Dublin High School was recently awarded a Silver Medal in the U.S. News and World Report annual ranking of over 21,000 high schools nationwide. Only 7% of high schools nationally achieved the Silver Medal status, which is based on a methodology jointly developed by U.S. News and World Report and the American Institutes for Research (read more…).
Additional information about Dublin High School:
The monthly business conducted by the Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees is exactly that – business. In recent months, the Board has had to wrestle with topics including portables at some of our elementary schools, Bond Anticipation Notes to assist in floating financing to complete a new school site, approving funding for travel for various groups, hiring new staff and assorted other matters. In April, the Board looked forward to one of the most anticipated meetings – the annual Recognition Program.
Under the direction of Human Resources Director, Diane Manske, the District promoted the solicitation of nominations in numerous categories. In all, 18 awardees came from the ranks of Certificated, Classified, Administration and Volunteers. The last category of Volunteers yielded the last two that were honored. This year, the volunteers recognized by DUSD are Paula Allen and Rosemary Brassea. OneDublin.org had the opportunity to both attend the event and to visit with both honorees. Further, their respective site principals were invited to add their congratulations and observations.
Both of these women are unique – but they also share very similar traits. Paula and husband Jason will celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary in July. This is a blended family that shares six children. Daughter Kaytlin graduated from Valley High School in 2011 and son Luke graduated from VHS earlier this year. Their youngest, daughter Jennifer will attend Dublin High School in the fall. As VHS is Dublin’s continuation high school, Paula’s contributions to the site have been almost immeasurable.
OneDublin.org: Given your commitment to Valley High School, what does this recognition really mean to you?
Autism. Just the word itself can cause angst and confusion for a parent. Autism is a developmental disorder that generally appears within the first three years of life. It is a physical condition that is linked to an abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. For those that are diagnosed, it affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. The term autism is one of the three conditions recognized across a wider spectrum. The other disorders include Asperger Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the incidence of Autism is approximately 20 per 1,000 in the United States in 2012. While it is unclear whether these numbers are rising, the ability to diagnose the condition has improved dramatically in the last two decades. We chose to share these facts to highlight the fact that April is Autism Awareness Month and to also spotlight a remarkable week of activities that recently concluded at Dublin Elementary School.
Pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade students that are diagnosed with these disorders and living within the Dublin Unified School District (DUSD) are enrolled at a specific program at Dublin Elementary School. The Language and Social Skills (LASS) program is housed in a classroom in the northwest portion of the campus. That location was recently converted into a “sensory room” – for the benefit of the entire school population. The goal was to have each and every classroom cycle through the lab and visit individual stations that would help the students better understand the types of sensory integration issues students with autism may have. The goal was completed as kindergarten through fifth graders each had their opportunity to experience the lab over a two-day period.
Seven stations were assembled. At one end of the room, students were asked to assemble a Mr. Potato head – while a strobe light was flashing in their eyes, thus highlighting sensitivity to light. In another area, they were asked to neatly write their names with a pencil while wearing a ski glove. This exercise demonstrated the disconnection between what one can mentally pursue versus what their faculties would allow them to accomplish. And, in another corner, they were asked to steady themselves on an unbalanced disk while threading a bead through a string. Class after class came through the lab and the kids were completely engaged. If it created a moment of pause for them in beginning to understand the autism spectrum, it was worth it. This program would not be possible without the leadership of the two LASS teachers – Jeanne Kane and Keira Andresen. Jeanne and Keira are also supported by eight aides that support their daily work. These aides assist in maintaining a 2:1 support to student ratio. OneDublin.org had the opportunity to sit down with both teachers to understand the genesis of this very important event.
Artist’s Rendition
Dublin High School performing arts students, and the community as a whole, are in for a treat starting in early 2014. If you’ve driven up Village Parkway in the past few months you will certainly have noticed the steel skeleton that has emerged out of the ground on the north side of the Dublin High School campus. The Measure ‘C’ funded Dublin High School Center for Performing Arts and Education is actually two projects – the brand new 500-seat theater (16,524 sq. ft.), and a complete renovation of the old cafeteria and band rooms (15,812 sq. ft.). The tallest part of the structure is 53 ft. off the ground, and will ultimately house a theatrical “fly” system where sets can be whisked off the stage for scene changes. The structure also extends 15 ft. below ground to house a whisper quiet ventilation system and to make possible an orchestra pit that can be raised and lowered depending on the needs of the performance.
