Mountain Views News          Saturday, February 1, 2014

Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 1, 2014 7EDUCATION & YOUTH Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 1, 2014 7EDUCATION & YOUTH 
PASADENA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION AWARDS $50,000TO PASADENA UNIFIED TEACHERS 

PASADENA, CA -A groupof Pasadena Unified School District 
(PUSD) teachers checked off 
some important items from theirwish lists last night. The PasadenaEducational Foundation (PEF)
awarded this year’s PEF TeacherGrants on Wednesday, January 22,
at a reception at the Western JusticeCenter in Pasadena. A total of $50,000in grants was awarded to 86 PUSD 
teachers and principals, representing57 outstanding proposals. The 
grants, awarded yearly, will benefit 
thousands of students in Altadena,
Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. 

DNA kits, sheet music, and California 
native plants for an outdoor 
classroom are just a few of the 
supplies that this year’s PEF Teacher 
Grants will purchase to support 
a diverse and vibrant selection of 
educational projects. The Pasadena 
Educational Foundation has been 
awarding teachers in PUSD grants 
to help fund classroom supplies and 
instructional materials for more than 
40 years. 

“The goal of the PEF Teacher 
Grant Program is to promote the 
development of educational activities 
that will improve and enhance 
student achievement,” said PEF 

Executive Director, Patrick Conyers. passion for reading and early literacy. Pasadena Educational Foundation. 
“This year, like every year, I am awed by 
the creativity and passion that our district’s “It is my desire; to not only teach these Pasadena Educational Foundation is a 
teachers share in these proposals.” students how to read, but to instill in them nonprofit organization that advocates for

a love for books,” said Kaiulani Sallas. “Mr. public education, engages the community, 
A full list of 2013-14 PEF Teacher Grants Brunson was my principal at Jefferson and develops resources to support excellent 
can be found online at: http://www.Elementary. Even at the young age of five, education for every Pasadena Unified 
pasedfoundation.org/teachers/teacher-I was well aware that this was an amazing School District student. 
grant-program/2014grants/ human being. His love for the school 

permeated every aspect at Jefferson; from The Pasadena Unified School District 
A special award, the Jarratt Brunson singing our Alma Mater to the strong ethics (PUSD) serves pre-K to 12th grade students 
Award, was presented to teacher Kaiulani he instilled in each of us. He exemplified all in a 76-square mile area that includes the 
Sallas and Principal Amin Oria from that a principal of a school should be.” communities of Altadena, Pasadena, Sierra 
Jefferson Elementary School. This newly Madre and unincorporated parts of Los 

established award is named in honor of PEF Teacher Grant projects must be student Angeles County. Pasadena Unified School 
Jarratt Brunson one of the founders of the centered, related to the curriculum, and District provides a caring, engaging and 
Pasadena Educational Foundation and must demonstrably benefit students and challenging educational experience for over 
responsible for initiating the PEF Teacher enhance and improve student achievement. 18,000 students every day. 
Grant Program. The award is presented Funding for the grants is made possible 
to the proposal that best reflects Jarratt’s by individual donor contributions to the 

Sierra Madre Elementary School - PEF Teacher Grants 2013-14 - Suzanne York - It's 
Rocket Science; Rebecca Bickel - Magnetism Schoolhouse; Carolyn Halpern - NatureGot There First and Lisa Prado - History Day LA Photo courtesy PEF


ST. RITA CELEBRATES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 


Pack the Church: St. Rita students from each grade participated in the “Pack the Church” Mass last Sunday. 


Sierra Madre, CA – Students at St. Rita School celebrated National Catholic Schools Week with a daily line-up of fun activities on 
campus and community outreach projects designed to honor the Sierra Madre organizations that make our town so unique and special. 

The week began with students and their families “packing the church” at Sunday’s 10 o’clock Mass, followed by a school-wide open house 
in which current and prospective families could tour the classrooms, view the student artwork on display and have coffee and donuts 
while marveling at exhibits in the students’ Science Fair. 

In the school week following, students enjoyed a kickball tournament, barbeque lunch for the school’s “Buddy” program, the 4th Grade 
wax museum presentation, Pastries with Parents and the Scripps Nat’l Spelling Bee -- won by 7th-grader Alessandra Soto who will be 
moving on to the district competition. Classes also competed in a “Penny Crusade” to raise funds for a Haitian orphanage. 

