special link to the replay which will be viewable for an additional 3 days afterward.

The 2016-17 Magnet Application Highlights

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The 2016-17 Magnet Application Highlights
by Tanya Anton | GoMamamGuide.com

Hey LAUSD Residents: With just under three weeks left, it’s time to get your Magnet applications in!

What’s a Magnet?

Magnet programs are court-ordered voluntary integration programs that provide a diverse, enriched, theme-based educational environment for lucky lottery winners. With 210 magnet programs throughout LAUSD, there are lots of specialized school opportunities to apply to, with transportation provided if you qualify.

Additionally, since it’s based on a weighted lottery system, there are those confounded POINTS! If you’ve picked up one of my guidebooks or attended one of my talks, you should be well-versed in the ins and outs of magnet point collection and selection strategy: How to get in. How NOT to get in. How to maximize your options for future years.

(Confused? Don’t panic, I’ll walk you through it! Either by phone or my new step-by-step webinar!)

In any case, between Oct 1st and Friday, November 13th, 2015 BEFORE 5p, LAUSD residents can apply online to the Magnet programs of their choosing for the following year. Visit echoices.lausd.net to apply. It’s paperless. It’s easy. And it’s free.

The Basics:

– Must be an LAUSD resident to be eligible. Falsified applications will be disqualified and removed from the program.

– No longer accepting late applications. But you can amend your online app up until the Nov 13th 5pm deadline.

– First round of Notification letters will go out by the end of March and will be sent via email if applied online. After that, additional admissions opportunities will be offered in the order of the wait list until all seats are full.

– If you “Don’t Answer” the call/email it’s still considered a pass – and you lose all accumulated wait list points.

– Students MAY be contacted with an opening up until the 4th week of school.(This DOES happen. The late notification.) Waitlist points will finalize after the 4th week of school if you haven’t gotten an offer.

So, let’s get those Magnet apps in!

The Highlights:

– You can select UP TO 3 MAGNET Choices on the application. Points will only attach to your 1st choice. (Optional 2nd and 3rd choices will be entered with 0 points.) If you aren’t selected in any of your choices during the initial automated lottery, you are placed back on the waitlist of only your 1st choice.

– You are not required to select 3 choices. If accepted to ANY magnet program at any point and turn it down, you will lose ALL accumulated waitlist points.

– Only submit ONE application per child. (Check with other parent to make sure you didn’t both apply.) Must be applying for the correct and appropriate grade for 2016. State Law governs age eligibility:  5 by Sept 1st for Kinder, 6 by Sept 1st for 1st Grade.

– You may change your selection(s) every year. The points follow the child.

– Student info (address, telephone, grade) MUST MATCH info at child’s current LAUSD school. Any changes of address must be made at your child’s LAUSD school of attendance before the application deadline to be considered for the assignment of priority points. It’s the Parents’/Guardians’ responsibility to verify student info.

– Twins are treated as individuals and require separate apps. There is a space to enter sibling info on each app. If only one gets in, sibling points will apply the following year.

– If currently attending a Magnet and wish to stay there…DO NOTHING! If you apply elsewhere and are selected into another magnet, you will be unceremoniously dropped from your current magnet program and auto-enrolled in the new one. (This has happened to folks trying to collect points while attending a magnet program. No! That’s what Matriculation points are for.)

– Gifted/High Ability and Highly Gifted applicants must provide verification AHEAD of the Nov 13 deadline. See: echoices.lausd.net/Magnet/GiftedCriteria.

If this seems overwhelming or you want to discuss strategy or how the points work, please contact me for a consultation. Or sign up for one of my upcoming Magnet Webinars HERE. I’m happy to help. Magnets are just one of many public school options.
– Tanya Anton | gomama@mac.com

LAUSD’s Next Superintendent: Your Voice Counts!

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MONSTER JOB: EXECUTIVE STAR SEARCH:

StarSearchLet’s see, candidate must be able to manage $8B annual operating budget, a divisive and entrenched Board, multiple labor unions, shrinking budgets, decimated enrollment numbers, lackluster and at times unproductive staff, unmotivated students, bitter and at times hostile parents, direct and blatant competition, corporate interests, litigious volleys from all sides, allegations of misconduct, corruption, extortion, non-compliance, liabilities, misrepresentation, constant 360 criticism, mixed agendas with conflicting cross purposes, corporate interests dangling multi-million dollar contracts, dilapidated facilities next to state of the art glass houses, lowering standards in a volatile environment while outsiders are chomping at the bit for a hostile takeover…

…and on the upside? Holding the potential of children, our future, our next generation, in the palm of your hand, being the Voice of Reason (or Nonsense) or God, facing the mighty challenge of reversing a downward slump, swerving through potholes, setting a New North, becoming a hero, a savior, a rising star in the City of Angels, in shimmering lights, for a shiny new penny, the second-largest school district in the country, the greatest show on earth, the sandbox of creators, makers, and dreamers, where tiny feet tread, and egos clash. Oh, the highs, the lows, the revolving door…that is the helm of LAUSD.

It might be dysfunctional, but it’s OUR dysfunctional.

Surely SOMEBODY’s up for the challenge. And WE need YOU!

Parents, name your candidates; what you want to see in our new leader. The new Superintendent.

According to LAUSD, they’re listening and your voice counts!

Here’s more on the Supt SEARCH
Take the SURVEY
Attend one of 24 community MEETINGS covering all points North, South, East, West:

LASupt Community Meetings LASupt WMtg Oct2615

Help! Which (Confusing) Magnet Selector Do I Choose?

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Hey guys, I’ve been getting this Magnet question A LOT so let me share this loud and wide:

When you log into your parent account to submit your eChoices application, next to each child there is a pull-down menu.

Select “Magnet/PWT” Magnet:PWT Selectorand “Apply” and it will take you to the actual application.

If, however, you select “Magnet Space Available” – you will be applying for programs that are currently under-enrolled and have space THIS YEAR RIGHT NOW, so don’t select that option unless that’s your end goal, or you could be accepted like, immediately.

Once you are on the actual 2016-17 Magnet application you can finish filling out your choices.

MagnetchoicesRemember, you can submit your Magnet application and then go back and amend it as often as you like up until the Friday, November 13th 5pm deadline.

Um, does LAUSD deliberately make this process more difficult than it needs to be?
I mean, aren’t there like 500-gazillion parents putting in a Magnet app and only a small percentage who even qualify for, let alone know what PWT is? And BTW that Core Waiver/PSMCP has also been phased out unless you’re already on one. But I digress…

Ok, glad we cleared that up.

Tanya Contributes to LA Times Article on Magnets

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LAT Magnets

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Tanya Anton, creator of GoMamaGuide, contributes history, application process, and common misconceptions to Los Angeles Times reporter on the Magnet system in LAUSD.

Magnet schools: How to navigate one of L.A.’s most complex mazes

LA Times | Oct 9, 2015 | by Sonali Kohli
“The stakes are high for families across Los Angeles later this fall. Applications are being accepted for a spot in one of 210 magnet programs in L.A. public schools; the deadline is Nov. 13.

For some parents, getting in is the difference between staying in public schools and choosing a private or charter option.

“I just really want to know … the whole process, step by step,” said mother Latisha Lewis. She attended a recent magnet school fair at Baldwin Hills Elementary School with her 10-year-old daughter, Kyera Parker, who currently attends a charter.

Choosing and applying to magnet schools can be confusing. We spoke to experts and parents to find out about L.A. Unified’s magnet schools. They are listed at the bottom of this post.” Full Story HERE.