Tim Smith Taylion Academy president, stands with students from the school.
(San Bernardino, CA)—Taylion Academy, a free Kindergarten though 12th grade public charter school, now has a campus in San Bernardino, just in time for the 2014-2015 school year. Since starting in October, the San Bernardino campus has enrolled more than 150 students.
“Located at 1184 W 2nd Street, Suite 101, Taylion Academy is excited to expand into the City of San Bernardino, ‘ said principal Tim Smith.
With charter schools in California and Arizona, Taylion has helped hundreds of students in reaching their potential while becoming productive members of society.
“Taylion understands that everyone learns differently, as it offers a variety of programs, as well as tutor assistance, socialization opportunities such as clubs and activities like the Associated Student Body (A.S.B.), and more to help students succeed,” said Smith.
Chenelle White, 17, currently a senior at Taylion Academy, has benefitted from the freedom of the independent study program, “I like that it’s one-on-one and I can come and ask questions. I can get more credits at a time instead of waiting a semester for a couple of credits.”
White has plans to enlist in the Army after completing her High School Diploma, and then to attend the Police Academy.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) have accredited Taylion Academy. WASC is the agency that provides accreditation to the: Redlands, Riverside, Rialto, Fontana and San Bernardino Unified School Districts.
WASC is one of the six accrediting bodies in the United States which accredits public and private schools: from elementary, junior high, high school, to colleges and post secondary educational institutions.
Taylion Academy serves all students, kindergarten through 12th grade, in the San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego and Orange County. Taylion offers individualized education plans, which can include on-campus classes and online classes.
The school’s curriculum is based on California education standards, and employ California certified teachers.
“Taylion Academy’s mission is to deliver a high quality education focused on building skills, character and confidence,” Smith said. “The curriculum is be personalized for each student, offering a mix of onsite classes in day and evening hours, online classes and independent study. Onsite courses will include hands-on learning activities and high technology.”
Taylion Academy is affiliated with the Phoenix-area’s Taylion Academy, which serve kindergarten through eighth grade, and E-Institute Charter Schools, which serves grades 9-12 on three campuses.
Taylion Academy has charter school campuses in San Marcos, Vista, Victorville, Adelanto and Arizona. “Taylion offers a assortment of students education programs that allow students’ learn at their own pace, including home school, virtual school and independent study,” said Smith.
For more information on Taylion Academy please call at 1-855-77-LEARN.
About Taylion Academy
At Taylion Academy we are committed to providing students with the most flexible options of Independent Study, Online Learning and Homeschooling, so that our students can benefit from personalized learning plans that are designed to allow them to thrive and succeed at their own pace. We understand each student learns differently and education should be just as individualized as the needs, strengths and weaknesses of our students. Therefore, we have made it our sole mission to inspire our students and parents, provide advanced kids motorcycle helmets and tools, systems for learning, and offer more choices to give you the best chance to fulfill each student’s dreams.
RBY Girls’ Softball is consistently one of the best programs in California. Young ladies from 4-18 learn to play ball and have a great time making new friends in RBY’s safe and well-organized program. Registration opens online October 31, with onsite dates set for Sunday, November 23 and Saturday, December 6 from 10am to 1pm at the Redlands Community Field, corner of Church and San Bernardino Avenue. For more details and more information, visit RBY.org
Players from age 4-18 can experience all the fun and excitement of playing ball in RBY’s safe and well-organized program. Registration opens online October 31, with onsite dates set for Sunday, November 23 and Saturday, December 6 from 10am to 1pm at the Redlands Community Field, corner of Church and San Bernardino Avenue. For more details and more information, visit RBY.org
(Redlands, CA) Just as the World Series is wrapping up another thrilling Major League season, the Redlands Baseball (and Softball) for Youth (RBY) Spring 2015 Season is taking shape and the kids will be creating their own excitement on the Community Fields before you know it.
“Since 1963 RBY have been providing a safe place for the youth of Redlands and surrounding communities to learn and play ball, develop teamwork and build self-confidence while making new friends,” Dan Carranza, president of Redlands Baseball for Youth.
The Redlands Baseball for Youth is a non-profit organization, governed and run solely by more than 300 volunteers. According to Carranza, RBY expects to provide quality baseball and softball program to more than 1,400 children during the 2015 spring season.
“Beginning at age 4, and progressing all the way through 18 years old, kids will enjoy all the fun and excitement of learning and playing ball in a safe and well-organized setting,” said Carranza.
RBY has historically been limited to students within the Redlands Unified School District (Redlands, Mentone and Highland) but now things are changing.
“After many requests from neighboring communities to participate in RBY’s well-respected program, this year all young people from all the surrounding communities including Loma Linda, Colton, Grand Terrace, etc.… can enjoy of all the fun, excitement and camaraderie of playing ball,” said Carranza.
“RBY is sanctioned by PONY Baseball and Softball, whose “Protect Our Nation’s Youth” message is put into practice by providing experiences in youth baseball and softball that will help young people grow into healthier and happier adults,” said Carranza.
Registration fees include a quality uniform jersey and cap, field preparation and maintenance, utilities, umpires and scorekeepers, insurance and other expenses – for a complete breakdown, visit RBY.org.
