LAPSG NEWS

List of Private High Schools Accepting Applicants

lapsgnews — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:58:28 +0000

Here is a list of High Schools that are still accepting applications from 8th grade students. Each school has different guidelines. Please contact schools directly for details.

Providence High School
Alverno High School
Ramona Convent
St. Genevieve High School
Cathedral High School
Louisville High School
La Salle High School
Arroyo Pacific Academy
St. Monica Academy
Peace and Justice Academy
Saint Joseph High School
Please forward/announce this information to parents and students.
This message has been compiled by LAPSG and our communication with private high school administrators that have emailed us directly.

Educator Profile: Marielle Sallo

lapsgnews — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:00:13 +0000

San Gabriel Private School | San Gabriel Mission High School | Private School Lady Interview |

We are so excited to have the chance to interview Marielle Sallo of San Gabriel Mission HS. I got a chance to see her in action this past January. She had a really cool classroom and was so fun to hang out with.

1. How did you come to work at SGMHS?

I graduated from LMU with my Masters of Arts in Education through the PLACE Corps. As a member of Cohort 8, I was placed as San Gabriel Mission High School. 5 years later, I have found my home at SGMHS.

2. How long have you been a teacher?

I have been teaching for 5 years. I currently teach AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC and Chemistry. I have taught Algebra I and AP Psychology in the past.

3. What made you want to be a teacher?

In college, I worked for the IHS-UCLA GEAR UP. While here, I worked as a tutor and Program Assistant for the College Prep program. I fell in love with teaching high school students and decided to pursue a career in education.

You mentioned that you were in Africa while I was visiting your campus. Please share some that experience.

Upon completion of my undergraduate degree in Mathematics/Applied Science, I decided to participate for the Support for International Change program at UCLA. During my four month stay in Tanzania, I lived with two host families. While here, I taught HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness in the schools and villages.

4. What is your biggest challenge and biggest love when it comes to being a teacher?

My biggest challenge is consistently showing students the real-world applications of math and science. Many students tend to have a natural fear of the maths and sciences since its application is not always seen. This is a huge challenge, but a challenge I welcome. I always tell my students they don’t have to love the subject but at least give it a chance. I love when after the course is over, students can see the importance of the class and realize that they are actually good at it.

My biggest love of teaching is watching my students grown into motivated young woman of depth, integrity, respect and character. After four years at Mission I have witnessed them become model citizens ready to take on the challenges outside of high school.

5. We like to ask everyone we interview, whats in your lunch bag?

What lunch???

6. What do like to do on your spare time?

I enjoy reading, yoga and enjoying the sunshine!

Student Profile: Emily Kent from Saint Joseph High School

lapsgnews — Thu, 02 May 2013 08:00:33 +0000

Gateway Cities Private School | Saint Joseph High School | Private School Lady Interview |

We had the opportunity to interview Emily Kent, currently a Senior at Saint Joseph High School. We are excited to share some her experiences at Saint Joseph.

1. What school did you attend prior to attending Saint Joseph High School?

St. Barnabas Parish School

2. Is there an academic experience that you have had that has stuck out?

The most complicated, intensive project I have ever worked on was an assignment to turn the epic Paradise Lost by John Milton into a movie for my AP Language class. In a group of six, we had to write a screenplay, cast the characters, determine an entire budget, pick props and locations, design costumes, figure out our marketing strategy, create a movie website, compile a trailer, and present our proposal to a “producer.” This project pushed me to use all of my creativity, patience, research abilities, critical thinking skills, and communication skills. It was such a challenge, but the final project was so worth it because of everything I learned from it. I will never forget this project.

3. If you could tell just one story of how a Saint Joseph teacher has influenced your life, what would it be?

All of my teachers have been amazing, so it’s hard to pick just one story. But, I think my experience in the Theater Department under the direction of the drama teacher, Mr. Bozanich, has had a huge impact on my life and me as an individual. I was in my first high school show in the spring of my first year and finished my run in the Theater Department this fall. Mr. B was an amazing director, with so many valuable life lessons to share. The way he organizes the Theater Department at Saint Joseph really gets students involved. You have so many opportunities to be creative and you are in a fun, welcoming environment. Being part of the drama program helped me to learn to work well with others, to be more confident and outgoing, and to challenge myself.

4. What advice would you give the incoming freshman class?

Get involved in your school community as soon as you start school! Join a club, play a sport, perform in a school play, run for student council, whatever, but find something you love. It’s a great way to make friends outside of your grade and really feel like you fit in.

