THE RAMBLER - Long Beach Unified School District

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KIUP
KIUP - Key Interactive University Preparation is a Millikan SLC (Small Learning Community) that focuses on math and
science. It is an SLC that allows students to meet high school graduation requirements while also preparing for admissions to four
year colleges and universities. For more information about KIUP please access the Millkan homepage at www.millikanhigh.com
and click on the KIUP link. Plans are in motion to have junior and senior KIUP students available to tutor freshmen and
sophomores. KIUP students can show their SLC pride by purchasing specially designed KIUP shirts at the student activities office
for $10.
Our KIUP faculty set a goal for the 2006-2007 to build a positive culture of trust and collaboration to improve student
achievement. The teachers will be working across the curriculum to reach that goal. Below is a summary of what our KIUP
students are currently involved in:
9 th Graders: The core teachers for the Freshman year are Mrs. Atkinson (Science) Ms. Schwarz (Health), Ms. Grote
(Technology), and Ms. Williams (English). Mrs. Atkinson's class is beginning their 'Animal of the Future' project where students will
do research about our current environmental problems. As they predict how Earth's environment may change they will be creating
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
animal, and an oral presentation to the class. The assignment was due Nov. 6th. Students in Ms Schwarz's class have become
acquainted with each other through 'Bio Poems' and acrostic presentations. Students also developed active listening and note
taking skills while getting to know their classmates. English students are currently completing a unit on short stories and will be
composing their own original short stories - many of which we hope to see published in our Millikan literary magazine in the Spring.
10 th graders: The core teachers are Ms. Lewis-Mackert (Science), Ms. Spence (Modern World History), and Mrs. Turner
(English). Science students are currently working on cells and cell membranes. Look for the 'Eggsperiment' towards the end of
October which will allow them to gather data on cell transport. Be forewarned - this experiment takes at least 60 hours to complete
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
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
doing a unit based on this classic novel. Just a note for parents - this sophomore year is critical for college admissions. It's
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
website for more information about college admissions.
11 th graders: The core teachers are Mrs. Murphy, Mr. Brown and Mr. Genovese (Science), Mr. Dobra (English), and Ms.
Anderson (U.S. History). Ms. Anderson’s class is currently doing research for a major paper that will be due in November. The
11 th grade year is an important one for demonstrating academic success – we’re proud that our students are taking a third year of
science and continuing with math.
12 th graders: KIUP students have many elective opportunities during their last year in high school including numerous AP classes.
KIUP students in AP Environmental Science are beginning their ‘Ecocolumn’ projects The purpose of this project is to understand
the interconnectedness of our planet By applying what they’ve learned in class, the students will keep plants and animals alive
within their mini ecosystems. This project runs the entire school year. Congrats to Tiffany Tea who turned in an exemplary project
in Graphic Design and Printmaking. Students chose from 10 words to illustrate and hers was chosen by teacher Ms. Harrison as
one of the best.
KIUP Parent Involvement: Staff members were thrilled with the turnout at Back to School Night. Ms. Schwarz had over 100
parents in her class alone! Thursday, October 19th, was the first meeting of KIUP's parent support group. If you would like to be
contacted about future meetings please contact Mrs. Clark at X4161. Kudos to students in Ms. Anderson’s period 2 U.S. History
class – they earned a pizza party for turning in 97% of their WASC parent surveys.
KELSEA SEYMOUR
by Mr. Keller
One of the outstanding players on this year’s womens’ volleyball team at Millikan is Kelsea
Seymour. Kelsey is a junior who has been on Millikan’s varsity team for three years. She is considered
one of the best “setters” in the league having been named All Moore League last year as a sophomore.
She is a member of the small learning community, KIUP, and carries a grade point average just shy of a
4.0.
Kelsea has had some injuries to overcome the past two years. Last year, she was involved in a
car accident and lost her spleen. She was hospitalized for a week and remained out of school for three
weeks. She has no lasting ill effects from the accident. This year, she severely sprained her ankle and
missed some league games.
Kelsea, a captain on this year’s team, is optimistic about Millikan volleyball. Her team has won
two tournaments this year. She feels the Rams have the talent to beat anyone.
One of the Millikan volleyball coaches, Greg Kautz, was very supportive of her during her recovery
last year. This year’s head coach, Matt Ryan, said, “Kelsea has been an indispensable asset to our team
this year. As a setter and captain, she helps run the team. She’s a great leader and someone I count on
every day.”
Her future plans? Kelsea has already heard from several universities. She is most excited about
Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas. With her excellent grades, volleyball skills, and
leadership abilities, she’ll be a great addition to any program she selects! Good job, Kelsea!
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