The Redlands Baseball for Youth online registration begins Friday, October 31 and can be easily accessed through RBY.org.
Early Bird registration fees, with the online discount, are $60 for Shetland 4-year-olds; $110 for Shetland ages 5-6; $120 for Pinto 7, Mustang, 7U/8U – 10U softball (ages 7-12); Bronco, Pony, softball 12U-14U $130 (ages 13-18).
On-site registration will take place at the Redlands Community Field (1535 Church Street, Church and San Bernardino Avenue), near the snack bar, on Sunday, November 23; Saturday, December 6 and 13, from 10am to 1pm.
Hard copy applications will be available at the registration event or can be accessed from RBY.org. Please be sure to bring a copy of each child’s birth certificate.
RBY provides opportunities for special needs children with our Xtreme Team.
Multiple child discounts are available. Families meeting certain requirements may apply for a limited number of scholarships or a payment plan. Information and requirements for all the aforementioned is available at RBY.org Scholarship and payment plans applicants must apply in person.
Families registering online, and before December 14, 2014, can save $20 per child on their registration.
RBY registration fees have been lower than other similar programs in the Inland Empire – this is made possible by revenues generated through the snack bar.
“Unfortunately, a grandfathered arrangement with the County Health Department requiring significant modifications to the cooking hood, plumbing and structure is expiring. Due to the extensive costs related to these alterations, registration fees are increasing a nominal amount, making registering early and taking advantage of the discount more important than ever,” said Carranza.
“We need additional support to help use serve our youth. Businesses and baseball-loving individuals interested in supporting this extremely worthwhile program and learning about the benefits provided to sponsors are encouraged to visit RBY.org for more information,” said Carranza.
The Spring 2015 Season will officially start with Opening Day Celebration on February 28. Along with several games and possibly a vendor fair, a brief presentation to parents and dignitaries will conclude with the Official First Pitch being thrown out with all teams taking the field at once.
Once the season starts, teams will play approximately 16 games. The tee-ballers always play on Saturday mornings starting at 9am, while everyone else plays Monday – Saturday. Weekday games start at 5pm with the last game starting no later than 7:30.
All parents interested in managing, coaching, volunteering or serving on the board must complete a background check. Information regarding the application and background processes will be available at onsite registrations and at RBY.org.
“The culture of Redlands Baseball (and Softball) for Youth is to create a fun learning environment while maintaining a healthy spirit of competition,” said Carranza.
For more information about RBY as a player, manager, coach, volunteer, board member or sponsor, please visit RBY.org.
LaSalle Medical Associates cure for Plantar Fasciitis , Inc Celebrates 30 years of medical service with the corporate management team. Left to right: Anna Canton, Human Resource Manager; Kristina Hlebo, Finance Assistant,;Carl Meier, executive vice president; Dr. Albert Arteaga CEO; Alexandra Acosta, Director of Finance and Lizette Noriega, Human Resource Assistant. Alexandra Acosta, Director of Finance and Lizette Noriega, Human Resource Assistant
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) In June of 1984, a young doctor and his wife, a nurse, opened a family medical practice called LaSalle Medical Associates in Fontana. Their goal: provide affordable health care, with dignity and respect, to all in the Inland Empire.
Three decades later, Dr. Albert and Maria Arteaga have gone far beyond making their goal a reality. They are now recognized as one of the leading health care providers in the Inland Empire, if not all of California.
“We have had some markers of success,” Dr. Arteaga says. “We went from two employees – my wife and I – to a fully staffed clinic. We opened more clinics. Then we started our own IPA (independent practice association) to keep up with new demands to make health care more and more efficient.”
“It has always been our goal to treat as many patients as we could while giving them the best health care possible,” he said.
Some, who have recognized LaSalle Medical Associates as a leader in health care, by giving them awards for their endeavors, include:
The federal Center for Disease Control, which recognized Dr. Arteaga as California’s first Childhood Immunization Champion. This award recognized his efforts in educating the parents of LaSalle’s pediatric patients, and the greater Inland Empire community, of the importance of childhood immunizations
The California Medical Association, which recognized Dr. Arteaga with its Ethnic Physician’s Leadership Award, recognizing his contributions to improving health care in the Latino community
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Resolution Award for outstanding community efforts
The San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson, M.D. Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community. Dr. Arteaga was recognized for his efforts to provide health services to Inland Empire children.
Maria and Dr. Albert Arteaga. The California Medical Association awarded Abert Arteaga the “Ethnic Physician’s Leadership Award,” recognizing his contributions to medical care in the Latino community.
Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), as Riverside and San Bernardino counties’ best health care provider, and for being one of the top enrollers in all of California in the state’s former Healthy Families program
The African American Health Initiative as a model provider in a two-year study of Black health care in San Bernardino County.
Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine, which recognized LaSalle Medical Associates as one of the top 15 Latino-owned businesses in the Inland Empire
Despite all this success, it hasn’t always been an easy path for the Arteagas.
