THE RAMBLER - Long Beach Unified School District
THE RAMBLER - Long Beach Unified School District
THE RAMBLER - Long Beach Unified School District
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Millikan High <strong>School</strong> PTSA<br />
33rd <strong>District</strong><br />
California State PTSA<br />
Cathy Korody, President<br />
<strong>THE</strong> <strong>RAMBLER</strong><br />
R O B E R T A . M I L L I K A N H I G H S C H O O L<br />
2 8 0 0 S N O W D E N A V E N U E<br />
L O N G B E A C H , C A 9 0 8 1 5<br />
W W W . L B U S D . K 1 2 . C A . U S / M I L L I K A N<br />
J E F F C O R N E J O A N D D O N A L D K E L L E R , C O - P R I N C I P A L S<br />
Millikan<br />
Graduation<br />
Thursday<br />
June 14, 2007<br />
7:00 pm<br />
Veterans Stadium<br />
Graduation<br />
participation<br />
requirements<br />
!" 220 credits<br />
!" Pass the California<br />
High <strong>School</strong> Exit<br />
Exam (CAHSEE)<br />
!" Pass Algebra 1/2<br />
!" Complete 40 hours<br />
of service learning<br />
2 0 0 6 , I S S U E 5<br />
Satinder Hawkins, Teacher of the Year!<br />
N O V E M B E R , 2 0 0 6<br />
On September 29, 2006, Satinder Hawkins of Millikan High <strong>School</strong> was honored as a Los Angeles<br />
County “Teacher of the Year” during a luncheon at the Sheraton Universal City Hotel. I had the<br />
pleasure of accompanying her to the luncheon and finding out more about her as an educator and a<br />
person. Satinder is both a Millikan teacher and parent. She has a high regard for the quality of the<br />
teaching staff at Millikan and plans to have her younger children attend Millikan, also.<br />
Satinder’s preparation for a teaching career included earning a BA degree and teaching credential<br />
from CSULB, followed by an MA degree in Multicultural and Sociological Foundations from CSULB.<br />
She is now in the culminating stages of earning her Ed.D in Educational Leadership from UCLA. She<br />
is a National Board Certified teacher who began in the Los<br />
Angeles <strong>Unified</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong> but moved to the <strong>Long</strong> <strong>Beach</strong><br />
<strong>Unified</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong> later. She was a middle school<br />
teacher at Rogers Middle <strong>School</strong> and is presently in her<br />
fourth year at Millikan as a teacher in the QUEST program.<br />
She appreciates students who display curiosity, an interest in<br />
the world, and are willing to take risks. Among the rewards<br />
of a teaching career is knowing she can make a difference<br />
in the lives of her students.<br />
Satinder came to the United States from India when she was<br />
four years old. She loves the United States of America and<br />
sees her teaching, in part, as being repayment for the gift of<br />
being able to live in the U.S. Thanks to Satinder Hawkins for<br />
her contributions to Millikan High <strong>School</strong> and its students!<br />
By Mr. Keller<br />
I N S I D E T H I S<br />
I S S U E :<br />
PTSA Board 2<br />
New Teachers! 3<br />
RAM Polo! 4<br />
Meet MBA! 5<br />
AP Scholars 6<br />
KIUP 7<br />
Global Tech 8<br />
Pathways to Higher Education by Mrs. Mullen<br />
Millikan High <strong>School</strong> is always looking for innovative ways to strive for academic excellence, and<br />
the Pathways to Higher Education Program proposal is doing just that. In an effort to provide the<br />
same array of academic opportunities as other <strong>Long</strong> <strong>Beach</strong> <strong>Unified</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong> high schools,<br />
Millikan has developed a proposal that will bring approximately eight more teachers to our campus.<br />
One of the goals of the Pathways to Higher Education proposal is to increase the percentage of<br />
students who graduate having met their four-year university entrance requirements (a-g requirements).<br />
Also, Millikan wants to strengthen the existing connections with local universities and colleges.<br />
Another goal of the proposal is to bring discussion of post-secondary education into the<br />
classroom. Additionally, the proposal seeks to enhance communication between school and home<br />
regarding post-secondary education. Finally, and most exciting, the Pathways to Higher Education<br />
Program will offer Millikan students the opportunity to take a nine week<br />
college preparedness course. This course will include topics such as college<br />
admission essay writing, financial aid, choosing colleges, and interviewing<br />
skills. At this time, the proposal will be presented to the Board of<br />
Education in November, and hopefully approved in time for implementation<br />
in the fall of 2007. For more information on the Pathways proposal, please<br />
contact Jessica Mullen, Millikan High <strong>School</strong> counselor, extension 4110.
