Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, September 1, 2018

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EDUCATION & YOUTH 

Mountain Views-News Saturday, September 1, 2018 

PASADENA EDUCATION NETWORK (PEN) 
ANNOUNCES FREE PARENT PROGRAMS

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Programs Connect Parents with Each Other & 

Pasadena Unified Public School Options

Alverno Heights Academy

200 N. Michillinda Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-3463 Head of School: Julia V. Fanara

E-mail address: jfanara@alvernoheights.org

Arcadia High School

180 Campus Drive Arcadia, CA 91007

Phone: (626) 821-8370, Principal: Brent Forsee

bforsee@ausd.net

Arroyo Pacific Academy

41 W. Santa Clara St. Arcadia, Ca, 

(626) 294-0661 Principal: Phil Clarke

E-mail address: pclarke@arroyopacific.org

Barnhart School

240 W. Colorado Blvd Arcadia, Ca. 91007

(626) 446-5588 

Head of School: Ethan Williamson

Kindergarten - 8th grade

website: www.barnhartschool.org

Bethany Christian School

93 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-3527 

Preschool-TK-8th Grade

Principal: Dr. William Walner

website: www. bcslions.org

Clairbourn School

8400 Huntington Drive

San Gabriel, CA 91775

Phone: 626-286-3108 ext. 172

FAX: 626-286-1528

E-mail: jhawes@clairbourn.org

Foothill Oaks Academy

822 E. Bradbourne Ave., Duarte, CA 91010

(626) 301-9809

Principal: Nancy Lopez

www.foothilloaksacademy.org

office@foothilloaksacademy.org

Frostig School

971 N. Altadena Drive Pasadena, CA 91107

(626) 791-1255

Head of School: Jenny Janetzke

Email: jenny@frostig.org

The Gooden School

192 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-2410 

Head of School, Carl Parke 

website: www.goodenschool.org

High Point Academy

1720 Kinneloa Canyon Road 

Pasadena, Ca. 91107 

Head of School: Gary Stern 626-798-8989

website: www.highpointacademy.org

La Salle High School

3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, Ca. 

(626) 351-8951 website: www.lasallehs.org

Principal Mrs. Courtney Kassakhian

Monrovia High School

325 East Huntington Drive, Monrovia, CA 91016 

(626) 471-2800 Principal Darvin Jackson

Email: schools@monrovia.k12.ca.us

Odyssey Charter School

725 W. Altadena Dr. Altadena, Ca. 91001

(626) 229-0993 Head of School: Lauren O’Neill

website: www.odysseycharterschool.org

Pasadena High School

2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, Ca. 

(626) 396-5880 Principal: Roberto Hernandez

website: http://phs.pusd.us

St. Rita Catholic School

322 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

Principal Joan Harabedian (626) 355-9028 

website: www.st-rita.org

Sierra Madre Elementary School

141 W. Highland Ave, Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-1428 Principal: Lindsay Lewis

E-mail address: lewis.lindsay@pusd.us

Sierra Madre Middle School 

160 N. Canon Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 836-2947 Principal: Garrett Newsom

E-mail address: newsom.garrett@pusd.us

Walden School

74 S San Gabriel Blvd

Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 792-6166 

www.waldenschool.net

Weizmann Day School

1434 N. Altadena Dr. Pasadena, Ca. 91107

(626) 797-0204

Lisa Feldman: Head of School

Wilson Middle School

300 S. Madre St. Pasadena, Ca. 91107

(626) 449-7390 Principal: Ruth Esseln

E-mail address: resseln@pusd.us

Pasadena Unified School District

351 S. Hudson Ave., Pasadena, Ca. 91109

(626) 396-3600 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

Arcadia Christian School

1900 S. Santa Anita Avenue Arcadia, CA 91006

Preschool - and TK - 8th Grade

626-574-8229/626-574-0805

Email: inquiry@acslions.com

Principal: Cindy Harmon

website: www.acslions.com

The Pasadena Education Network (PEN), a 
network of more than 1,500 parents who send 
their children to and support the Pasadena Unified 
School District (PUSD), announced their series of 
free programs to help parents understand their 
public school options in Pasadena, Altadena, and 
Sierra Madre.

 PEN offers programs for parents whose students 
are entering kindergarten through high school, 
including tools for evaluating educational options 
and an opportunity to meet parents of students 
who attend PUSD schools. The fall parent 
programs kick-off with “Choosing the Right 
Elementary School” on Monday, September 17 
at 6:30 p.m. at All Saints Church, Sweetland Hall, 
132 No. Euclid Avenue, Pasadena. Dr. Mikala 
Rahn, the president of Public Works, a non-profit 
organization that evaluates schools throughout the 
state, provides parents of pre-school aged children 
with valuable information about what to look for 
when evaluating an elementary school. Parents 
whose children attend schools throughout PUSD 
will be on hand during a reception following the 
presentation.

