As a former scout I am honored to serve scouting and to receive the prestigious The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award.” Photo by Robert A. Whitehead/CSUSB
“I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Boy Scouts of America Whitney M. Young Jr. Award,” said Waudieur “Woodie” Rucker- Hughes.
(San Bernardino Calif.) The Boy Scouts of America California Inland Empire will honor Waudieur “Woodie” Rucker-Hughes, Child Welfare and Attendance Manager, Riverside Unified School District and Carl M. Dameron, Creative Director, Dameron Communications. They are the 2016 Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award Honorees.
The gala is Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at Shandin Hills Golf Club located at 3380 Little Mountain Drive in San Bernardino. A table of 8, a full page ad in the program, and camp sponsorship for 3 youth is $1,000. Individual tickets are $75.
The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award is to recognize outstanding service by an individual for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of Scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds-this in fulfillment of Dr. Young’s dream of justice and equality for all.
The proceeds from The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award Dinner will support the Assistance to Others Fund of the California Inland Empire Council, Boy Scouts of America, designed to help provide financial outreach for those youth and families in need of Scout registration fees, camperships, Scouting handbooks, uniform needs and training scholarships.
Whitney Moore Young, Jr. was an Americancivil rights leader, born July 31, 1921 and died March 11, 1971.
On March 11, 1971, Whitney Young died of a heart attack after swimming with friends in Lagos, Nigeria. President Nixon sent a plane to Nigeria to collect Young’s body and traveled to Kentucky to deliver the eulogy at Young’s funeral.
“Whitney understood power, he understood politics, and most of all he understood people. They said Martin was in the streets, Roy and Thurgood were in the courts, and Whitney was in the boardroom. One could not have been successful without the other.” – Vernon Jordan, CEO National Urban League
“I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Boy Scouts of America Whitney M. Young Jr. Award. Mr. Young was a true Civil Rights advocate, a shrewd and politically aware advisor to President Lyndon Johnson, the president who history notes had some of the greatest Civil Rights legislation and programs created and passed during his tenure, said Rucker-Hughes.
She added, “Mr. Young was also the recipient of a Presidential Medal of Freedom and in his capacity as a leader of the Urban League, he was a co-sponsor of the historic March on Washington which I had the privilege of participating in. I thank everyone who thought enough of me to nominate me for this Award.”
Rucker-Hughes is currently the Child Welfare and Attendance Manager for the Riverside Unified School District’s Pupil Services Department. As the State mandated District Homeless and Foster Liaison she and her staff work to serve the needs of students in order to prevent educational barriers.
In addition to her busy career, Rucker-Hughes is also the current President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Riverside Branch; a member of Chief of Police, Sergio Diaz’s “Citizen’s Advisory Board”; and Amos Temple CME Church’s Chancel Choir. She has served on the Trustee Board of Amos Temple CME Church.
Rucker-Hughes has meritoriously served the Riverside community at large as a humanitarian and pillar. She most recently was appointed to the California-Hawaii State NAACP Executive Committee, where she serves as its South East Area Director. Woodie also serves as the NAACP Region 1 Secretary, an elected position that she has held since 2010.
Her most recent honors have included being appointed to the Citizen’s Advisory Board for the State of California Highway Patrol, where she advises the HWP Commissioner on matters affecting the Highway Patrol. In February of 2015 Woodie was presented the 61st Assembly District’s Women of Distinction Award by Assemblyman Jose Medina. She was honored in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the community.
Dameron is the founder and creative director at Dameron Communications advertising and public relations agency serving California since 1989. He has placed stories with the most prestigious and popular media in the nation including the New York Times, Washington Post and NBC news.
“I am pleased to serve my community and help where ever I can,” said Dameron. “As a former scout I am honored to serve scouting and to receive the prestigious The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award.”
Since 1989 Dameron has worked for some of the area’s biggest names: California Portland Cement Company, Sprint, The Salvation Army, Capstone Turbine, The South Coast Air Quality Management District, The Art Institute of California, Argosy University, The California Department of Education, Dukes-Dukes and Associates, Meta Housing, the cities of Colton, San Bernardino and Rialto, and San Bernardino and Riverside counties, helping them with what he calls “Advertising and public relations that works.”