“Life doesn’t always play out as you expect,” Dr. Arteaga said. “That is certainly true in my life as a health care provider. Good intentions require good management. Providing good management has been every bit as challenging as my years in medical school were more than three decades ago!”
One of the biggest changes in health care took place just this year. In 2014, Covered California part of the federal Affordable Health Care Act – which Dr. Arteaga has long been a champion of – came into being.
“Although Covered California does not yet mean everyone has insurance, it does mean that many patients who couldn’t afford health care before now can do so,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Health care is no longer an out-of-reach luxury for those who couldn’t afford insurance, but is a basic right for everyone
Dr. Arteaga has always thought that health care is a basic right, and has operated LaSalle Medical Associates as if that were the case.
Dr. Arteaga targeted his marketing to Latinos and low-income people who were underserved. Providing high quality medical services to underserved populations were crucial to the success of LaSalle Medical Associates. They later expanded from Fontana to San Bernardino and Hesperia. These communities have many low-income people in need of quality affordable medical services.
He also is Latino, so he easily related to his Latino patients in ways they appreciated. They told friends and family about LaSalle Medical Associates, which caused his popularity in the Inland Empire’s Latino culture to swell.
RN Maria and Dr. Albert Arteaga partners in healthcare and family Ce;berate 30 years of Making People Healthier in California.
Dr. Arteaga has always believed that his key to business success was finding a way to get paid for their services, instead of telling patients they had to figure that out on their own before seeing him. For most of LaSalle’s history, that business model meant LaSalle employees educated patients about their health care insurance options.
Most patients LaSalle saw over the years qualified for either Medi-Cal or Healthy Families. The latter, which like Medi-Cal was run by the state of California, offered low to moderate-income parents who didn’t qualify for Medi-Cal a subsidy for the health care of their children from birth to age 19.
Many uninsured families with children under 19 can get help through the Healthy Families program; help is also available to some children and adults through Medi-Cal. For those who don’t qualify for these programs, the Affordable Health Care Act of 2010 provides additional options. Photo by: Albert Ateaga
Things have changed in the last two years. In 2013, California got a head start on the Affordable Care Act; they created Covered California and merged Healthy Families and Medi-Cal together.
In 2014, one of the key Covered California’s requirements is everyone must have health insurance or pay a penalty. This means, many patients applied and signed up for Covered California, Medi-Cal or other insurance first, and then choose or are assigned to LaSalle Medical Associates.
Consequently, rather than informing new patients of their insurance options, LaSalle Medical Associates employees now more likely are helping the patients understand how their health insurance system works.
Dr. Arteaga acknowledges the Covered California has brought changes some people will take a while to get accustomed to. One of these is a concept called managed care.
“The structure of the Covered California means many people, both those who had some other type of insurance and those who were uninsured, are now in managed care for the first time,” he said. Managed care is called this because it requires a doctor, such as one of the physicians in LaSalle Medical Associates, to coordinate patients’ health care services. These primary care doctors have a general, family or pediatric practice, and will treat patients for many of their symptoms, but will refer the patients to specialists when more expertise is needed.
Managed care has been around since the 1990s, Dr. Arteaga said, but it has become more popular. It’s usually more cost-efficient to have managed care, he explained, people choose to buy managed care for its lower premiums.
Medi-Cal has used managed care for nearly two decades. Meanwhile, LaSalle Medical Associates, since the beginning, has accepted Medi-Cal when many doctors would not, and now has a reputation among those familiar with Medi-Cal for providing quality services, no matter how payment is provided.
Even though there wasn’t “managed care,” as it now known when Dr. Arteaga started his practice, even back then he was in favor of patients developing close relationships with one family doctor.
“Thirty years ago I wanted to see all the patients, and manage their health care. That has not changed, but I have learned that in order to do so, a physician must take a leadership role. Otherwise, many patients will seek or demand services that are redundant or not needed.”
Dr. Arteaga sees the physician as an advocate for the patient, one who will make sure patients get the services they truly need. Sometimes, just as some patients will push for more health care than is necessary, some insurance companies will resist paying for what a doctor recommends, but that is not the intent of managed care.
“I want the patient, the doctor and the insurance company to develop a positive team, Dr. Arteaga said. “There may be opposition, but that should not stop any of us in trying to make quality health care succeed.”
Besides managed care and its great expansion through the Affordable Care Act, another large change in the health care industry over the last three decades has been more careful monitoring of expenses by insurance companies.
Now, it is better for a medical group like LaSalle Medical Associates to band with even more doctors, so they can take advantage of economies of scale, and provide health care more cost-efficiently.
This is why LaSalle Medical Associates formed an Independent Practice Association (IPA) in 1995, and has grown it to the point it now serves more than 600 medical clinics serving more than 170,000 patients each year in nine California counties.
LaSalle oversees administrative functions of all these medical clinics, although they are owned and manage their patients’ health care separately.
Another move to make health care more efficient, in many ways, is one that LaSalle Medical Associates only recently transitioned to. It now is keeping track of patients’ charts with electronic medical records, ridding itself of the wall full of patients’ medical records that once were a hallmark of many medical clinics.
“Electronic medical records make it easier to share patients’ records among a team of doctors who treat one patient, which results in better health care” Dr. Arteaga said. “It is also easier to keep patients’ records confidential this way.”
