May
26
2008
San Jose Schools-programs and Projects
Posted by admin in Middle School Article, tags: Charitable Foundation, Elementary Schools, Phase One, Student Population, Vision StatementSan José Schools are members of a large urban school district serving about 32,000 students from kindergarten through grade twelve. San Jose Schools represent the eleventh largest urban school district in California, with thirty one elementary schools, seven middle schools, and seven high schools. The student population is 31% Anglo, 49% Hispanic, 13% Asian, 3% Black and 4% other minority. The district’s web page states the following Vision Statement: “San Jose Schools [are] learning communit[ies] that inspire students to be the best they can be, equipping them with world class skills, a commitment to lifelong learning, active citizenship in a diverse society, and respect for self and others.”
Service Projects: San Jose Schools students learn about service projects through a partnership with Youth Re:Action Corps (www.yrcorps.org), a high school based program to educate young people about local, national and international issues, empower them to create plans for social change, and invest financially in their visions of a better world.
Awards: On May 27, 2007, San Jose Schools announced that the Capitol Expressway Auto Dealers Charitable Foundation donated $50,000 to 12 elementary schools
and supports 38 third grade classroom libraries. San Jose Schools Superintendent Don Iglesias, stated, “We are very grateful…for their generosity and commitment to education displayed by their…donation. Literacy is the key to successful learning for our students.”
New Program: One San Jose Schools high school, Leland High School, has instituted the “Every 15 Minutes” program. This is an anti-DUI program which emphasizes good decision making for high school juniors and seniors. The program has two phases; phase one is a simulated accident scene and phase two is a funeral that includes guest speakers who have lost loved ones in alcohol related collisions. The program Continue Reading
Jan
24
2008
Local Young Adult Author, Diane Kozak, Visits The Parker Middle School In Taunton, Ma
Posted by admin in Middle School Article, tags: Adult Author, Charitable Foundation, Koza, Taunton Federal Credit Union, Volunteer SpeakerTaunton, MA… Diane Kozak, the former Chief Executive Officer/President of the Taunton Federal Credit Union, met with a group of 120 students at the Parker Middle School on Thursday, February 26th to discuss the importance of reading and writing skills in regard to future career success. By sharing her experiences with finding employees for the credit union, she explained how reading develops imagination and why she believes this talent is so important in today’s workplace. She also offered advice on choosing a career path and how education is the foundation for future career success. Through the generosity of the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, Inc, each student received an autographed copy of her novel…Full Circle 911.
Diane Kozak is a volunteer speaker at public schools and youth organizations throughout the area. Recent appearances include a “tour” of the Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Boston, Kuss Middle School in Fall River and three middle schools in the Boston School system. “I love talking to young people about their futures and why the decisions they make today will influence their ability to make their dreams come true. When they hear about my background and experiences through the public school system, they realize that we are all capable of achieving our own personal idea of success if we take advantage of the fine education that is offered to us.”
Diane Kozak coordinated this visit with Melanie Ahern who is a 7th grade reading teacher at the Parker Middle School. She also worked with Michele Roberts at the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, Inc on special funding for this event. “Melanie, Michele and I agree that my visit will have more impact if every student is given a copy of my book. The book will not only encourage them to read, it will also be a reminder to them that reading is a critical component of their Continue Reading