For students of music and theatre the infrastructure upgrade will enable performances not possible today. For the City of Dublin, there is finally a theater for performing arts suitable for complex productions. Key features like the fly system will make possible mounting more than one production at the same time, increasing the options for the theater to be multi-use. In addition to the fly system and orchestra pit, the theater will also be a high tech wonder, equipped with modern sound and lighting facilities, as well as rehearsal space, dressing rooms, a scenery shop and lots of storage space. For those familiar with the existing Little Theatre, the contrasts are (appropriately) dramatic.
Construction Site
Dublin High School, and the City of Dublin almost didn’t get the high quality theater now under construction. Last year, a scaled back proposal was presented to the Dublin Unified School Board. The performing arts students, concerned parents, educators and members of the community presented a passionate and compelling case for the key features of the theater. After a vigorous debate, and sharpening of fiscal pencils, the project was approved. For decades to come, Dublin will benefit from the strategic decision made last year.
Recently, I was privileged to be granted a hard hat tour of the construction site, with Robert Thomas (DUSD Facilities) and Bill Branca (DHS Assistant Principal). Photos from that tour are included below, with updates planned this summer and in the fall as construction proceeds.
Wells Middle School Earns California Distinguished School
Wells Middle School Principal Dr. Kevin Grier was recently checking his email. This was not uncommon. As with all of us, we do this multiple times per day. However, this day was a bit different. Sitting in his inbox was an email from California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson. This email notified Kevin that Wells had been selected as one of the 218 Middle or High Schools for the distinction of Distinguished School (CDS) for 2013. While it did not come as a complete surprise to him, Kevin reflected on the entire process from the declaration of eligibility, the development of an application, an independent site visit/validation and ultimately, the verdict. Without hesitation, he emailed his entire site staff with the great news. Further, he collected up as many salutary magnets from earlier distinctions he could find and placed one in every staff member’s mailbox. Wells Middle School had previously received this honor four separate times, in 1994, 1999, 2003 and 2009. However, the criterion for eligibility for this award has changed dramatically in recent years. This is the story of that journey.
As previously mentioned, in past years, applications for CDS status was open – any school could apply. Further, the Department of Education decided to award schools in alternating years – Elementary schools in even years and Middle and High Schools in odd years. Here is where the equation for eligibility became complicated. In order for schools to apply, they needed to meet or exceed Academic Performance Index (API) growth targets and to meet or exceed testing standards under Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. In English, what it meant was that specific demographic sub-groups (in this case, Hispanic and African-American students) would need to demonstrate academic advancement. So, the definition of eligible schools was clear. A year ago, what was not so clear was how to close this achievement gap.
OneDublin.org had the opportunity to sit down with Principal Grier to discuss this remarkable turnaround and accomplishment. Wells Middle School (WMS) collects students from three feeder elementary schools – Murray, Dublin Elementary and Frederiksen. One of the sites was placed into Program Improvement as specific sub-groups were not attaining adequate scoring growth. As a direct result, Wells was in danger of falling into the same category. Pinpointed action was required.
OneDublin.org: Eligibility to apply for the California Distinguished School recognition is specific. In some ways, the award is a reflection upon the previous year vs. the current year. Please expand on some of the structural highlights that were implemented in 2011-12.
Dublin High School Alum Praises Engineering Academy Training
by Jeff Dyer (Dublin High School Class of 2012 and Oregon State University freshman)
Jeff with his dad
I graduated from Dublin High School in 2012. I now attend Oregon State University (OSU) and am studying Mechanical Engineering. Last quarter, I took a 3D modeling class in which we used a program called SolidWorks. While I was at Dublin High School, I was fortunate enough to take two engineering classes that were offered: Principles of Engineering and Introduction to Engineering Design.
In the Dublin High Engineering Design class, I became very familiar with Autodesk Inventor Pro which is another 3D modeling application. Inventor Pro and SolidWorks operate in a very similar way, so in my 3D modeling class here at OSU, I was ahead of many people and finished assignments quickly, yet thoroughly, due to the single fact that I had previous knowledge of how to use a similar program.
OSU
I am very happy that I did in fact take those two Dublin High School Engineering Academy classes because they are helping me get through some of my engineering classes in college. I know Dublin High now offers more than just two engineering classes, and I strongly suggest that students enroll in some of these classes if they are considering going into engineering. You may not be able to take all of the classes and that’s fine, but, if you can figure out what type of engineer you want to be, you should take those classes that are going to pertain more to your type of engineering.