One other significant change over the last 30 years has been that most patients are more involved in their health care now than they were in 1984.
“They ask more questions now. Because of the Internet, and because people talk more about health care with their friends, patients now have more information. Not all of the information out there is correct, so this means a doctor helps the patient sort the good from the bad, and develop a treatment plan that works. This is another reason why the managed care approach is necessary.”
“As pediatricians, we strive for 100 percent immunizations of pediatric patients and, while that’s probably a utopian objective, our goal is to get as close as to that 100 percent as we can,’’ says Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. . “This CDC recognition is the fruit of two to three years of intense labor on part of me and staff.”
One thing Dr. Arteaga has learned during his three decades of medical practice is that change can be good. In fact, one thing he loves about being the CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates is that he gets to lead other health care professionals through the changes their industry faces.
“I love being collegial, and helping other doctors learn,” he said. “When they resist change, it is going to be more difficult for them. They should not expect to practice medicine as it was done 30 years ago, or even 10 years ago.”
On the first day, owner Dr. Albert Arteaga and his wife Maria then employed as his nurse and still his chief assistant saw two patients at their clinic in Fontana. Today, LaSalle Medical Associates has grown to four clinics and 120 employees, and an Independent Practice Association (IPA) serving more than 1,900 doctors.
In the end is true LaSalle Medical Associates has spent Three Decades Making People Healthier.
For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to LaSalleMedical.com.
About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept IEHP, Molina, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Care 1st, and Health Net and Medicare by Easy Choice Health Plan, Molina and Care1st Health Plans. LaSalle’s clinics are located at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patience care with more than 170,000 patient visits per year in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital, Kaiser Moreno Valley, Kaiser Fontana and Kaiser Riverside.
during a back-to-school shopping spree Target and the Salvation Army sponsored for needy children throughout the United States. Photo by Chris Sloan” width=”455″ height=”683″ /> New clothes and a pair of new shoes at workbootsnerd.com are part of going back to school, but so are physicals and immunizations. Free immunizations are available at LaSalle Medical Associates clinics in Fontana, Hesperia and Fontana. Photo by Chris Sloan
(San Bernardino, Calif.) – For many students, seeing the doctor for their annual physical is a requirement at the start of a new school year.
While in the past, some families couldn’t afford school physicals because they lacked health insurance, California Care and California Covered in most cases allows health care providers to offer preventive care at no cost, even when patients have health insurance policies that usually require co-pays.
“Annual physicals are a good idea for everyone,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, In some cases, the schools your children attend will require them.”
“Physicals are required when a child enters school in California, most commonly kindergarten,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. “If a middle school, high school, college or university student plans to play sports, all schools will require them to obtain a physical at the beginning of the season. Many college and university students often need back-to-school physicals as a condition of living on campus.”
School Physicals and Immunizations are generally FREE with California Care health insurance membership.
Physicals for children typically include making sure they have reached adequate height and weight for their age. Doctors also make sure children are up-to-date on the immunizations needed for their age.
Young children also are evaluated to make sure they can perform certain tasks. For instance a child entering kindergarten should be able to play well with other children, state his or her first and last name, color with crayons and dress him or herself.
Kindergarteners who are not able to do these things may have developmental delays that will cause them to need extra help throughout their education, and may also have medical conditions that need close monitoring by a doctor.
As with adults, physicals also are a time to check overall health, by checking blood pressure, hearing and vision. Doctors also may order blood tests to check for anemia, and a urinalysis to check for infections and diseases such as diabetes.
“All of these things we check for in a physical are what’s known as preventive health care,” Dr. Arteaga said. “We want to make sure we catch things as early as we can so that we can start interventions before they cause serious health problems.”
“Thankfully, now that almost all families have health insurance, these interventions will not be an expensive burden on them. With insurance, they may have to pay a small deductible or copay for treatment, but not the hundreds or thousands it would cost without.”
Most K-12 students in San Bernardino County begin school in August, as do many colleges. Parents of any students needing a mandatory back-to-school physical to start school before Labor Day should schedule an appointment with their doctor immediately. Athletes, and anyone who starts school in September should not wait much longer.
“It is important not to wait until the last minute,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Summer is our busy season, and some doctors won’t be able to see you right away and we do accept patents with out an appointment. “
To make an appointment, or for more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call the LaSalle clinics nearest you; Fontana 17577 Arrow Blvd. in phone (909) 823-4454, in Hesperia 16455 Main St. phone (760) 947-2161, and in San Bernardino 1505 West 17th St. phone (760) 947-2161 and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. phone (909) 884-9091 .
-end-
About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patience care with more than 150,000 patient visits per year in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital, Kaiser Moreno Valley, Kaiser Fontana and Kaiser Riverside.
Dr. Judy White, superintendent of the Moreno Valley Unified School District
Published On : 2/26/2014 7:30 AM
By : Ken Vincent
From : KVCR
Categories : A few years ago, the Moreno Valley schools were in trouble. However, under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Judy White, the Moreno Valley Unified School District has dramatically turned around, and now has received applause from state education officials, the state teachers’ union, local businesses, and parents of kids who attend Moreno Valley schools. KVCR’s Ken Vincent has a conversation with Superintendent White about how she and the community have pulled together the elements of success in the Moreno Valley School District.