Committed to the Inland Empire Dameron contributes his marketing skills to help non-profits elevate awareness of their service and increase donations.
A few of the companies Dameron has worked with include: The Boys Scouts, The Salvation Army, Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce, Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, California State University San Bernardino, Argosy University, The San Bernardino Black Cultural Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, San Bernardino Bicentennial Committee and Time for Change.
Dameron has received awards and recognition from: The American Advertising Federation, The League of Women’s Voters, the San Bernardino Black Cultural Foundation, Entrepreneur of the year finalist, The Victorville African American Chamber of Commerce, Who’s Who in advertising and public relations
Many Cultures-One Mission – the mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
The California Inland Empire Council has been serving youth of the Riverside and San Bernardino Counties for over 92 years. The current council was formed in 1973 through the merger of the Arrowhead Area, Grayback and Riverside Councils. In 2006, a portion of the Old Baldy Council merged into the California Inland Empire Council.
The council has served hundreds of thousands of youth over the years. Its Scouts and leaders have provided innumerable hours of service to communities and individuals.
Council territory includes all of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, and stretches from Fort Irwin and Death Valley to Temecula and Indio; Ontario and Barstow to the Arizona and Nevada borders. The area we serve covers some of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation, National Parks and Forests, rural farmland, military bases, and open desert.
For more information on call Tracy Youden at (909) 793-2463 extension 123.
Riverside, CA – The 2nd Annual Pink & White Celebration is on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at D and D’s Dance Center in Riverside at 1445 Spruce Street. “We are honoring local breast cancer survivors and honor women who are positive role models relative to health & wellness,” said Carrie Madrid, breast cancer survivor, founder and CEO of Lady Huskies, Inc.
This year a “Woman of Excellence Award” has been added to the 2nd Annual Pink & White Celebration.
“The two honorees chosen this year have overcome adversity and excelled in their personal lives to not only achieve greatness, but have dedicated themselves to raising awareness of women’s health and wellness,” said Madrid.
Erika Ringor is known for her role in the motion picture Love & Basketball
The honorees chosen are actress Erika Ringor and 2012 track Olympian Brigetta Barrett. Erika is known for her role in the motion picture Love & Basketball, among other movies and is now a Fitness and Health Coach for a major health and wellness company.
Brigetta Barrett is a high jumper from the United States. Her biggest success is winning the silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. She is returning to the 2016 Olympics.
“If you know of a Breast Cancer survivor please ask her to register and come to the 2nd Annual Pink & White Celebration to celebrate surviving and thriving in life,” said Madrid.
This breast cancer awareness month fundraising gala will honor local breast cancer survivors. Madrid is a Stage III breast cancer survivor of two years; she shares her story in hopes of raising awareness and inspiring others.
The “Woman of Excellence Award” honorees will be presented with an original work of art created by artist John Barge III. The official unveilings of these works of art will take place at the 2nd Annual Pink & White Celebration.
“We invite everyone to attend and enjoy special appearances by jazz saxophonist, Mark Allen Felton and vocalists, “L.A. the Don” with Jazmine Culpepper; World Champion Mixed Marshal Arts (MMA) Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Jenae Noonan and artist Brandy Loves2Draw”, said Madrid.
Lady Huskies, Inc. is IRS recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Event proceeds go to the girls’ basketball program at John W. North High School and to the American Cancer Society to help breast cancer suffers.
Meet World Champion Mixed Marshal Arts (MMA) Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Jenae Noonan at the 2nd Annual Pink & White Celebration.
Tickets are $25.00 per person and can be purchased on the website or at the door. Tables of eight are available for $200 if purchased by October 1. We request that all breast cancer survivors to be registered by October 1, 2014.
“We are honoring local breast cancer survivors. We also honor two women who are positive role models relative to health and wellness,” said breast cancer survivor Carrie Madrid, founder and CEO of Lady Huskies, Inc.