2<br />
<strong>Long</strong> <strong>Beach</strong><br />
Councilwoman<br />
Gerrie<br />
Schipske<br />
(5th <strong>District</strong>)<br />
will be the<br />
guest speaker<br />
at the<br />
January 18<br />
PTA meeting.<br />
Bring your<br />
questions and<br />
comments!<br />
PTSA<br />
Meeting Dates<br />
Millikan Cafeteria<br />
6:30 pm<br />
* * *<br />
January 18<br />
February 15<br />
March 15<br />
April 19<br />
May 17<br />
Classified Edition for <strong>School</strong> News<br />
Classified employees play a critical role in the success of a school. Millikan is blessed to have<br />
outstanding and conscientious classified staff members who perform their jobs superbly.<br />
Millikan’s front office is a positive and efficient environment thanks to Susan Cuff (Office<br />
Supervisor), Mary Lou Hall (<strong>School</strong> Support Secretary), and Jenny Grippando (Office Assistant). Susan<br />
is in her eleventh year, fifth at Millikan, following six years at Poly. She is the mother of Hillary, a<br />
teacher at Marshall. About her job, Susan said, “I like being in the front to help parents, students, and<br />
teachers. I like people.” Mary Lou Hall is in her third year at Millikan and wears two hats – employee<br />
and parent. “This is a perfect fit for my child and me, “stated Mary Lou. Jenny Grippando is in her<br />
fifteenth year at Millikan. Both of her children, Amber and Darren, graduated from Millikan and currently<br />
work at Ram Hi.. Jenny said, “Every day, I still love coming to work. I enjoy my job.”<br />
Marcellous Elder is 6’5” and 306 pounds. As imposing as he<br />
appears, he is a very popular CSO (Campus Security Officer) among<br />
student and staff at Millikan. He grew up attending Whittier, Lincoln,<br />
Twain, Marshall and Poly before moving on to the University of<br />
Colorado at Boulder on a football scholarship. The former high school<br />
football All American enjoyed his four years at Colorado although it<br />
snowed seven months a year. He returned to <strong>Long</strong> <strong>Beach</strong> following<br />
his college days and has been at Millikan the past nine years. Family<br />
is important to Marcellous, the son of Robert and Gwendolyn Elder.<br />
Marcellous has two brothers, Mario and Jerell. Jerell was the star<br />
point guard<br />
PTSA<br />
on last year’s<br />
Board<br />
champion<br />
of<br />
Millikan<br />
Directors<br />
basketball team.<br />
2004-2005<br />
Marcellous Elder<br />
Marcellous's son, Marcellous, attends Cubberly. Regarding Millikan,<br />
Marcellous said, “I look forward to coming to work every day. I enjoy<br />
counseling and my friendships. It’s the best staff in the district.”<br />
David Swenson is Millikan’s Plant Supervisor, responsible for about fifteen employees<br />
including custodians, locker room attendants, the stage technician, pool attendant, and engineer. David<br />
attended Millikan, graduating in 1965. His longest LBUSD job stint was at Carver prior to coming to<br />
Millikan eighteen years ago when Wendol Murray was principal. David describes his career at Millikan<br />
by saying, “Overall, staff and students have been good to me over the years.”<br />
PTSA Board of Directors 2006-2007<br />
President....................................... Cathy Korody ..........................961-8241<br />
Program (1st VP) .......................... Elizabeth Nash........................431-6459<br />
Fundraising (2nd VP) .................... Tracey McCrabb .....................420-2208<br />
Membership (3rd VP).................... Cindy Diaz ..............................421-2006<br />
Hospitality (4th VP) ....................... Trish Moyer.............................421-5866<br />
Lisa Noble...............................421-3827<br />
Newsletter (5th VP)....................... Susie Hipp ..............................429-8150<br />
Parliamentarian............................. Shelby McNeil........................594-0229<br />
Historian........................................ Sandra Scott ...........................489-0485<br />
Treasurer ...................................... Teresa McNeil.........................594-0229<br />
Financial Secretary ....................... Rena Berry..............................420-1538<br />
Recording Secretary ..................... Gina Decker............................421-9405<br />
Auditor........................................... Pam Gibbons ..........................421-1608<br />
Corresponding Secretary .............. Devon Nixon-Day....................430-3058<br />
Red Ribbon Week Coordinator ..... Open .......................................<br />
Reflections Chairperson................ Open .......................................<br />
Earthquake Preparedness ............ Open .......................................<br />
T H E R A M B L E R N O V E M B E R , 2 0 0 6