Listen to Podcast http://kvcr.org/News/Stories/2014/February/0226_Superintendent_Brings_Success_to_Moreno_Valley_Schools
The LaGrant Foundation selected Carl M. Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications to host its first Inland Empire career development workshop for students interested in pursuing a career in advertising or public relations. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority cosponsors the workshop. Photo by Robert A. Whitehead/CSUSB
(San Bernardino, CA) Looking for a great speaker on advertising and public relations? Choose Carl Dameron, Creative Director of Dameron Communications. He is funny, direct and delivers actionable information you can put to work right away! Carl has more than 30 years of successful experience driving national and regional advertising and public relations.
Carl is available to speak on several advertising and public relations topics including:
Advertising – How to create Advertising that works from flyers to TV commercials and everything in between
Public Relations – How to get media coverage and increase the positive perception of your organization
Government Relations – How to get elected officials to listen and how to leverage their network
Community Relations – How get the community to support your goals and objectives
Dr. Judy D. White flanked by band members at the State of the District Speech
“We meet regularly to work together on the issues facing our school district,” said Harold Acord, president of the Moreno Valley Educators’ Association. “This is true whether it’s a problem affecting the entire school district, or one individual teacher’s problem.”
(Moreno Valley, CA) In Moreno Valley both the district administration and the teachers’ union have a common goal. They work together to achieve the district’s mission of preparing students to become productive members of society. “We agree on our mission of learning for all,” said Dr. Judy White, superintendent of Moreno Valley Unified School District. “We collaborate on best practices that increase student achievement.” “We meet regularly to work together on the issues facing our school district,” said Harold Acord, president of the Moreno Valley Educators’ Association. “This is true whether it’s a problem affecting the entire school district, or one individual teacher’s problem.” “We provide support and communication to each one of our teachers, so they know how much they are valued in our school district,” Dr. White said. An issue affecting the entire district is initiatives the state of California is considering regarding school funding. The 2013-2014 state budget significantly changes how public schools are funded, giving most school districts more money to spend flexibly on student programs However, school districts must now provide more accountability to the state for how they are educating students. The standards for this accountability haven’t yet been set, so school districts statewide are weighing in on what they think will work. “In Moreno Valley, the district administration and its teachers stand shoulder to shoulder on state initiatives related to funding,” Dr. White said. “We are also exploring other ways to focus on students’ and teachers’ learning conditions, so we can make sure the state provides funding mechanisms that meet the needs of our students.” School districts also receive federal funding. This, more than ever, is tied to academic performance. In Moreno Valley, the teachers’ union and the District have stepped up to develop a student-centered evaluation pilot program rather than waiting for grant opportunities which may come with mandates. “Together, teachers and administrators have collaborated on an evaluation instrument that includes the California Standards for the Teaching Profession as a rubric of measurement. This is expressed in a format that structures collaborative conversations, support and high expectations between the site administrator and teachers. This was done because it is the right thing to do,” said Dr. White. Besides working together to develop accountability standards and positions on state and federal legislation, the Moreno Valley Educators’ Association and the district administration also collaborate on other projects. Recently, one of these was planning and hosting a regional leadership conference and access to for teachers and administrators, which had was titled “Collaborate, Coach and Connect.”
Moreno Valley Unified School District superintendent of schools Dr. Judy White and California CTA state president Dean Vogel at 2013 Joint Leadership Summit. Vogel spoke well of the direction the district is taking to increase student performance.
“We had several speakers from the California Teachers Association, and the keynote speaker was CTA President Dean Vogel,” said local president Acord. “It was a great success, and we received high evaluations from those who participated.” Since students are the top priority in Moreno Valley Unified School District, recognizing outstanding student achievement is another way the administration and teachers’ union work together. With a third partner, the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce, they provide a “Student of the Month” program to honor and reward one outstanding student each month at each school in the district. They also work jointly with the Chamber to explain how local businesses can support education in Moreno Valley. Even in contract negotiations, the one activity where relationships between school administrations and their teachers unions can be adversarial, they’re not in Moreno Valley Unified School District. Here, the two parties participate in Interest Based Bargaining. In typical negotiations, the teachers’ union asks for as generous a contract as it finds feasible, while the district administration counter offers with something less generous. The contract is successfully negotiated when one or both sides make concessions to the other. But in Interest Based Bargaining, the administration and teachers focus on common interests, and work together to ensure these interests are met. Since attracting and keeping quality teachers is one of their common goals, developing an attractive teachers’ contract becomes a solution.
“We meet regularly to work together on the issues facing our school district,” said Harold Acord, president of the Moreno Valley Educators’ Association. “This is true whether it’s a problem affecting the entire school district, or one individual teacher’s problem.”