For more information or to register a survivor, make a donation; please contact Carrie Madrid at 951-707-7965 or carrie_madrid@yahoo.com.
Dr. Albert Arteaga, and wife Maria, receiving an award from the San Bernardino County Medical Society for outstanding contributions to the community. photo by Carl Dameron
(Ontario, CA) Hispanic Lifestyle recently named LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. as a leading Latino Owned Business that has survived and thrived during the economic downturn.
“Hispanic Lifestyle is pleased to recognize LaSalle Medical Associates as a business that not only survived the economic downturn but thrived,” said Richard Sandoval, president of Hispanic Lifestyle.
“We are seeing the results of seven years of hard work coming to fruition,’’ says LaSalle founder and President Dr. Albert Arteaga, on his honor from Hispanic Lifestyle. “To me, as a Hispanic, this is like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. On an emotional level, it’s like winning the battle of Cinco de Mayo, Bunker Hill and the World Cup at the last minute.”
Since 2007, LaSalle has expanded its Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 170,000 residents of Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group, 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, Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., owns four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating about 40,000 children, adults, and seniors in San Bernardino County.
LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and the insurance companies participating in Covered California, which is a program offering a state subsidy to middle class families for the health care coverage required by the Affordable Care Act. LaSalle also accepts private insurance policies offered by IEHP, Molina, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, compare motor trade insurance Care 1st, and Health Net and Medicare by Easy Choice Health Plan, Molina and Care1st Health Plans.
Find a LaSalle clinic in Fontana at 17577 Arrow Blvd., in Hesperia at16455 Main St. and in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17th St. or 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave.
Dr. Albert Arteaga and wife Maria will be recognized for their achievements as part of
Hispanic Lifestyle’s Business Expo and Conference luncheon on Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at the Ontario Airport Hotel in Ontario, California at 11:30 am. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The all day conference and expo features presentations by Latino/Latinas Executives of Influence, a panel discussion on business matchmaking. The conference will be captured for distribution for Southern California PBS television stations and the Hispanic Network website.
“The awardees were compiled from audience nominations and business profiles that have been featured on Hispanic Lifestyle,” said Richard Sandoval, producer of Hispanic Lifestyle.
For more information on LaSalle Medical Associates call (909) 890-0407.
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 the insurance companies participating in Covered California, and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Care 1st, Health Net. LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and 1505 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, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group,
Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group 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.
Dameron Communications creates newsletters for cities, counties, colleges, universities, shopping centers, developers, retailers, computer stores, doctors, medical clinics, Non-Profits, attorneys, schools ad more…
(SAN BERNARDINO, CA.) “Dameron Communicators, that’s what we call the newsletter designs,” says Carl Dameron, founder and creative director of the public relations/advertising firm Dameron Communications. “These newsletters boost awareness and business for all clients who come on board.”
“We won’t just design, write and produce printed editions,” adds Dameron, “we’ll also create a social network strategy, and post them on all the major industry websites, create an electronic version for distribution via email and to post on client Web sites.”
“Our clients will get the broadest possible exposure for their services, offerings and successes. Plus, what goes in the newsletters will also be sent to all media outlets in their service area. For Inland Empire clients that’s potential exposure to 4.2 million potential customers,” said Dameron.
“We now how to pull the good stories out of good businesses,” Dameron says, “we know how to tell it, and tell it to more people than ever before.”
Newsletters are designed, written or produced in full color, and are available in two-page, to 64-page formats up to 500,000 units.
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base in California. It is an award-winning agency that creates integrated advertising and public relations solutions to increase clients’ sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues.
Dameron Communications creates advertising for television, radio, newspaper, magazine, and billboards, web sites, mobile web applications, email and more. Public relations services include press releases, press conferences, media relations, television programs, web sites, opinion editorials, promotions, event creation and management, government relations and community relations.