As a Mechanical Engineering major, it was a good choice for me to take the design class because mechanical engineers deal with the design of products that move. Dublin High School has helped me excel in college, not only in my general ed classes, but also my major specific classes. Take advantage of the classes that are offered in high school because those skills that you learn in your high school classes may give you an edge over your competitors in college, and in the real world finding a job.
Managing Growth: Up to 18 Portables Planned for Dougherty, Green and Kolb Elementary Schools
Whereas many school districts are struggling to address declining enrollment and school closure decisions, Dublin is managing rapid growth at the elementary school level. At tonight’s school board meeting (Tuesday April 16), the plan to add up to 18 portables at Dougherty, Green and Kolb Elementary School, at a total cost of $3M – $5M, will be discussed and action taken. The planned locations for the portables are shown at the bottom of this article. As noted in the board meeting agenda item:
“The next new elementary campus in the District, J.M. Amador Elementary School, is scheduled to open for the fall of 2015. Elementary growth in the District is projected to exceed the currently available elementary capacity in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years. Additional classroom space to accommodate student growth over the next two school years is needed.
“The majority of these projected growth students will attend the J.M. Amador campus when it opens. At the December 18, 2012 Work Study Meeting, the Board of Trustees directed staff to proceed with the design of an Interim Housing Plan to include any space utilization adjustments that would be programmatically viable, and the installation of up to 18 portable classrooms configured in groups of up to 6 each at three sites, Dougherty, Green and Kolb.”
(l-r) Tomlinson, Buchanan, Hanke
Last week was a very busy time at the Dublin Unified School District office. On Thursday, California State Assemblywoman from the 16th District, Joan Buchanan, sat down with various District staff and community members. The day before, OneDublin.org had the opportunity to visit with District Superintendent, Dr. Stephen Hanke to discuss the proposed action to install portable classrooms at the Dougherty, Green and Kolb Elementary School sites. While the subjects are somewhat disparate, they are also both related as it refers to the state of school funding of construction in California. We will take them in inverse order.
Recently, families of children at both Green and Kolb Elementary schools were notified of the potential to add portable classrooms at their respective campuses. According to tonight’s school board agenda documents, portables are also planned for Dougherty Elementary School if needed. This notification was largely driven by demographic research that had been presented to the district over the past four years. As opposed to many other school districts in Alameda County, Dublin exists as an anomaly, as one of the few cities that is adding families/students to its rolls. The rapid growth in Dublin Ranch and to the areas in the east, have manifested many changes to the existing school boundaries. Families in these areas have been subjected to school site transfers – oftentimes affecting multiple children within a single family.
Though it has not often been easy, this rapid growth has reflected a generalized positive impact for this city. Unfortunately, many other Alameda and Contra Costa County cities are suffering from stagnated growth or declines – oftentimes resulting in a reduction in teaching staff, school closures, or both.
College stress. I’m not talking about finals, scrambling to finish a paper or midnight group project crunches. I’m talking about the college stress that burns through families during the senior year of high school. For many colleges May 1st is the deadline to accept an offer. I expected our high school senior to be stressed about which colleges to apply to, and the onerous application process, and the waiting for approval (or rejection) from faceless admissions officers. What I didn’t expect was the most stressful moment of all is the moment of decision. If you are a parent with a knot in your gut, unable to sleep, talking endlessly with colleagues at work about college-college-college, take comfort in knowing that you are not alone – you are normal.
Below are stories from the trenches, from Dublin High School parents just like you:
Arzu Brown
Aslan Brown
Arzu’s son Aslan is currently attending the University of California – Berkeley. Aslan shared his experiences as a freshman as part of the Life in College Series.
The application process is so overwhelming that we want to see results that would make all these efforts worth it… and then anxiety builds up , along with hope. Reality, however, is so much different.
If I were to explain the college selection process in a word, it would be “paradoxical”; because we, as parents, were subjectively trying to be objective. We knew we needed to be on the same page with our son, but it was really hard without bringing in our own experiences and paradigms. We want the world for our children.
In the end our decision for choosing the right school depended on how well we knew him and how well he knew himself. Additionally, like many parents, who neither qualify for financial aid nor can afford the high-priced private schools, we were torn between “want” and “reality”. Looking back now, I think we all made the right choice by finding the common ground between these two states of mind, as well as between us.
Kristen Finn
Kristen’s daughter Sarah is currently attending St. Mary’s College of California. Sarah shared her experiences as a freshman as part of the Life in College Series.