“It is supposed to be a win-win situation,” Acord said. “It’s not one side wins, and the other side loses.” Clearly, with everyone working together, there is one big winner in the process. That is Moreno Valley Unified School District students. The Moreno Valley Unified School District’s mission is to prepare all students academically and socially to become productive members of society. For more information on the Moreno Valley Unified School District call the district office at (951) 571-7500 or go to their website at www.MVUSD.net.
Canyon Springs Health Careers Academy Sophomore students. From the left to right: Top row: James Jones, Courtney Thomas, Jason Sanchez, Danny Calderon, Fernando Canales, Gerald Jocson, Jonathan Espinoza, Sabrina Garcia, Stephany Pita, Gizelle Suarez Next row below: Teresa Becerra, Dalvir Kaur, Bobbie Sue Montanez, Jessica Sanchez, Lorena Mejia, Emily Guemez, Jessenia Sanchez, Belen Ochoa (she is kind of standing between the row and has glasses), Tuesday Martin Next row below: Ashley Lopez, Rolando Mena, Brian Sanchez, Maria Gutierrez, Fernando Granados, Agienna Lewis, Brandon Garay, Adolfo Ventura, Anthony Ordinario Front Row; Aileen Ayon, Paola Garcia, Breanna McFarland, Alexis Flores, Savannah Mercier-White, Melisa Franco, Jessica Rodriguez, Khalia Dade, Myra Peña
“The goal of the Health Careers Academy is to graduate students prepared for college and a career in the health care field, said Canyon Springs Health Careers Academy Director Sharon Scott. “Receiving the California Golden Bell award is confirmation that the team’s effort to ensure student achievement is both successful and effective.”
(Moreno Valley, CA) the California School Boards Association recently recognized The Moreno Valley Unified School District as a winner of the prestigious Golden Bell Award for 2013. This award recognizes the academic success of Health Careers Academy on the campus of Canyon Springs High School.
“The selection of Canyon Springs Health Careers Academy as a Golden Bell Awards winner reflects the Moreno Valley Unified School District’s commitment to meeting the needs of students in careers that are needed and relevant,” said Dr. Judy D. White, district superintendent.
The CSBA recognized 59 public school’s programs in the state this year. It created the Golden Bell Awards program in 1980 to recognize innovative and successful programs that make a difference in students’ success, and focus on meeting the needs of all students.
Health Careers Academy is the oldest of several vocational academies Moreno Valley Unified School District has created. While students in these programs receive a well-rounded education, by following a recommended pathway of courses, they can either begin an entry-level career in their area of interest, or more easily transition to a college or university level education in the health career field after high school graduation.
“The goal of the Health Careers Academy is to graduate students prepared for college and a career in the health care field, said Academy Director Sharon Scott. “Receiving the California Golden Bell award is confirmation that the team’s effort to ensure student achievement is both successful and effective.”
Canyon Springs Health Careers Academy students with the simulation Makiken “Annie” are Agienna Lewis and Anthony Ordinario
Students enter the Health Careers Academy as sophomores. In the academies, students have the same core requirements, such as English, social studies, and science as they would in a regular high school program, but take these courses from teachers at the academy.
Students also take vocational education courses through the academy. In the introductory course, Introduction to Health Care, students learn medical technology, learn how to take vital signs, research health careers, develop resumes and are certified in first aid and CPR.
Juniors learn about cultural disparities in health care and biomedical ethics, and participate in mock interviews and job shadowing with the academy’s business partners. In their senior year, students receive even more specialized training in health care, and assistance in completing university and financial aid applications.
More than 60 percent of the current students are “at-risk,” which means they fall into one or more categories that could hinder their educational development. These students may have:
Scored below proficiency on standardized tests as ninth-graders
Completed their ninth grade year with a grade point average of 2.2 or lower
Not earned enough credits in ninth grade to graduate on time
Come from a low-income family
Frequently missed classes as ninth-graders
When they enter the Health Careers Academy, educators assess the students’ skills and immediately begin addressing the academic deficiencies and poor work habits that have hindered their success.
“The results have been exemplary,” Scott said. “Since 2000, all of our students have graduated on time. More than half of the 2013 graduating class had completed all of the requirements to attend a public California University immediately after graduation, and nine of the 31 graduates received college scholarships.”
“The Canyon Springs Health Careers Academy has consistently produced students with a plethora of knowledge, genuine concern about all health issues and most importantly a passion to be proactive and responsive,” Dr. White said. “The level of student engagement and compassion for others has propelled this program above the rest. Students participating in this program live and breathe commitment to health.”
The academy also offers extra-curricular organizations.
The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) is a national organization specifically for students in a vocational health careers education program such as the one offered by Health Careers Academy. Part of the school curriculum includes activities related to HOSA. It also meets outside of school hours. Through HOSA, the academy’s juniors and seniors compete against other schools’ health services academies in debates on biomedical ethics, and often win these debates.
Another extra-curricular organization is the Anti-Bullying Club, which Health Services Academy students created after attending a conference on bullying. This club gave a presentation to all ninth- and 10th-graders at Canyon Springs High School, and set up a week of anti-bullying lunchtime activities during the week of Feb. 25 – March 1, 2013.
While Health Services Academy frequently turns a struggling high school student into a successful health care professional, sometimes the results have been even more profound.