5. We love asking everyone this question, What’s in your lunch bag?

Leftover pasta, carrots and humus, strawberries, and a piece of chocolate!

Read other interviews….

Get to know Jacob Thomas Lightford {Student Profile}

Educator Profile: Marielle Sallo

Administrator Profile: Maria Jimenez of Divine Saviour

Maranatha High School’s 2013 Annual Gala

lapsgnews — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:24:46 +0000

Maranatha HS Fundraiser | Former First Lady Laura Bush Attends | LA Private School Guide |

Former First Lady Laura Bush attended Maranatha High School’s Annual Gala last month. With over 700 attendees, this event made school history. The funds raised will go into supporting their teachers as they prepare their students for college. Gifts received support the school’s mission and our valued teachers. This includes program and ministry outreach, training for technological innovations, teacher enrichment programs, and increasing the recruitment and retention of teachers of faith and distinction.

Awesome job Maranatha!

Check out other

Educator Profile: Allen Brown from Maranatha High School

lapsgnews — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:04:50 +0000

Pasadena Private School | Maranatha High School | Private School Lady Interview |

We had the privilege of interviewing Allen Brown, Department Chair of Science at Maranatha H.S. We are excited to share a bit of his background and what he brings to Maranatha.

1. How long have you been at Maranatha HS? And how long have you been teaching in general (you can share info about your teaching past too)

This is my sixth year at Maranatha and my sixth year teaching in general. I teach both chemistry and physics, and I have also been serving as the Chair of the Science Department for the past two years. I moved to Pasadena in 2004 for graduate school. In addition to pursuing my Master’s degree, I worked several jobs during my first three years in Pasadena. One of these jobs was to cover several extended sub needs in Maranatha’s science department during the 2006-2007 school-year. At the end of the year the school invited me to apply for a full-time teaching position and I accepted.

2. What is it about teaching that keeps you returning to work?

So many things. Primarily, the opportunity to interact with students in real and meaningful ways. I feel that all of society has an obligation to get involved in the development of our youth, and this is a chance for me to do that. Exploring the sciences in fun and meaningful ways with students of all backgrounds and interests brings me a lot of joy. Additionally, the teachers I work with are the best. I have often reflected with my peers how fortunate we are to have a workplace at which we not only respect each other, but so many of us enjoy being around each other. We take lunch with each other at school and share dinners on the weekend. I’ve taken several vacations with my fellow teachers – how often is that true of a workplace? Finally, the community at Maranatha is full of several terrific families. It makes a difference to be surrounded with several constituencies working together towards a common goal.

3. Can you share a moment that you have had as a teacher that really brought out the best of you, that made you proud to be a teacher.

Since arriving at Maranatha, one of my primary goals has been to extend my service to the students beyond the classroom. To that end I have coached several sports (cross country, track, soccer, and golf – currently Head Coach – Boys Golf) and worked to extend the extracurricular science opportunities for students at Maranatha. We have been fortunate to have the chance to partner with the CCI lab at CalTech through the SHArK/SEAL research program. Under the supervision of undergraduate students, PhD candidates, and post-docs from Caltech our students contribute to a meaningful body of research in the development of non-toxic, efficient, and cost-effective solar cells. Seeing students involved in this program graduate from MHS and move on to experience success studying science and engineering at schools such as CalTech, Harvey Mudd, and Amherst certainly makes me proud to be a teacher. Similarly, Maranatha students have competed in the Regional Science Bowl at JPL for the past four years, the LA County Science Olympiad for the first time, and the first two years of our school science fair (with winning projects moving on to compete in the LA County or ACSI Science Fairs). None of these opportunities existed for our students when I came to Maranatha, and nothing makes me more proud then seeing students pursuing science beyond the classroom.

Just last week I received the following email from a former student (now at UC-Irvine): “As I am sitting in my room studying for my chemistry midterm, I just wanted to say thank you for giving me a good understanding of chemistry and not making me hate it like everyone else’s high school teachers!” She ended up getting an A on her exam. Comments like this are invaluable.

4. What is the hardest part of teaching for you?

It seems like two competing narratives exist in the larger cultural dialogue regarding teachers. On one hand, teachers are charged with the task of identifying the needs of an incredibly diverse population of students, and meeting these needs with 100% success regardless of the confounding variables that might exist at different schools. On the other hand, teaching as a profession is considered a step down from many other professions that require undergraduate and (increasingly) graduate studies. It can be tough to endure the demands of the profession if one finds his or herself in an environment that lacks the support of the community: parents, administrators, policy makers, etc. Conversely, when one has the support of these individuals, seemingly impossible demands become truly realized.