Sarah Finn
For us the selection process was fairly easy, Sarah has wanted to attend Saint Mary’s since her sophomore year at Dublin High School. There was a period of time where other schools were considerations for her, but with her choice of a double major her options were limited. Sarah received early acceptance in December 2011 from Saint Mary’s and when that letter came it was a done deal for her. We still received acceptance letters from the other schools she applied to and with each one we asked “Are you sure you still want Saint Mary’s?” and the answer was always “Yes!”
The tough part is really letting your child choose where they want to go to school, not where we think they should go. They have to live the experience not us, so the bottom line is what is best for them. This is truly their first of many life decisions they have to make for themselves and our first time not making that choice for them. So when our friends were stressing about their child’s decisions we could sit back and say, “She has made her decision and we are the luckiest parents ever, because our daughter is only 30 minutes away from home”.
That said, be prepared for that drop off day, the mix of emotions was incredible. You are happy and excited for them but scared to death and sad to leave them. Even with Sarah being 30 minutes away, the day we dropped her off was the hardest thing for me to do. I cried all the way home And the first couple of weeks it odd not having them in-house. But when you get those phone calls and emails about how much fun they are having and new friends they are making, the loving of all of their classes the sadness goes away. I am also shocked at how quickly this first year has gone, Sarah is too. It’s a roller coaster ride, but it’s quick and not so bad in the end.
Alan and Tamara Elias
Tamara and Alan’s son Tristan has committed to attend University of Colorado at Boulder (CU).
The Tri-Valley is in for a treat starting tonight – the joyful Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre production of She Loves Me is playing at The Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton April 12-28 (Fridays and Saturdays – 8pm, Sundays – 2pm).
If you’ve seen the Nora Ephron comedy “You’ve Got Mail” or the 1940’s James Stewart version “Shop Around the Corner”, then you know the story. Funny, intelligent, honest and sentimental, She Loves Me is a warm romantic comedy with an endearing innocence plus a touch of old world elegance. This perfect show, based on the play Parfumerie, by Miklos Laszlo, is so resplendent, charming and well-constructed that New York Magazine recently deemed it one of the best musicals ever written. The musical’s creative team of Bock and Harnick, who were on a hot streak, would be heard from again in 1964 when they premiered Fiddler on the Roof.
Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre co-founder Joy Sherratt, “I did ‘She Loves Me’ in college and it’s been one of my favorite musicals ever since. I think it’s a little gem. We have an amazing director and I know it’s going to be a great show.”
I had the privilege of watching dress rehearsals this week, capturing in photos and video the work in progress, when the planning, set design, and countless decisions required to mount a successful production come together. And despite all the planning, it was fascinating to watch the problem-solving required by those on stage and off to ensure a seamless experience for the audience.
During the run of the show, theatre lovers can also enjoy a special opportunity to interact with the actors: A Free Inside the Show discussion with the actors and director will take place after the Sunday Matinee performance on April 14, 2013.
It is a treat to visit with a pioneer. What makes it even more special is when you realize that she has been a ground-breaker on two different fronts. Both her in-classroom and volunteer activities are making a positive impact upon the lives of numerous special needs students and families throughout the Dublin Unified School District. OneDublin.org recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dublin High School Transition Teacher, Bree LeMoine.
Perhaps, long before she knew where her career would take her, Bree passionately pursued academics. Ms. LeMoine attained her B.A in Studio Arts with an emphasis in Photography from Arizona State University. She then taught at a Visual and Performing Arts school in Scottsdale, AZ. Subsequently, she returned to California and enrolled at Chapman University. She then received a Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Certificate (CLAD) and then completed a M.A. in Special Education.
Beginning in 2002, Bree worked throughout the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. She worked as a Para-educator at the elementary school level and then ultimately worked as a Special Day Class instructor with high school students at both Monte Vista and San Ramon Valley High School, respectively. In 2009, Ms. LeMoine gained experience as a Transition Teacher. This role is specifically cited to support students in Special Education with the goal of completing their high school diplomas and to further develop life skills for their lives after high school. This point is notable in that until very recently, a Transition program did not exist in DUSD. However, as district enrollment continued to rapidly grow, a justification was supported to commence a full-fledged program. As fate would have it, Bree would pioneer this initiative at Dublin High School starting in 2011. She is supported by two Instructional Assistants, Melissa Santamaria and Julie Dow.
OneDublin.org: Independence as adults is a clear goal. However, it appears that the students also rely upon each other. Is this encouraged and why?
OneDublin.org 