Tag Archives: slider

San Bernardino City Unified’s Hillside Elementary Wins Prestigious Honors

Hillside SoA_06

Hillside University Demonstration School has earned prestigious, back-to-back awards for its work to ensure all students succeed academically.

The California Department of Education recently recognized Hillside with a Title I Academic Achievement Award for demonstrating that all students are making significant progress toward proficiency on California’s academic content standards.

The Title I Academic Achievement Award is given to schools receiving federal Title I funds as authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Title I, the single largest federal educational program for K-12 public education, assists schools in meeting the educational needs of students living at or below the poverty level.

In March, the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) named Hillside one of the nation’s top urban schools that achieve exceptional academic results. To compete for the 2014 National Excellence in Urban Education Award, schools had to serve predominantly low-income students. They also had to meet a long list of student performance criteria, including high achievement scores, high attendance rates, and low suspension rates, among other requirements. In addition, each racial, ethnic, and income group served had to demonstrate rates of proficiency that exceeded the proficiency rates for all students in the state. Schools also could not use any selective admission criteria to screen out less-capable students.

Hillside, which earned a Bronze Award from NCUST, was 1 of just 16 schools around the nation that demonstrated the greatest evidence of rigorous content, engaging instruction, and positive relationships among students, teachers, parents, and administrators. The only other California school to be recognized is a charter school in El Cajon. All of the award-winning schools were recognized at a special ceremony during the NCUST Symposium on Thursday, May 22 in San Diego.

“We are fortunate to have very dedicated teachers who put students first,” said Principal Tommie Archuleta. “Everyone, from our parents to our community partners, has high expectations for our students. And, our students have shown us that they can meet and often exceed those high expectations.”

Hillside Elementary is a University Demonstration School, where California State University, San Bernardino students who are preparing to enter the educational field work with master teachers. The school, which serves more than 700 students in grades kindergarten through six, offers the sought-after Dual Immersion program.

Hillside is a testimony to the transformation that is taking place across San Bernardino City Unified, said Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden.

“Our schools are where hope is born,” Marsden said. “If our students, our employees, and our schools have hope, then our entire community has hope.”

Female African American Director Launches Campaign for Feature Film

Shequeta Smith

Shequeta Smith

LOS ANGELES, CA- Hollywood is chalked full of great Directors and the alumni of talented African American Directors such as Steve McQueen, Lee DanielsSpike LeeTyler Perry, and John Singleton is growing. However, what we are not seeing is an equal presence of female African American Directors, but one woman hopes to change that and that woman is Shequeta Smith, CEO of Rayven Choi Films.

A graduate of North Carolina State University, Smith possess a professional resume that includes working on shows such as VH1’s Flava of Love, the CW’s Everybody Hates Chris, and a handful of successful short films she has directed. She now has her sights on feature films and has a hilarious comedy in the works and has launched a crowd funding campaign to get it off the ground.

The film is titled The Gestapo vs. Granny and is a comedy set inside a retirement home that centers around Agnes Monroe, a no nonsense eccentric senior citizen who has been kicked out of eighteen retirement homes and been arrested nine times for bad behavior while leaving a trail of outspoken victims from her shenanigans. In a hilarious twist Agnes is recruited to take on the shrewd owner of a retirement home that the residents have nicknamed The Gestapo. Agnes’ major “Senior Moment” is never realizing she is a senior…not even for a moment.

Smith launched her crowd funding campaign on Indiegogo with a goal of $75,000 that her team is marketing as Agnes’ bail money and promoting on social media as “Free Agnes Monroe”. Confident the campaign will succeed, Smith plans to shoot the film this Fall in Los Angeles with a dream cast and if all goes according to plan, Betty White will star in the film as Agnes Monroe. Smith has even initiated an online fan petition for Betty White to star in the role of Agnes.

To support The Granny vs. The Gestapo’s Indiegogo campaign, log on to www.FreeAgnesMonroe.com. Follow the campaign and film on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FreeAgnesMonroe and on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/FreeAgnesMonroe.

 

Publisher’s Election Recommendations Please Vote on June 3rd

  • Lieutenant Governor:

    Gavin Newsom

  • Secretary of State

    Alex Padilla

  • Controller

    John Perez

  • Treasurer

    John Chiang

  • Attorney General

    Kamala D. Harris

  • Insurance Commissioner:

    Dave Jones

  • Superintendent of Public Instructions:

    Tom Torlakson

  • U. S. Representative  District 8

    Bob Conaway

  • U.S. Representative District 31

    Danny Tillman

  • U.S. Representative District 35

    Norma Torres

  • State Senator District 20

    Shannon O’Brien

  • State Assembly District 40

    Kathleen Henry

  • State Assembly District 47

    Cheryl R. Brown

  • SB County Superintendent of Schools

    Ted Ajejandre

  • SB County District Attorney

    Grover D. Merritt

  • SB County Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator:

    Clifton Harris

  • Proposition 41…

    Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Bond of 2014…. YES

  • Proposition 42… Public Records… Reimbursement To Local Agencies… Amendment….