 PEN’s other grade transition programs include 
“High School Options” on October 3 and “Myth vs. 
Reality: Middle School Parent Panel” on October 
17. Families residing in Altadena are invited 
to learn about their school options and meet 
Altadena residents who attend PUSD on October 
29. The series concludes on December 4 at the 
Pasadena Central Library with a program devoted 
to understanding the district’s Open Enrollment 
process whereby families can apply to attend a 
school other than their assigned neighborhood 
school. Complete program information and times, 
school information, and school tour schedules are 
available at www.penfamilies.org.

 All programs are free. Spanish translation is 
available upon request. Please contact info@
penfamilies.org.

 The Pasadena Education Network (PEN) is an 
independent, grassroots nonprofit organization 
that promotes family participation in public 
education to ensure a quality education for all 
students in Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre. 
PEN provides services to help parents explore, 
evaluate, and engage with our community’s 
public schools. For more information visit www.
penfamilies.org.

BOSCO TECH TO HOST COMMUNITY-WIDE 

HIGH SCHOOL NIGHT ON SEPT. 26

Area High School Representatives Will Provide Information 

to Prospective Students

ROSEMEAD, CA–August 28, 2018--Don Bosco 
Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) will present 
“Gear Up for High School,” a high school preview 
night for elementary and middle school students 
on Wednesday, September 26, 2018, from 6:30 to 8 
p.m. on the school’s Rosemead campus.

 During the complimentary event, 
representatives from local Catholic private 
and archdiocesan high schools will provide 
information and answer questions about their 
admissions process, curriculum, and academic 
and extracurricular programs.

 “’Gear Up for High School’ is a great opportunity 
for students to learn more about the many quality 
Catholic secondary schools in our area,” said 
Bosco Tech Principal Xavier Jimenez. “We’re 
gathering local high schools as a convenience for 
families in the community. They can learn about 
several different schools in one place.”

 Call (626) 940-2011 or email admissions@
boscotech.edu for more information. Parking is 
available in both the lot located on San Gabriel 
Blvd. and the lot off Arroyo Dr., between Rose 
Glen Ave. and Paramount Blvd. 

 Bosco Tech is an all-male Catholic high school 
that combines a rigorous college-preparatory 
program with a technology-focused education. 
The innovative curriculum allows students to 
exceed university admissions requirements while 
completing extensive integrated coursework in one 
of several applied science and engineering fields. 
On Niche.com’s list of top boys high schools and 
Catholic high schools in California and the U.S., 
Bosco Tech boasts a four-year college acceptance 
rate of 100 percent, with the majority of graduates 
pursuing STEM-related post-secondary majors 
and careers. Visit www.boscotech.edu or call 626-
940-2000 for more information.

THE GOOD LIFE

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

FINANCIAL AID FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS


Dear Savvy Senior,

Do you know of any resources that help family 
caregivers monetarily? I have to miss a lot of work 
to take care of my elderly mother and it’s financially 
stressing me. 

Stretched Thin

Dear Stretched,

Caring for an elder parent can be challenging in many 
ways, but it can be especially difficult financially if 
you have to miss work or quit your job to provide 
care. Fortunately, there are a number of government 
programs, tax breaks, and other tips that may be 
able to help you monetarily while you care for your 
mother. Here are some options to explore.

 State assistance: Most states have programs that 
help low-income seniors pay for in-home care 
services, including paying family members for care. 
These programs – which go by various names like 
“cash and counseling” or “consumer-directed”– vary 
greatly depending on where you live and, in some 
states, on whether your mom is on Medicaid. To find 
out what’s available in your state, contact your local 
Medicaid office.

 Veterans benefits: Veterans who need assistance 
with daily living activities can enroll in the Veteran-
Directed Care program. This program, available 
through VA Medical Centers in 40 states, as well as 
in Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, provides as 
much as $2,000 a month, which can be used to pay 
family members for home care. Visit the “Home 
and Community Based Services” section at VA.gov/
geriatrics for information.

 Also available to wartime veterans and their 
surviving spouses is a benefit called Aid and 
Attendance, which helps pay for in-home care, as 
well as assisted living and nursing home care. This 
benefit can also be used to pay family caregivers. To 
be eligible your mother must need assistance with 
daily living activities like bathing, dressing or going 
to the bathroom. And, her annual income must be 
under $14,133 as a surviving spouse or $21,962 for 
a single veteran, after medical expenses. Her assets 
must also be less than $80,000 excluding her home 
and car. To learn more, go to Vets.gov/pension.