Meet other inspiring people….

Administrator Profile: Maria Jimenez of Divine Saviour

Get to Know Colin Duffy

Educator Profile: Noelle Orsini

Visit to La Canada Preschool

lapsgnews — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:31:48 +0000

Private School Lady Visits La Canada Preschool | Private School La Canada | Private School Lady Gets A Tour |

I visited La Canada Preschool and got to meet Debbie the Director who was absolutely warm and welcoming. She has such an enthusiasm to share about her school and what she had to offer and what they were doing. La Canada Preschool is just a wonderful play based preschool that was centered around the child and their growth and time of growth. La Canada Preschool is a really warm and holistic environment for kids. I spoke to several of the teachers and they were also excited to be there and share what they do.

They had some student exercises displayed on the wall. The sentence, “what do you like about the rain?” was written for students and they had to respond. The student could draw a picture focused on their response. One child wrote, “I don’t know what I like about the rain.” I loved that the students were allowed to say ‘I don’t know’ and that had the same value as the other responses.

There was another drawing posted with the quote, “Alien going to Earth from his home to steal all the underpants.” You can really see students own individual growth being fostered in this kind of free environment.

Administrator Profile: Maria Jimenez of Divine Saviour

Visit to LILA Pasadena

Visit to Pasadena Christian School

Page Private Visit

Incarnation School Visit

Administrator Profile: Maria Jimenez of Divine Saviour

lapsgnews — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 08:42:48 +0000

Los Angeles Private School | Divine Saviour | Private School Lady Interview |

I had the privilege of interviewing Maria Jimenez, Principal of Divine Saviour School in Cypress Park, Highland Park adjacent. When I went to visit I was pretty amazed with the changes that I had seen the school go through. Ms. Jimenez has one of the clearest visions for her school that I have ever seen. I am really excited to share this blog post about her. -Mia

1. How long have you been at Divine Savior? What work were you doing before coming to this school?

I have been at Divine Saviour for five years. Prior to this I was a teacher, 16 years in Catholic school and three years in public. This is actually my 2nd career, I spent the first 8 years after college working in advertising agencies with focus on the Hispanic market.

2. What draws you to Divine Savoir? If you had to pick something that made you so excited to be at that school, what would it be?

What drew me to Divine Saviour was that these kids and families are me; they are growing up in the same environment I grew up in; if I made it, so can they. I see tremendous potential in them although there is a climate out there that says these kids won’t make it. We’ll prove them wrong. Every morning when I arrive I look up at the bell in the tower and it serves as a reminder of why I do this.

3. When I came to visit you were so clear about your vision of the school, “to serve the working families in the area”. Tell us about that vision.

The vision keeps focus on how I made it out; if it was not for my Catholic elementary school and high school I would not be here. These students and parents are living my struggle. However, the vision is about all of them earning at least a BA, no exceptions. This is a place where they come meet Jesus the minute they walk through the doors. They see Jesus in me, every teacher, every parent, the pastor, their friends – For the six hours we have them there is unconditional love, structure, discipline, academic standards, prayer, etc… We cannot control what happens at home, but we definitely can create a special place for them here at school.

4. You have so many amazing improvements to your school compared to 7+yrs ago when I last visited and I am floored by the opportunities you’ve been given. Can you share some of those?

The improvements took many forms – the initial work was “Cleaning Up” the “Product.” Faculty meetings became the place to share best practices of effective teachers and also to fine tune all realms – faith formation, discipline, praise, procedures, etc… We had to clean the inside first, then the focus shifted to the outside.

Together in Mission came in and completed alot of work on the actual school four years ago – roof, paint inside and out, repaved, remodeled bathrooms, new lights in each classroom. A donor provided the green grass, rod iron fence, fountain, stucco wall and garden by my office. The important piece was cleanliness so that when parents first came to visit the school they were met with a neat, organized space.

5. Your school is in a more challenged area and you spoke about the pregnancy rate before they graduate high school and what you focus on at your school is that these kids are going to go to college. One thing that you pointed out was that kids write at the top of their assignments is “I am going to college.” Tell us about that. How did you decide to do it and how do you think it effects the students?