    NO

The Legacy of a Literacy Icon

“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.” –Maya Angelou

Written by Naomi K. Bonman

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou

The world lost another great icon, a legendary voice in literature. According to ABC News, renowned poet, author and civil activist Maya Angelou was called to red on the morning of Wednesday, May 28 in North Carolina. Despite being very frail and having heart problems, Angelou was going strong, finishing a new book.

Miss Angelou came to fame after publishing her first book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, in 1969. The book, which reflected her life, was a success and was nominated for a National Book Award, and from there the rest is history. In acknowledgment of her phenomenal works, she will be honored at the 2014 MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon.

Her legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

April 4, 1928- May 28, 2014

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrIG9vqZhpY]

Union Bank Partners with Operation Hope to Teach Students Financial Education at Boys & Girls Clubs San Bernardino

Photo caption: Team members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Bernardino pose for a photo after successfully completing the five-week Operation HOPE Banking on Our Future financial dignity program.  They are joined by (Far Left) Boys & Girls Clubs of San Bernardino Program Director Alma Flores and (Far Right) Union Bank Branch Manager and volunteer instructor Michael Milian.

Photo caption: Team members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Bernardino pose for a photo after successfully completing the five-week Operation HOPE Banking on Our Future financial dignity program. They are joined by (Far Left) Boys & Girls Clubs of San Bernardino Program Director Alma Flores and (Far Right) Union Bank Branch Manager and volunteer instructor Michael Milian.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- As part of its ongoing commitment to responsible banking and to help increase youth financial education, Union Bank partnered with Operation HOPE (HOPE) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Bernardino (BGCSB) to educate high school students about the basics of personal finance using HOPE’s Banking on Our Future curriculum.  Union Bank volunteers Rosella Bernal, Michael Milian and Jason Nesbihal began teaching HOPE’s award-winning youth financial dignity program to members of the BGCSB on April 11.  The five-week course culminated with a recognition ceremony to celebrate the students’ completion of the program May 9. The Banking on Our Future curriculum offers five modules:  Course in Dignity (covers the importance of responsible budgeting and money management), Basics of Budgeting, Get Smart About Banking (Checking and Savings Accounts), Fundamentals of Credit, and Introduction to Savings and Investing.   Each week, students participating in the program learned practical lessons by using hands-on calculations and real-world examples. During the ceremony, students, teachers and parents were also treated to a special demonstration of the bank’s newest financial education tool – the Yuby app.

“It’s Cool to Be Smart” Concert Fundraiser-Mindless Behavior

Mindless_Behavior

ONTARIO, CA- In an effort to promote education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering Arts, and Math, join Victorville Motors and Shear Realty and buy a student a ticket to see Mindless Behavior and Friends at the Citizens Bank Arena, and also EXCITE their appetites for STEAM. Tickets are on sale now at Citizens Business Bank Arena for $49, $39, and $29. Proceeds will go towards providing FREE Millionaire Mind Kids Summer Camps and meals for Victor Valley’ Youth. Purchase tickets under one of the schools’ PROMO CODES which can be found on the Millionaire Mind Kids Smart Center Facebook page.

Millionaire Mind Kids is accepting applications for summer Camps. To receive your application, please email millionairemindkids@verizon.net. Deadline to complete and return applications is May 31. The Camp will be held from June 16-27 for ages 13 to 18; July 7-July 11 for ages 9 to 12; July 14-July 18 for ages 13 to 18; and July 21-July 25.  Open House for sponsors, businesses, educators, families and students (the public) will be held on June 16 from 9:00 a.m.—11 a.m.  Contact MMK for group student tickets at (760) 240-4044.

BLU Educational Foundation Announces Innovative College And Career Readiness Experience for Local Students

N05-youth-career-initiative

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- BLU Educational Foundation is pleased to announce the kick-off of its Hustle & Flow Academy, an innovative hands-on approach to preparing young people for college and career success.  Considered the ultimate college and career readiness experience for young people, the Academy will be held June 9 – 13 and June 16 on the campus of San Bernardino Valley College.  The Hustle & Flow Academy is open to all young adults 16 to 23-years-old.  Tuition is $150 and includes lunch.