2 0 0 6 , I S S U E 5<br />
Freshman Year - PEACE Academy<br />
3<br />
The 2006-2007 school year marks the first year that the<br />
PEACE Academy is a specialized program. The year is off to a<br />
great start with a group of intelligent and motivated students! This<br />
is also the year that the students will start creating a digital<br />
portfolio of their entire four-year experience at Millikan high<br />
school. The students are beginning to design a custom power<br />
point presentation that includes aspects of academics, arts, extracurricular<br />
activities, service learning and personal reflections. The<br />
students had a great time creating the template of the portfolio. It<br />
was supposed to be a representation of their character and their<br />
beliefs. From there, they will be attaching pictures, I-movies, and<br />
projects they will collect throughout their time in high school. In<br />
the end, they will end up with a beautiful show of so many<br />
accomplishments, memories and reflections. Don't you wish that<br />
you had one from your high school life? The portfolio can be used<br />
for college interviews, internship applications or just a keepsake<br />
for years to come.<br />
The freshman class is preparing itself for a year full of<br />
character building, skill perfecting and an introduction to giving<br />
back to a community that has already given to them. As an<br />
academy, they will not only learn the standards through rigor and<br />
diligence, they will learn to be local and global citizens.!<br />
Notes from the Nurse<br />
Perhaps you find yourself unsure whether to send your child to school on<br />
some mornings. Here are some hints to help you make that decision.<br />
We suggest that you keep your child home if he/she has any of the following:<br />
!" A fever of over 100. Do your family a favor and buy an inexpensive oral<br />
thermometer for your home. Your child should not be in school unless his/her<br />
temperature has been normal for at least 24 hours.<br />
!" A rash on the body. Get this checked by his/her doctor.<br />
!" Has had diarrhea or vomited during the night or in the morning before<br />
school. His/her body needs some time to rest and liquids to recover.<br />
!" Complains of a persistent headache or stomachache. This could be the start of<br />
something more serious.<br />
!" Any persistent cough – especially if it produces green or yellow colored<br />
sputum. That indicates an infection that will need antibiotics. A coughing student<br />
keeps everyone from being able to concentrate.<br />
!" Any green or yellow colored discharge from the nose or eyes. This is an<br />
indication of a bacterial infection needing antibiotic therapy. Pinkeye presents itself<br />
this way.<br />
!" Wheezing or breathing problems. This is especially true if your child is an<br />
asthmatic. Please call if your child needs an inhaler at school. I will be glad to<br />
send the medication for home so he/she can use it or any other medication here.<br />
!" Any injury that keeps the child from using his/her arms/legs in the normal<br />
manner. Send a note to me for his/her Physical Ed teacher if you think he/she will<br />
need to be released from P.E. that day. Your note will cover 3 days. If more is<br />
needed, a doctor’s note will be required.<br />
The most important thing that you can do to prevent the spread of<br />
colds and flu is frequent hand washing, after touching mouth or nose, before<br />
meals and after using the restroom.<br />
You know your child better than I, but if you have any questions or<br />
are in doubt - call. I’m here every day from 7:30 until 3:00 p.m.<br />
Pat Erlandson<br />
Millikan <strong>School</strong> Nurse, Extension 4113<br />
Welcome!<br />
Millikan High <strong>School</strong> welcomed twenty-two new<br />
certificated staff members to Millikan this year.<br />
Alphabetically, they are:<br />
!" Shawn Abbate (English)<br />
!" Maria Alvarez (Spanish)<br />
!" Christine Bradfield (science)<br />
!" Jeff Breuklander (PE, basketball, and baseball)<br />
!" Irina Christodorescu (science)<br />
!" Glen Fisher (history/social science and football)<br />
!" Jennifer Goldman (Spanish)<br />
!" Jason Hazel (science)<br />
!" Karen Harrison (technology)<br />
!" Andrea Itson (art and soccer)<br />
!" Ron Keester (technology and baseball)<br />
!" Farah Mamnoon (science)<br />
!" Carrie Manning (English and volleyball)<br />
!" Jessica Mullen (counselor)<br />
!" Karina Meza (math)<br />
!" Lance Thayer (Opportunity class and football)<br />
!" Lydia Torres (Spanish)<br />
!" Jeremy Touzel (math)<br />
!" Megan Fletcher (special education)<br />
!" Jennifer Waters (dance)<br />
!" Katie Williams (English)<br />
!" Terri Young (special education)<br />
* bolded teachers attended Millikan as students!<br />
Go<br />
Rams!