Scott recalls a student, who is still in the academy, had been living on the streets as a runaway when she started her sophomore year.
“She was, understandably, credit deficient,” Scott said. “Health Careers Academy created a plan, which included credit recovery, summer school and online courses to put her back on track for graduation on time. This student also has expressed appreciation for having positive role models and serious-minded students in her life through the academy.”
Health Careers Academy students are encouraged to also enroll in courses offered by Riverside County Regional Occupations Program/Career Technical Education, as these lead to certification in health careers. By taking just one ROP course, students can be certified for an entry-level health care profession at the time of high school graduation.
The students usually have between 160 to 240 hours of internship experience by the time they graduate from high school. In the 2012-2013 school year, 27 of the 31 seniors had internships with either Riverside County Regional Medical Center, the Riverside County ROP/CTE, Charter Hospice or medical clinics.
In addition to the internships, all Health Careers Academy must perform 50 hours of community service yearly. Of the 150 total hours required over their three years in the academy, 50 must be in a hospital or other medical setting.
Some students provide more than twice the minimum required, which garners them recognition in the “HCA 300 Club” for their more than 300 hours of community service. Collectively, the school provided more than 6,000 hours of community service.
Although employable at high school graduation, most students in Health Services Academy move on to post-secondary education. The academy gives them a jump-start on that as well.
All of the vocational education courses they take as juniors and seniors, and the anatomy and physiology courses offered at the academy offer dual credit. Students who complete these courses with a grade of B or better can also receive credit at Moreno Valley College.
Moreno Valley Unified School District developed Health Careers Academy in 1995. Before then, it had determined health care careers were of great interest to its students of that time, and these careers would be in high demand in coming years. Now, almost 20 years later, the career field continues to be in high demand, and is an interest of many current MVUSD high school students.
In addition, Moreno Valley Unified School District worked with colleges, universities and employers to develop pathways. These higher learning institutions and medical field employers remain in partnership with Health Careers Academy, offering students mentoring, guest speakers and job shadowing opportunities. UCR provides student mentors who regularly visit Health Service Academy to discuss their university experience, and to help the high-school students with college applications, financial aid forms, SAT preparation, class schedules and time management.
Canyon Springs Health Careers Academy students in the CPR picture are Maria Trejo (compressions), Viridiana Vargas (phoning 911), and Tuesday Martin (giving breaths).
Partners are Riverside County Regional Medical Center, the Riverside County Office of Education, the University of California, Riverside Health Sciences Partnership, Riverside Community College District (of which Moreno Valley College is a part), and Loma Linda University Medical Center.
For more information about Health Careers Academy, contact Sharon Scott at (951) 571-4768.
For more information on the Moreno Valley Unified School District’s call the District office at (951) 571-7500 or go to the website at MVUSD.net.
About the Moreno Valley Unified School District
Moreno Valley Unified School District, with 3,400 employees and 35,000 students.
Moreno Valley Unified School District’s mission is to prepare all students academically and socially to become productive members of society.
(San Bernardino, CA) “We are all products. Remember that. As an advertising and public relations creative director, my product is problem solving, knowledge and creativity,” said Carl M. Dameron creative director and founder of Dameron Communications.
“I am going to tell you how to develop an advertising and public relations program to effectively reach your target market, create a positive image of a business in the community and entice the market to buy more of your products, goods and/or services,” said Dameron.
This series has been going for several weeks. Go to the website for the entire backlog at
at DameronCommunications.com/blog
This January 2012 ad uses the campaign theme for the Magnolia at Highland – “Affordable Luxury”. We also target seniors by saying, “For ages 62 and better”. The campaign was very successful. The senior apartments have 100+ person waiting list.
Ad development
This is where your research bears fruit. Take the information obtained through your research that tells you who your customer is, what they like, and what they like about your products and services to develop a campaign theme to reach your target market.
This theme must translate well into print, radio, television, your website, billboards, Email, social networks, and direct mail to grab the target’s attention and leave the right impression. If you need help to develop your ads use: and ad agency, freelance artists, university students or talk to your newspaper or radio representative.
You can also call Dameron Communications to help you develop your plan.
Campaign goal
We know the goal is to increase sales and profit:
But of what product ? You want to include all of them but really pick one.
Of what service? Again I know, you want to include all of them, but again pick one.
Where is it? Where are your locations or do you come to me?
When do customers want to buy your stuff? — Winter, spring, summer or fall?
Start by reviewing your sales and promote your most popular product or the thing you are known for.
80 percent of your business comes from 20 percent of your customers. Define who the 20 percent are, what they want and create your campaign to go after more people like them!
For Argosy University they are highly recognized for their Postgraduate degrees in Psychology, Education and Business, that’s their 20 percent. So our goal was to increase enrollment in those programs. They also have bachelors degree completion programs and other offerings.
Slogans – “Campaigns that work!” That’s the Dameron Communications slogan
How do you start? Try creating a quick five-second description of what you do that makes your customer feel better good about buying your product. Then massage it into a slogan.
Here are some examples.
For SpeakerCraft we created the slogan “The Art of Sound”. They sell speakers and high-end stereo equipment. Not just things to make music, but things to make music sound exceptionally great.