The Transitional Kindergarten through 8th Grade classrooms each worked on a community “thank-you” project to recognize those at 
the Fire Department, Library, Post Office, Parks and Recreation Department, CLIMB, the Chamber, Women’s Club, Senior Center and 
City Hall. For example, the 4th Grade class made oversized valentine posters with raised symbols and greetings for CLIMB, and the 7th 
Grade made inspirational posters to thank the City’s seniors for all they’ve done for the community through the years. 

St. Rita is a top-ranked Catholic parish school, located at 322 N. Baldwin Ave. in Sierra Madre, which focuses on faith, stewardship and 
academic excellence. Visit www.st-ritaschool.org for more information. 

FROSTIG SCHOOL HOSTS UNIQUE TUTORING AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS 

Pasadena, CA - Drawing on more than 60 years experience helping students that may have fine motor issues,” said Harris, who is the drama 
children with learning differences succeed, the highly skilled teachers at instructor at Frostig School and director of Acting Up!, acting classes for 
the Frostig School are now offering tutoring, music, dance and art classes children and teens at the Sierra Madre Playhouse. “This class is a creative 
to all students in the community.outlet for everyone, in a safe and nurturing environment.” 
Tutoring by Frostig’s credentialed educators can make a significant Music students can sign up for private or group lessons with Frostig’s 
difference to any student struggling academically, said The Frostig Center’s Music Director, Rich Dembowski. As a songwriter and recording artist, 
Executive Director Dean Conklin, Ed.D. “Our instructors are trained to Dembowski has written, produced and independently released three 
recognize the root causes of students’ challenges,” he explained. “They can albums under the name Old Californio. He has also played and recorded 
then employ myriad research-based techniques to address students’ issues with artists Victoria Williams and Ben Vaughn, as well as worked on 
and also focus on their strengths.” television’s popular That 70’s Show. Brasswind instruments are taught by 
Students needing help with homework assignments can drop by the Frostig teacher and professional musician Joseluis Jimenez. Lessons will 
Homework Club from 3:15 to focus on a fun exploration of music with an emphasis on performance and 
4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays for $25 a session. self-expression, said Dembowski. Students ages 9 and up can sign up for 
Individual tutoring appointments are also available on the same days from private vocal, piano, drum, guitar, bass, woodwind and brasswind lessons 
4 – 6 p.m. The cost is $30 for a half hour session and $50 for an hour. As at $25 for 30 minutes, and $50 an hour Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 
a former general education teacher at all grade levels, Frostig instructor and Fridays. A 10-week group series is $120. 
Mary Frances Goodwin has 17 years experience using a variety of effective Private or small group art classes in drawing, painting and ceramics are 
methods to help all styles of learners reach their full potential. being offered Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 – 5 
Award-winning professional dancer Christina Harris is offering dance p.m. for $25 a half hour and $50 for a full hour. Frostig’s expansive art 
classes infused with jazz, hip hop and cheer to students at all levels room includes pottery wheels, a ceramics kiln, woodworking equipment, 
Tuesdays from 4 – 5 p.m. The cost for the 10-week series, beginning an outdoor and indoor facility with plenty of natural light, various work 
February 4, is $175. Harris, who most recently was named winner of the surfaces, and numerous pieces of adaptive equipment to help the beginner 
“Master of Dance” competition on TLC, is also a member of an elite dance get started. “My experience working with many different types of children 
troupe for Academy Award winning actress Mo’Nique and has appeared and many different materials in my own practice, as well as at this wonderful 
on numerous television shows and music videos. facility, make these art classes perfect for all types of learners wanting to 
Still, teaching has always been Harris’ passion. Her wide-ranging explore different types of art,” said Frostig art instructor Jessica Monares. 
experience makes her uniquely suited for the job. “I am able to challenge For additional information about The Frostig Center or School call (626) 
the students that have a higher skill level and also make comfortable the 791-1255 or visit our website at www.frostig.org. 