4<br />
WANTED<br />
Service Logs<br />
Millikan RAM Polo Takes the Lead!<br />
The Millikan natatorium was filled to capacity on Thursday, October 5th. The bleachers were<br />
packed with fans cheering for Millikan and Wilson varsity water polo players. "The fans were<br />
screaming so loud you couldn't even hear the cheerleaders!" laughed Millikan student Kallie Berry---<br />
And for the first time since 1986, Moore League was left wide open by Millikan's defeat of Wilson; 8-<br />
6.<br />
“In the third period, Wilson had a strong quarter,” stated Head Millikan Water Polo Coach, Tim<br />
Fredericksen. I felt our boys did a great job of regaining their composure and finishing the game<br />
strong.” When asked to what he could attribute their success, Fredericksen stated, "Scotty Butler<br />
really lead our team with scoring goals and Dylan Wood, our goalie, came up very strong with some<br />
key blocks. It was a team effort, he continued, but I attribute those efforts to our win.”<br />
"#$%&'()L'(+#$, &'- .#L#/<br />
By Ms. Wood<br />
Seniors:<br />
Did you get your “40?”<br />
Completion of your<br />
service hours is a<br />
graduation<br />
requirement.<br />
If you’re planning on<br />
graduating and walking<br />
with your classmates<br />
you must complete and<br />
turn in your service<br />
hours prior to May 1,<br />
2007.<br />
Any questions or<br />
inquiries:<br />
Contact Mr. Harper in<br />
room #328 or call<br />
425-7441 ext. 4272<br />
Check the service<br />
learning web page for<br />
current opportunities at<br />
www.millikanhigh.com<br />
under the academics<br />
tab.<br />
The Millikan Varsity Boys Water Polo Team consists of: Captains Greg Freed and Santiago<br />
Bryan-Zwick, Ben Koff, Kevin Huiza, Scotty Butler, Dylan Wood, Nic Urey, Trevor Larson,<br />
Trevor Tautolo, and Eli Moynahan. SPORTS PHOTOS BY RAY: 949-472-8224<br />
Support for STELLAR Academy Students<br />
STELLAR Academy staff provides two critical interventions for our students. The school<br />
year opened with almost immediate support for our students who struggle by providing period 7<br />
and after-school tutoring and by monitoring attendance.<br />
Mrs. Jan Law, algebra teacher, did the “footwork” to get the STELLAR Study Center up<br />
and running Tuesday through Friday. Mrs. Law, along with Mrs. Anja Orbach, ELD teacher, and<br />
Mrs. Phyllis Price, Language! teacher, organize the center which serves from 20-25 students during<br />
period 7 and after school. Together, with the assistance of college aides, teachers provide<br />
students with tutoring in all core subject areas: English Language Development, algebra, science,<br />
social studies and health. Assisting college aides are: Erin Bates, Cathleen Kim, Diana Quan,<br />
Omar Ruiz, Alex Ulloa, and Mirna Vidaure. Many students attend the STELLAR Study Center voluntarily<br />
while STELLAR academy teachers assign others.<br />
Mr. Jan Hopp, science teacher, assisted by college aide, Maria Razo, organize our attendance-monitoring<br />
program by tracking absences and making phone calls home in English and<br />
Spanish. Mr. Muyhong Khim, community worker, makes home contacts in Khmer. Parent contacts<br />
are made twice weekly for students who are absent from classes. Additionally, these staff members,<br />
along with Mr. Guillermo Jimenez, assistant principal, and Maria Madrigal, community<br />
worker, help to set up parent conferences at the request of teachers. STELLAR Academy staff<br />
members are commended for doing a stellar job at supporting and instructing our students.<br />
T H E R A M B L E R N O V E M B E R , 2 0 0 6
2 0 0 6 , I S S U E 5<br />
5<br />
QUEST RAMSET is a Lean Green Energy Machine by Khaliane Sou, Grade 10<br />
RAMSET, which stands for Robert A. Millikan Student Energy Team, is a brand new QUEST “team” or club on campus which<br />
was established in the 2004/05 school year when one determined teacher, a group of freshmen, and one junior set out to educate the<br />
younger generations about energy in the local elementary schools. Inspired by our science teacher and partner, Mr. Woody Williams,<br />
we immersed ourselves in the content of energy conservation, energy alternatives, and lesson planning as we put ourselves to the<br />
task on instructing elementary students at Emerson, Gant, and Kettering. The challenge of teaching these bright young kids created a<br />
bond among QUEST RAMSET students and many of us not only empathized with our own teachers, but were inspired to become<br />
teachers ourselves.<br />
By the beginning of the 2005/2006 school year, QUEST RAMSET was molded as a team and, as our membership increased,<br />
we continued to teach in the elementary schools as well as in the greater <strong>Long</strong> <strong>Beach</strong> community. We also entered into a new project:<br />
the construction of a solar-powered boat. Sponsored by the <strong>Long</strong> <strong>Beach</strong> Water and the Metropolitan Water <strong>District</strong> of Southern<br />
California, our goal was to build and enter a solar powered boat in a race against 36 other California High <strong>School</strong>s at Lake Skinner in<br />
Temecula in May, 2006. At the “Boat Building Day” we realized what a daunting task this would be. Our weekends were filled with<br />