 Tax breaks: If you pay at least half of your mom’s 
yearly expenses, and her gross income is below 
$4,050 (in 2017) not counting her Social Security or 
disability, you can claim her as a dependent on your 
taxes and get a $500 tax credit. For more information, 
go to IRS.gov/help/ita and click on “Whom May I 
Claim as a Dependent?” 

 If you can’t claim her as a dependent, you may still 
be able to get a tax break if you’re paying more than 
half her living expenses including medical and long-
term care costs, and they exceed 7.5 percent of your 
adjusted gross income. You can include your own 
medical expenses in calculating the total. See IRS 
publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses (IRS.
gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf) for details. 

 Long-term care insurance: If your mother has 
long-term care insurance, check whether it covers in-
home care. Some policies permit family members to 
be paid, although they may exclude people who live 
in the same household. 

 Paid caregiver leave: A small but growing number 
of companies offer paid caregiving leave as a way 
to recruit and retain their workforce. Additionally, 
some states provide caregiver benefits or paid leave to 
take care of ailing family members. Check with your 
employer to see what, if any, benefits are available to 
you.

 Family funds: If your mother has some savings or 
other assets, discuss the possibility of her paying you 
for the care you provide. If she agrees, consult with 
an elder law attorney about drafting a short-written 
contract that details the terms of the work and 
payment arrangements, so everyone involved knows 
what to expect. 

 You should also check BenefitsCheckup.org, a 
free, confidential Web tool that can help you search 
for financial assistance programs that your mom or 
you may be eligible for.

 Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. 
Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.
org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today 
show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …. September Birthdays

Clem Bartolai, Pat Hall, Donna Anderson, Teresa Chaure, Cathy Gunther, Esther Macias, 
Sheila Pierce, Nancy Sue Shollenberger, Yvonne Osti, Patti O’Meara, Judie Cimino, Mary 
Steinberg, Geri Wright, Parvin Dabiri, Denise Reistetter and Nehama Warner. 

* To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR 
of birth not required but you must be over 60.

 * To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at YEAR of birth not required

SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities 
are at the Hart Park House (Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

Hawaiian & Polynesian Dance Class: Every Tuesday morning from 10a.m. to 
11a.m. Join the class with Instructor Barbara Dempsey as she leads you in the 
art of Hula.

Bingo Time: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00p.m. Cards are only $0.25 each! Everyone is welcome 
to join. Activity may be canceled if less than five people. Free Blood Pressure Testing: 2nd Tuesdays 
of the month from 11a.m. to 12p.m. No appt. is necessary.

Brain Games: Join us on Thursday, August 16th at 10:30a.m. to 11:30a.m for Scattergories, a 
creativethinking game by naming objects within a set of categories; or Jenga, a block-building 
challenge that keeps you stacking and balancing your tower. Everyone is welcome, and no experience 
is needed. What a great way to strengthen your brain and make new friends. Games facilitated by 
Senior Volunteers.

Free Legal Consultation: Wednesday, August 15th from 10:30a.m. to Noon. Attorney Lem 
Makupson is available for legal consultation. Specializing in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates, and 
Injury. Please call Hart Park House for an appointment, 626-355-7394.

Senior Club: Meets every Saturday at the Hart Park House Senior Center. Brown Bag Lunch at 
11:30a.m.

Chair Yoga: Mondays & Wednesdays from 11:00a.m. to 11:45a.m. with Paul Hagen. Classes include

Yoga and balance exercises. All ability levels are encouraged and welcomed! * Voluntary Donations 
of $5.00 per week per participant are suggested but not required.

Birthday Celebrations: Every 2nd Thursday monthly at the Hart Park House, share some free 
birthday cake provided by the Senior Community Commission!

Game Day: Every Thursday starting at 12:00p.m. Come join this group of Seniors in their poker 
game.

Free Strength Training Class: Fridays from 12:45p.m. to 1:30p.m. with Lisa Brandley. This energetic 
class utilizes light weights, low impact resistance training and body conditioning. Class equipment 
is provided.


SENIOR MOVIE: August 15th at 1:00 p.m. RACE (2016) 

Young Jesse Owens becomes a track and field sensation while attending Ohio State University in the 
early 1930’s. After heated debates, the United States decides not to boycott the Olympics inNazi Germany. 
Overcoming racism at home and abroad, Owens seizes the opportunity to show Berlin and the 
world he is the fastest man alive! Rated PG-13. Run Time: 2h 14m.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL Thursday, August 23rd, 12:30p.m. - 1:30p.m.

Hart Park House Representative from Anthem BlueCross will have free information on Medicare Benefits 
and Medicare extras. Come learn about their programs, ask questions, and enjoy ice cream

with syrup and toppings! Call 626-355-7394 at the Hart Park House if you plan on attending.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com