“I Am Going to College” has been evolving. Since I arrived, we have been taking field trips to colleges as part of our Catholic School Week Celebration. Many of the grades complete research on a college they are interested in attending. Research showed that only 8% of Latinos held a BA – that included my generation. I kept thinking that things had improved. I believe the percent is now 13. But I kept thinking, why is this number not higher – the answer 53% or more students do not graduate from public high school (Catholic high schools have a 99% graduation rate), information is not readily available to parents especially those who do not speak English, financial assistance is hard to understand and we are battling a culture/climate where parents just want their kids to get a job. So I decided we needed to start planting the seed of higher education as a way out. I visited Washington D.C. with my daughter a few years back. We were there for a month and we would sit outside the Supreme Court, White House, Capitol, etc… One day my daughter, who at the time was 15 asked, “Mom where are all the people of color?” They were not there. We toured the U.S. Capitol and then had lunch at the Capitol cafeteria – we saw the people of color serving the food. I remember thinking, “We are still in the kitchen.” Writing “I Am Going to College” on assignments is a daily reminder that all the work they do in elementary school prepares them for the rigors of college and that there is no option.

6. Is there anything else you would like to add?

I think a lot about my mission and purpose – being a principal is difficult. Yet, the reward of faithful commitment to vocation are too numerous to count. I think I am exactly at the place God wants me to be right now. On those rough days when I think I can no longer do this, I think who will take care of my people. So I go on and turn to God to help carry my burdens.

7. Silly question, what is in your lunch bag normally?

I don’t carry a lunch bag – I eat what the kids eat and I prefer to sit with them and talk. My morning coffee is always at 7am with the first student who arrives for morning care. They get the privilege of putting 2 Sweet and Lows in my cup, and placing the coffee container in my coffee maker. Then we talk. I learn a lot from the kids at morning coffee – they have difficult lives; too much to carry at such a young age. The least I can do is plant the seed of knowledge and help water it.

Visit to LILA Pasadena

lapsgnews — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 19:43:18 +0000

LILA School | LILA Pasadena | Private School Lady Gets A Tour | LA Private School Guide

Lila Pasadena is an Elementary school in the heart of Pasadena. It is a dual immersion French school. Warm and welcoming are the first words that come to mind about how I felt on the campus. There are about 150 kids. Students get both French citizen teachers and American English teachers in the classroom. I loved hearing the elementary school students speak fluent french. There is a wonderful quaint yard with overhead covering. Check out the photos.

Ellen Turner is the Admissions Director and was so wonderful!

ellen.turner@lilaschool.com

Page Private Visit

Visit to Pasadena Christian School

Incarnation School Visit

Visit to Pasadena Christian School

lapsgnews — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:52:59 +0000

Pasadena Private School | Pasadena Christian School | Private School Lady Gets A Tour |

I got to visit Pasadena Christian Preschool with the Director Kristin Perez. I think this was one of the most thoughtful preschools I have ever visited. They have a teacher who focuses just on outdoor recreation for kids. She is always creating different outdoor activities for children. One week will be dress up play another week, musical instruments. It was absolutely thoughtful in how they create different types of play for children at the preschool.

What also left an impression with me is that Pasadena Preschool had an amazing shade covering in their yard area for kids. I think we forget how important it is to protect our skin. I loved seeing that Pasadena Christian Preschool was ahead of the game.

There was a quiet reading corner and it wasn’t just a chair and some pillows—It was a claw foot bathtub with huge cushions, blankets and pillows along some books on the side. It was a cute area for kids to hang out in.

Pasadena Christian Preschool is a wonderfully thought out program and really great to see.

If you are campus, don’t forget to visit the library of the elementary school. It was absolutely beautiful and one of the most prominent libraries that I have seen in an elementary school. I LOOOVE what they did with the donor wall. See the wall of “books”. Each book has a name of a donor. Love signs of appreciation.

Page Private Visit

Visit to La Canada Preschool

Page Private Visit

lapsgnews — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:44:21 +0000

Los Angeles Private School | Page Private School | Private School Lady Gets A Tour |

A few weeks ago I visited Page Private School on Larchmont. I have been visiting Page now for 10+ years and its almost like my visit is anticipated. The Executive Assistant Grace is so welcoming and had photos ready to show me of her daughter, who was my student some moons ago. I love that I show up for business and it’s more about the relationships. I met Hana Hong who is the Admissions Director and also a former student at Page Private School.

Hana gave me a tour of the campus. They also have a pretty large garden, a very spacious playground that has been really well designed for young children, a separate play yard for the younger kids in Pre-K, a mac lab, music classes, small class sizes, and several other amenities for students. Enjoy the pics!

More school visits….