technical confusion, mishaps, and triumphs as we struggled to master the knowledge and application of solar cells, rudders, drills,<br />
drive shafts, and solar powered panels. When we launched our boat we had many adventures, like when our batteries died and our<br />
drivers got stalled in the water. Twice we had to be towed in by our RAMSET ‘Rescue Team’. We learned valuable lessons about always<br />
being prepared with the most basic of energy forms: elbow grease and a water paddle! But we prevailed and on May 19 th<br />
through the 21 st our beautiful boat, christened “The Sun King”, successfully participated in the three day race. We are proud to say<br />
that our boat was the fastest until the batteries gave up in the end and we came in twelfth place. However, we won third place for our<br />
boat design, thanks to our visual display, which demonstrated how to conserve water by<br />
using solar energy.<br />
Now the school year is nearing its finish line. Our only senior will be graduating<br />
and all of us are growing up. It’s an amazing thing. When we look at pictures and review<br />
our old lesson plans we see such change. We have come such a long way in such a short<br />
time. Last year we taught 500 students. This year it’s up to 1800 students. In June, QUEST<br />
RAMSET was honored in Washington D.C. as the Top Senior High <strong>School</strong> Energy Team<br />
by the National Energy Education Development Project. We are so proud of our accomplishments<br />
in the field of energy conservation and our success as a team. Never has a<br />
team been so devoted to a cause and to supporting one another. As the summer approaches,<br />
we will have time to reflect on our adventures, comical mishaps, and triumphs.<br />
There’s no stopping RAMSET now! 2007, here we come! Stay strong and stay green!<br />
Millikan Business Academy - New Name, New Members, Refined Focus<br />
The Millikan Business Academy is here! Formerly known as the Ultimate Success Academy (USA), the teachers decided<br />
over the summer that the name Millikan Business Academy, or MBA, was a more appropriate name for our focus. This<br />
year we are pleased to add several teachers to our academy, including Mrs. Mamnoon, Mrs. Hernandez and Ms. Goldman, all<br />
with the perfect combination of excellent teaching credentials as well as experiences in the business world. Our mission, more<br />
refined than previously, is to support all students in their academic pursuits and to connect their “job” as a learner to their<br />
future as an earner. We still offer a college prep, a-g, centered curriculum, and we infuse business related applications whenever<br />
possible. Also, we are still preparing our students for our capstone class, Virtual Enterprise, which is a year-long business<br />
simulation focusing on marketing, business law, business ethics and effective business communication.<br />
Some of the curriculum connections we have made with business are also connections between two or more classes.<br />
For our current 9 th graders, we are focusing on business letters and writing in both Computer Applications and English. For 9 th<br />
graders who currently have Science and Computer Applications, they are researching current events in science and seeing the<br />
impact those events are having on the world, their nation and themselves. In December, students in Computer Applications will<br />
apply their computer skills to a simulated small business and compete for market share based on their abilities. Students in Intermediate<br />
Algebra or Finite Math are learning to maximize profit using linear programming. As a representative of an elective, students<br />
taking Italian are learning how to budget money and time and how to set goals effectively.<br />
On Friday, October 13 th , as a continuation of our “Taking Care of Business” program, we invited all of our students who<br />
had earned a 3.0 or higher from the last semester of last year. These students were treated to a root beer float and entered a<br />
drawing for an iTunes gift card. Several teachers helped scoop ice cream and offer congratulations to the successful students,<br />
including, Mr. Archbold, Mr. Fielder, Mrs. Mamnoon, Mr. Harper and Mr. Jacobson. Diana Miranda, Taylor Bell and Elizabeth<br />
Olomos were winners of the iTunes gift cards. We are planning on expanding the program and offering business related field<br />
trips an other prizes. The next event will be based on the first quarter’s grades and will be held in the 3 rd week of November.<br />
The Millikan Business Academy is looking for parents who would be willing to help with a variety of events. Also, because<br />
Millikan is being evaluated as part of WASC accreditation this year, we are looking for help from parents who would be<br />
willing to help provide dinner for some of the visiting committee members. Please contact John Jacobson, MBA Lead Teacher, if<br />
you have any questions or would like to volunteer. (x4442)
AVID: Representing Diversity!<br />
Millikan’s AVID team represents the SLC diversity on our campus. This year,<br />
we welcome back: Tiffany Alexander (History/Global Technology) as our newly<br />
appointed AVID Coordinator and 12 th grade elective teacher; Jeff Dobra (English/Global<br />