For the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health AIDS program the slogan was “Know your Status”. We show multiethnic real people and ask the question: “Are you HIV Positive of Negative?”
Are you HIV Positive of Negative? Do you know? You should know. Take control. Get checked for free at the San Bernardino County Health Department.
For The Magnolia at Highland the slogan is “Affordable Luxury”. This project is a low income senior citizen complex, however it is designed and built like a luxury resort. So we sold it that way. We used the images reserved for luxury spas and luxury resorts, people in the pool, the cabañas and the beautiful entry. Instead of 62 and older we came up with 62 and Better.
The Magnolia at Highland Senior Citizen Apartments’ Grand Opening invitation created for Western Seniors Housing. It clearly shows the luxury features available in the Senior Apartments.
For Argosy University it’s “Education that Works.” This slogan has multiple meanings. Not only does the education help you be a better person, but the reason many people get a post-graduate degree is to get a better job and make more money, so having a degree from Argosy helps to get you more work. The other issue with Universities new to the area is the question of trust. We included the line “quality Education for over 30 years in Psychology, Education and Business” to demonstrate that Argosy was not a new University, just new to the area. This line is to solidify the brand and increase trust. The campaign increase enrollment 450 percent and made the campus the fastest growing start up the history of 22 campus system.
Yes, it does sound like our slogan. Argosy abandoned it and so we picked it up. Waste not, want not.
“Education That Works” was the slogan we created for Argosy University. This is the billboard we created, we also created newspaper ads, plus magazine and radio commercials.
Good luck, and remember the target for your slogan is your customers, not you!
To Be Effective In Advertising, Plan And Be Consistent.
Display your slogan everywhere. This is the email signature for Dameron Communications
Read more
For a free one-hour consultation call Carl M. Dameron at (909) 534-9500.
For a free copy of “Effective Advertising & Public Relations” click here to download: DC-701 Effective advertising-legal 51211.
Effective Advertising & Public Relation prints on legal paper
Moreno Valley Unified School District superintendent of schools Dr. Judy White and California CTA state president Dean Vogel at 2013 joint leadership summit. Vogel said, “They are committed to breaking down the silos and walls to increase student learning. They are providing a model for the rest of us, an excellent example.”
(Moreno Valley, CA) School Superintendents and teachers union presidents don’t always get along. So it was a surprise to many that Moreno Valley Unified School District Superintendent, Judy White invited the California Teachers Association President Dean Vogel to be the lead and keynote speaker at the final day of the districts 2013 Joint Leadership Summit.
“That’s the way do things now in Moreno Valley School District,” said Dr. White. “We are in a partnership with our parents, teachers, administrators and staff to deliver the best education we can to our students. It only makes sense to work with our teachers to make students education better.”
Drawing on his 39 years as an educator and award-winning counselor, Vogel has insights into many levels of public education gleaned from his rich experience as a public school teacher and counselor at the elementary and higher education levels. He has taught all elementary grades, including kindergarten, and has trained counselors and student teachers.
“Everything the research is telling us is that the way you do systemic transformation of our schools is that you get the entire community, all stakeholders, not just the teachers and not just the principal, to stand together with a common purpose and a common language. You treat all education stakeholders with respect and dignity. It’s a real team effort. It’s about the school board and the unions and parents all standing together so that you have a much better chance of success. That’s why I really like the theme of this Moreno Valley Unified School District initiative of collaborating and coaching and connecting,” said Vogel.
“They are committed to breaking down the silos and walls to increase student learning. They are providing a model for the rest of us, an excellent example. We’re all on the same team and we’re going to treat each other like members of a team. This is all about all for one, and one for all – everybody working together to help our students,” Vogel added.
Dr. White opened the two day leadership Summit by welcoming teachers, administrator and staff Back to School for the 2013-14 school years.
“Moreno Valley Unified School District is a place where “Excellence On Purpose” is our way of life. This marks my 36th year in education and it is such a pleasure to serve and live in Moreno Valley. Our team of educators continues to embrace what is in the best interest of students. We celebrate a continued increase in student knowledge and understanding proved by increases in our students test scores, graduation rates and college going rates,” said Dr. White.
The two-day leadership Summit welcomed teachers, administrator and staff Back to School for the 2013-14 school years. “The goal of the two-day training is to enhance skills of the education team and improve our leadership and problem solving skills,” said Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Martinrex Kedziora.
“The goal of the two day training is to enhance skills of the education team and improve our leadership and problem solving skills,” said Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Martinrex Kedziora.
“The trainings are not one way, while they give us new insights and education tools they also get us all talking to each other about solving problems, recognizing differences and working together to improve student success and job satisfaction,’ said Dr. Kedziora.
School starts on August 14th for all schools in the Moreno Valley School District’s 39 schools and 35,000 students.
Moreno Valley Unified School District’s mission is to prepare all students academically and socially to become productive members of society.
For more information on the Moreno Valley Unified School District’s call the District office at (951) 571-7500 or go to their website at MVUSD.net.
For more information on the California Teachers Association call (650) 552-5307 or go online to CTA.org.