The Academy will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily beginning June 9.  Registration may be completed online.  Attendees will use their talents, skills and dreams to create a personalized action plan for their future.  Students will be guided by college advisors and business professionals through intense, results producing activities and workshops that will include resume building, public speaking, creating a personal statement, and interviewing and soft skills training for the workplace.  Attendees will also have an opportunity to compete for internships and win a $500 scholarship.  For more information, visit www.blueedfoundation.org or call (909) 820-2827.

The Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Awards Local Scholarships

Kappa Youth Honorees

Kappa Youth Honorees

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc introduced four of six winners of their 2014 Diamond Foundation Scholarship. These four received a total of $5,000. The scholars were introduced to the public at the San Bernardino Valley Chapter of The Links, Incorporated 36th Annual Scholarship Breakfast Ball on Saturday, May 10. All recipients will be introduced again at the Chapter’s White Linen Party/Charity Bachelor Auction on July 19 at the Life Arts Center in Riverside.

Mohamed Jawara attends Redlands High School and begins medical studies at UC Riverside. Zackery Maroste attends Granite Hills High School and will attend California Baptist University. Stephen Sanford attends Sultana High School and is going to Northwestern University. Cameron Tatum attends Carter High School and plans to attend Arizona State University. Congratulations graduates! Through these and other activities, the Chapter looks to give others who want to assist our youth, a partner that is hard at work.  For mpre information visit www.crimsonandcreamevents.com

Harlem Globetrotters Summer Clinics Coming to Los Angeles Area in Partnership with 24 Hour Fitness

Harlem GlobetrottersLOS ANGELES, CA- The world famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their widely popular Summer Clinics, in partnership with fitness club industry leader 24 Hour Fitness, to the Los Angeles area for more fun on the court with the only clinics coached by Globetrotters stars.The Globetrotters will conduct 471 Summer Clinics in 19 markets across the U.S., including clinics on the following dates at area 24 Hour Fitness locations:24 Hour Fitness Hollywood Sport, 6380 West Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028 on July 5-8;  24 Hour Fitness Carson Sport, 945 E. Dominguez St., Carson, CA 90746 on July 10-13; 24 Hour Fitness Northridge Super Sport, 19350 Nordhoff Street Unit D, Northridge, CA 91324 on July 15-18; 24 Hour Fitness Arcadia Sport, 125 North First Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006 on July 19-22; and 24 Hour Fitness Orange Super Sport, 2102 N Tustin Ave., Orange, CA 92865 on July 24-29.

Each day consists of three separate, two-hour sessions from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.At the Harlem Globetrotters Summer Clinics, kids will spend two fun-filled hours with their friends being coached by Globetrotters stars; learn more than just the fundamentals, as the Globetrotters emphasize how to be a good teammate on and off the court; find out just how much fun basketball can be for kids of all skill levels; leave with an official clinic certificate, personalized nickname and ticket voucher to the Globetrotters’ 2015 North American Tour (valued up to $40); and have a photograph and autograph session at the end of the clinic.

Clinics are open to boys and girls of all skill levels, ages 6 to 12. The registration price is $69 per two-hour session, but those who register by March 17, 2014, will save $15 per registration. For more information, and to find the clinic nearest you, visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com/clincs.

 

LUE PRODUCTIONS ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Speaker Junkiez

Speaker JunkiezHow’s it going Inland Empire! This week I would like to feature one of the most talented groups in the Inland Empire, Hip Hop artist Speaker Junkiez. Are you looking for a Turn UP group?  Then look no further. Allow me to introduce “Speaker Junkiez”, one of the BEST Hip-Hop groups in the Inland Empire. From their colorful and unique style, to their catchy lyrics, original beats, and dance moves, they’re always GUARANTEED to get the crowd up on their feet!

With the God given talent of vocals and lyrics they’ve been blessed with, Barbra Martin, also known as Dada Doe, and Nash Collins the III, also known as Big Chew, they became one forming the group known as, “Speaker Junkiez ”. Under management by LUE Productions, the group has been performing all over Southern California.

Both Dada Doe and Big Chew were born in San Bernardino California, where they found their love of music at a young age. Growing up in the streets of San Bernardino with little promise for the future both turned to the ARTS as a way to express their inner self. Holding each other down through good and bad times while making the best out of the worst situation, these two were still able to produce quality music.

The group just released their first video ever for their song “Let’s Party”. Come out and watch them perform it live for LUE Productions/Family First Entertainment Annual Urban Hip-Hop and R&B Fashion Show this Sunday located at 114 S. Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino (92408) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can view it on YouTube as well. They are also currently working on their EP and building their fan base, and are looking forward to touring and performing all over the world. With God by their side, this group is truly on the RISE!