Technology), 11 th and 12 th elective teacher; Janet Turner, (English/KIUP), 10 th grade<br />
elective teacher; Loretta George (English/PEACE), 9 th grade elective teacher; Synthia<br />
Kaitanjian (Health-MBA/PEACE), 9 th grade elective teacher; and our new AVID team<br />
members: Mark Santucci (Science/Stellar), 11 th grade elective teacher; Brett Wiley<br />
(Science/COMPASS), 10 th grade elective teacher; Kristen McCluskey (English/PEACE),<br />
10 th grade elective teacher; Tylene Quizon, (English/Stellar), 10 th grade elective teacher;<br />
and, Elizabeth Meza, (English/Stellar), 9 th grade elective teacher.<br />
AVID has had an amazing 2005-2006 school year and we look forward to a<br />
more academically prosperous 2006-2007 school year. Last year, our Senior AVID<br />
students’ accomplishments were outstanding: 78% of the AVID Seniors completed AP<br />
courses, which was 30% more than the 2004-2005 school year. 98% of our AVID<br />
Seniors completed their “A-G” requirements. Additionally, 82% of our AVID Seniors<br />
were accepted into a four-year college or university, while 18% applied to two-year<br />
colleges.<br />
We are very proud of our AVID students’ successes over the past year and we<br />
are as equally excited about the current and future endeavors of the Classes of 2007,<br />
2008, 2009, and 2010.<br />
Finally, to promote AVID awareness and understanding among our parents and<br />
community members, AVID held its annual Parent Information Night on October 17 th at<br />
6:30 p.m. in Millikan’s Library. We shared our mission with parents and friends.<br />
Seek Solutions<br />
Millikan High <strong>School</strong><br />
prides itself on being a<br />
safe and secure campus<br />
where students display<br />
harmonious personal<br />
relationships and tolerance.<br />
This is a campus<br />
which fosters and provides an environment<br />
conducive to learning. Millikan<br />
students are expected to act maturely<br />
if disagreements arise with other pupils<br />
and seek solutions as alternatives to<br />
fighting. To avoid fighting through mediation,<br />
students are encouraged to<br />
visit the Care Center, talk to a parent,<br />
or contact a teacher, counselor, staff<br />
assistant, administrator, or other adult<br />
if they believe physical violence may<br />
be imminent. Fighting is dangerous,<br />
disruptive, and not allowed! Students<br />
who engage in mutual combat or<br />
fighting at Millikan will receive severe<br />
consequences.<br />
AP SCHOLAR AWARDS 2006<br />
Fifty-seven students at Millikan High <strong>School</strong> have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the<br />
College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement<br />
Program (AP) Exams.<br />
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take<br />
challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced<br />
placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. About 18 percent of the more than<br />
1.3 million high school students in 16,000 secondary schools worldwide who took AP Exams performed<br />
at a sufficiently high level to merit the recognition of AP Scholar.<br />
Students took AP Exams in May 2006 after completing challenging college-level courses at<br />
their high schools. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on student’s<br />
performance on AP exams.<br />
At Millikan High <strong>School</strong>, two students qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average grade of 4 or<br />
higher on a 5-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. These students are<br />
Rhett Jones and Regena Ngeam.<br />
Sixteen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP<br />
Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are Jaqueline Aranda, Shelley Brown,<br />
Jennifer Diaz, Deviyani Gurung, Gregorio Gutierrez, Karen Ly, Jesse Rothstein, Dylan Russell, Steven Shilling, Kyle Smith,<br />
Layhannara Tep, Deylin Thrift-Viveros, Molly Traub and Amanda Utzman.<br />
Eleven students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP<br />
Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are Carlos Casian, Michael Ewoldt,<br />
Anthony Filer, Michael Hill, Katie Johns, Marcos Lopez, Christina McCarthy, Christopher Nixon, Douglas Swayne, Shannon<br />
Thompson and Arthur To.<br />
An additional 30 students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or<br />
higher. The AP Scholars are Avis Atkins, Sophia Cathcart, Robert Comito, Karyn Cullingham, Gregory Ferreira, Margaux<br />
Fitoussi, Jennifer Gordon, Camille Granger, Leonella Gudiel, Scott Hampton, Justine Harris, Karen Hayashi, Iliana<br />
Hernandez, Peter Jarzomb, Nicolas Johnson, Suza Khy, Greg Lilley, Rosalyn Ly, Mindy Manzo, Milo Mitchell, Gregory<br />
Morales, George Murillo, Jodi Nakawatase, Jasmine Phillips, Grace Santos, Christina St. John, Laura Stanton, Layhearn<br />
Tep, Dennis Truong and Anthony Ung.<br />
Of this year’s award recipients at Millikan High <strong>School</strong>, 16 are juniors. These students have one more year in which to<br />
complete college-level work and possibly earn another AP Scholar Award.<br />
Most of the nation’s colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement, or both based on successful performance<br />