SCHOOL DIRECTORY 
Alverno High School200 N. Michillinda Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024(626) 355-3463 Head of School: Ann M. Gillick 
E-mail address: agillick@alverno-hs.org 
Arcadia High School180 Campus Drive Arcadia, CA 91007Phone: (626) 821-8370, Principal: Brent Forseebforsee@ausd.net 
Arroyo Pacific Academy41 W. Santa Clara St. Arcadia, Ca, 
(626) 294-0661 Principal: Phil ClarkeE-mail address: pclarke@arroyopacific.org 
Barnhart School 
240 W. Colorado Blvd Arcadia, Ca. 91007 
(626) 446-5588 Head of School: Ethan WilliamsonKindergarten - 8th gradewebsite: www.barnhartschool.org 
Bethany Christian School93 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024(626) 355-3527 Principal: James LugenbuehlE-mail address: jml@bcslions.orgwebsite: www. bcslions.org 
Clairbourn School 
8400 Huntington DriveSan Gabriel, CA 91775 
Phone: 626-286-3108 ext. 172 
FAX: 626-286-1528 
E-mail: jhawes@clairbourn.org 
Foothill Oaks Academy822 Bradbourne Ave., Duarte, CA 91010 
(626) 301-9809Co-Principals Nancy Lopez and Diane Kieffaberinfo@foothilloaksacademy.org 
preschool@foothilloaksacademy.orgFrostig School971 N. Altadena Drive Pasadena, CA 91107(626) 791-1255Head of School: Chris Schnieders, PhD 
Email: Jackykn@frostig.orgThe Gooden School 
192 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 
(626) 355-2410 Head of School: Patty Patanowebsite: www.goodenschool.org 
High Point Academy1720 Kinneloa Canyon Road Pasadena, Ca. 91107 
Headmaster John Higgins 626-798-8989 
website: www.highpointacademy.org 
LaSalle High School3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, Ca. 
(626) 351-8951 website: www.lasallehs.orgPrincipal Bro. Christopher Brady, FSC 
Monrovia High School325 East Huntington Drive, Monrovia, CA 91016 
(626) 471-2800 Principal Darvin JacksonEmail: schools@monrovia.k12.ca.us 
Odyssey Charter School725 W. Altadena Dr. Altadena, Ca. 91001 
(626) 229-0993 Head of School: Lauren O’Neillwebsite: www.odysseycharterschool.org 
Pasadena High School2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, Ca. 
(626) 798-8901 Principal: Gilbert Barrazawebsite: www.pasadenahigh.org 
St. Rita Catholic School 
322 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024Principal Joan Harabedian (626) 355-9028website: www.st-rita.org 
Sierra Madre Elementary School141 W. Highland Ave, Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 
(626) 355-1428 Principal: Esther SalinasE-mail address: salinas.esther@pusd.us 
Sierra Madre Middle School 
160 N. Canon Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024(626) 836-2947 Principal: Garrett NewsomE-mail address: newsom.garrett@pusd.us 
Walden School 
74 S San Gabriel Blvd 
Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 792-6166www.waldenschool.net 
Weizmann Day School1434 N. Altadena Dr. Pasadena, Ca. 91107 
(626) 797-0204Lisa Feldman: Head of School 
Wilson Middle School 
300 S. Madre St. Pasadena, Ca. 91107 
(626) 449-7390 Principal: Ruth EsselnE-mail address: resseln@pusd.us 
PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
351 S. Hudson Ave., Pasadena, Ca. 91109 
(626) 795-6981 Website: www.pusd@pusd.us 
ARCADIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
234 Campus Dr., Arcadia, Ca. 91007 
(626) 821-8300 Website: www.ausd.net 
MONROVIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
325 E. Huntington Dr., Monrovia, Ca. 91016 
(626) 471-2000 Website: www.monroviaschools.net 
DUARTE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
1620 Huntington Dr., Duarte, Ca. 91010 
(626)599-5000 Website: www.duarte.k12.ca.us 
THE REEL DEAL: by Ben Show 
I, FRANKENSTEIN 


With a trailer that had myinterests piqued, I had high expectations 
for this movie. After seeing 
the film, though, I have mixedthoughts. It delivered in some aspects 
but was a major letdown inother ways.

After killing his creator’s wife,
Frankenstein’s monster (AaronEckhart), who is later namedAdam, is nearly killed by mysterious 
assailants. He is saved by arace of creature called gargoyles,
stone-angels who lead the fightagainst the demon hordes. WithAdam now in the middle of a centuries 
old war he must fight for thesafety of the mortal world and unlock 
the secret behind his amazingreanimation. 

The gargoyles and demonswere major pluses. They provided all of the movies well shot, wellchoreographed fight scenes. However, a movie cannot survive onCGI alone. The story was very flawed and hard to believe, especially 
the part where the audience is supposed to believe that Adam ismade up of eight different people but looks completely normal. Iwould recommend this movie who have some time to kill. Do not 
go into ‘I,Frankenstein’ expecting the next masterpiece.