of the AP Exams. More than 1,400 institutions award a full year’s credit (sophomore standing) to students presenting a sufficient<br />
number of qualifying grades. In 2006, thirty-five AP Exams were offered in a wide variety of subject areas, each consisting of<br />
multiple-choice and free-response (essay or problem-solving) questions (except for the Studio Art exam which evaluates students’<br />
original artwork).<br />
T H E R A M B L E R N O V E M B E R , 2 0 0 6
2 0 0 6 , I S S U E 5<br />
KIUP<br />
KIUP - Key Interactive University Preparation is a Millikan SLC (Small Learning Community) that focuses on math and<br />
science. It is an SLC that allows students to meet high school graduation requirements while also preparing for admissions to four<br />
year colleges and universities. For more information about KIUP please access the Millkan homepage at www.millikanhigh.com<br />
and click on the KIUP link. Plans are in motion to have junior and senior KIUP students available to tutor freshmen and<br />
sophomores. KIUP students can show their SLC pride by purchasing specially designed KIUP shirts at the student activities office<br />
for $10.<br />
Our KIUP faculty set a goal for the 2006-2007 to build a positive culture of trust and collaboration to improve student<br />
achievement. The teachers will be working across the curriculum to reach that goal. Below is a summary of what our KIUP<br />
students are currently involved in:<br />
9 th Graders: The core teachers for the Freshman year are Mrs. Atkinson (Science) Ms. Schwarz (Health), Ms. Grote<br />
(Technology), and Ms. Williams (English). Mrs. Atkinson's class is beginning their 'Animal of the Future' project where students will<br />
do research about our current environmental problems. As they predict how Earth's environment may change they will be creating<br />
an animal that could evolve from a current day species. The final project will include a 3-D model, a written natural history of the<br />
animal, and an oral presentation to the class. The assignment was due Nov. 6th. Students in Ms Schwarz's class have become<br />
acquainted with each other through 'Bio Poems' and acrostic presentations. Students also developed active listening and note<br />
taking skills while getting to know their classmates. English students are currently completing a unit on short stories and will be<br />
composing their own original short stories - many of which we hope to see published in our Millikan literary magazine in the Spring.<br />
10 th graders: The core teachers are Ms. Lewis-Mackert (Science), Ms. Spence (Modern World History), and Mrs. Turner<br />
(English). Science students are currently working on cells and cell membranes. Look for the 'Eggsperiment' towards the end of<br />
October which will allow them to gather data on cell transport. Be forewarned - this experiment takes at least 60 hours to complete<br />
so students must plan ahead. All of our 10th graders took the PSAT on Oct. 18th - this was a terrific opportunity to get a first look<br />
at the SAT exam. Look for a copy of 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding in your child's backpack. The English class is currently<br />
doing a unit based on this classic novel. Just a note for parents - this sophomore year is critical for college admissions. It's<br />
important that any student who receives a 'D' or lower in an a-g required class make it up before their senior year. Check the MHS<br />
website for more information about college admissions.<br />
11 th graders: The core teachers are Mrs. Murphy, Mr. Brown and Mr. Genovese (Science), Mr. Dobra (English), and Ms.<br />
Anderson (U.S. History). Ms. Anderson’s class is currently doing research for a major paper that will be due in November. The<br />
11 th grade year is an important one for demonstrating academic success – we’re proud that our students are taking a third year of<br />
science and continuing with math.<br />
12 th graders: KIUP students have many elective opportunities during their last year in high school including numerous AP classes.<br />
KIUP students in AP Environmental Science are beginning their ‘Ecocolumn’ projects The purpose of this project is to understand<br />
the interconnectedness of our planet By applying what they’ve learned in class, the students will keep plants and animals alive<br />
within their mini ecosystems. This project runs the entire school year. Congrats to Tiffany Tea who turned in an exemplary project<br />
in Graphic Design and Printmaking. Students chose from 10 words to illustrate and hers was chosen by teacher Ms. Harrison as<br />
one of the best.<br />
KIUP Parent Involvement: Staff members were thrilled with the turnout at Back to <strong>School</strong> Night. Ms. Schwarz had over 100<br />
parents in her class alone! Thursday, October 19th, was the first meeting of KIUP's parent support group. If you would like to be<br />
contacted about future meetings please contact Mrs. Clark at X4161. Kudos to students in Ms. Anderson’s period 2 U.S. History<br />
class – they earned a pizza party for turning in 97% of their WASC parent surveys.<br />
KELSEA SEYMOUR<br />
by Mr. Keller<br />
One of the outstanding players on this year’s womens’ volleyball team at Millikan is Kelsea<br />
Seymour. Kelsey is a junior who has been on Millikan’s varsity team for three years. She is considered<br />
one of the best “setters” in the league having been named All Moore League last year as a sophomore.<br />
She is a member of the small learning community, KIUP, and carries a grade point average just shy of a<br />
4.0.<br />
Kelsea has had some injuries to overcome the past two years. Last year, she was involved in a<br />
car accident and lost her spleen. She was hospitalized for a week and remained out of school for three<br />
weeks. She has no lasting ill effects from the accident. This year, she severely sprained her ankle and<br />
missed some league games.<br />
Kelsea, a captain on this year’s team, is optimistic about Millikan volleyball. Her team has won<br />
two tournaments this year. She feels the Rams have the talent to beat anyone.<br />
One of the Millikan volleyball coaches, Greg Kautz, was very supportive of her during her recovery<br />
last year. This year’s head coach, Matt Ryan, said, “Kelsea has been an indispensable asset to our team<br />
this year. As a setter and captain, she helps run the team. She’s a great leader and someone I count on<br />
every day.”<br />
Her future plans? Kelsea has already heard from several universities. She is most excited about<br />
Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas. With her excellent grades, volleyball skills, and<br />
leadership abilities, she’ll be a great addition to any program she selects! Good job, Kelsea!<br />
7
Global Technology Academy<br />
The Global Technology Academy, in conjunction with the Business and Technology<br />
Department, offers Millikan students a wide variety of technology based classes in<br />
preparation for college and careers. Whether students plan on college or career after high<br />
school, Global Tech strives to provide classes that are high in interest and provide students<br />
the needed skills to be effective in a technological society.<br />
Ninth grade students take the required computer applications course which trains the<br />
student in word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet research. Following their freshmen year,<br />
students presently take Photoshop and PageMaker, which trains the student in page layouts<br />
and photo manipulation. The 11 th grade program presently teaches the student computer maintenance 1 st semester and web<br />
page design in the 2 nd semester. As seniors, students have a choice of technology electives. This includes graphic arts and<br />
printmaking, architectural design, auto, Cisco 3-4, virtual enterprise and video production.<br />
One of the important skills that the 11th grade students in Global Technology will be fine tuning this year is the skill of<br />
writing. First they are analyzing grammar rules through homework every night and through assessment after each unit. They<br />
are improving their essay writing skills. This week they turned in two paragraphs that are the model for the response to literature<br />
essays for the rest of the year. Later, after finishing each play or novel, they will use this format when writing their essay; the first<br />
one is to be completed after the conclusion of The Crucible. When they are introduced to American Revolutionary literature they<br />
will also be introduced to the expository essay and will be practicing for the EAP (Early Assessment Program) essay each 11th<br />
grade student will write in the Spring. Eleventh grade students will be able to type drafts of these essays in their computer<br />
technology class, using the different skills they have learned in their Global Technology courses since 9th grade.<br />
To receive a medallion for graduation the global tech student must complete one technology class per grade level and<br />
maintain a 2.0 GPA.<br />
The first quarter awards luncheon for the top performing students at each grade level for Global Tech was Friday,<br />
November 17 th . The first quarter grading period ended on November 7 th .<br />
We have several new courses being developed and anticipate approval for next fall. Some of these classes are aimed<br />
at meeting UC credit standards. These classes include aviation science, video game development, artificial intelligence and<br />
animation. The Global Tech team is also developing career pathways, which include Arts, Media and Entertainment, Engineering<br />
and Design, Transportation, Web Media and Desktop Publishing. Expectation of implementation is Fall 2007.<br />
www.lbusd.k12.ca.us/millikan<br />
Go Mimi!<br />
Millikan’s own Mimi Nguyen defended<br />
her Moore League Championship title<br />
for the second year in a row. Mimi<br />
played against Stacy Tan from Lakewood,<br />
defeating her (6-3, 4-6, 6-3).<br />
“I’ve never seen her hit the ball<br />
harder”, states Coach Barretta.<br />
Mimi will continue on to play in CIF<br />
where she took third last year ending<br />
the season in the semi-finals. As a<br />
Quest student, she is dedicated in her<br />
studies. She has helped the team win<br />
the Fall sports G.P.A. award for the<br />
second year in row.<br />
Good luck to Mimi in CIF!<br />
Robert A. Millikan High <strong>School</strong><br />
2800 Snowden Avenue<br />
<strong>Long</strong> <strong>Beach</strong>, CA 90815