Dameron has earned media coverage for clients from: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC, CBS MarketWatch; Fox News, CNN, Nightly Business Report; The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Dow Jones News Wire, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, The Press Enterprise, The Sun, The Daily Bulletin, The Orange County Register, The Daily News, The Daily Press and many more.
For more information call Carl Dameron at (909) 534-9500.
(Riverside, CA) It was all about cupcakes in downtown Riverside recently, when IEShineOn.com hosted the second annual Inland Empire Cupcake Fair “Cupcakes for a Cause” at the Riverside Convention Center.
“Last year, we learned some things, and this year put on an even better event,” organizer Su Pak of IEShineOn.com said. “I appreciate all the bakers, vendors, volunteers and our sponsor California Cake Decorations & Supply Co. It shows there is support for this type of event. I also want to thank the organizations I worked with, California Riverside Ballet and Community Connect.” The two organizations received a portion of the proceeds from this event.
IEShineOn.com has announced the winners of this year’s Cupcake Fair. Cupcakes were judged in amateur and professional categories, with awards for the best overall and for the most unique ingredients.
The Inland Empire Cupcake Fair had two contests whose winners were determined by event guests. “Most Popular Cupcake,” went to [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes, whose Buffalo Chicken cupcake was voted the best. “Best Decorated Booth” went to Dreamy Little Cupcakes.
Most Popular Cupcake voted by event guests – Buffalo Chicken from [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes
In the professional category, the first place Most Unique Ingredient winner was Viva Los Cupcakes, which won with their “Tamal con Mole” cupcake, which is a corn cake with mole frosting topped with a corn (tamal) shell. The Los Angeles-based cupcake baker Karina Jiminez, sells her products primarily at festivals throughout southern California.
Professional Most Unique Ingredient winners (left to right: Viva los Cupcakes, Simply Fancy Cuisine, KML Events)
Viva Los Cupcakes also took second place for Professional Best Overall for its Margarita cupcake.
Second place in the Most Unique Ingredient category was Simply Fancy Cuisine’s Hummingbird Cupcake, which is a southern-style cupcake topped with coconut and pineapple flowers. Simply Fancy Cuisine sells cupcakes and other bakery treats at the Redlands City Farmers’ Market and at the Grove Charter School Farmer’s Market, both of which take place in Redlands on Saturdays.
Buffalo Chicken & Blueberry French Toast cupcakes from [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes
Third place in the Most Unique Ingredient category was KML Event’s Lemon Lavender Cupcake. KML Events is a mother-daughter events planning and catering team in Ontario, which also sells cupcakes on special orders and at various community festivals.
The Professional first place Best Overall winner was Queen Sin’s Cupcakes Caramel Macchiato cupcake. Queen Sin’s Cupcakes are available for purchase on an almost daily basis at Everything Sweet Cake and Candy Supplies, 1235 Indiana Ct., Suite 102 in Redlands, and can also be special ordered.
Third place professional best overall was MyCuppyLittleCake’s “Carrot Cuppycake.”
Professional Best Overall Cupcake winners (left to right: Queen Sin’s Cupcakes, My Cuppy Little Cake, Viva los Cupcakes)
In the Amateur competition Cup2myCakes, is the Amateur Best Overall winner with her “Sock It To Me” cupcake. Her “Brown Sugar Kahlua” cupcakes took the prize for the Most Unique Ingredient cupcake
Second place Amateur Best Overall winner was Blukat Sugar Art, with “Double Chocolate cupcakes.” The winner described these cupcakes as made with double chocolate, dipped in chocolate ganache, frosted with chocolate whip cream frosting and topped with a chocolate covered strawberry.
The third place Amateur Best Overall was Jamie’s Cakes, which won with “Vanilla Coke” cupcakes.
Amateur Best Overall Cupcake winners (left to right: Cup2myCakes, Jamie’s Cakes, BluKat Sugar Art)
“A tasty time was had by all,” said Pak.
For information on the next The Inland Empire Cupcake Fair “Cupcakes for a Call” call Su Pak at (909) 257-8862 or go email hello@ieshineon.com
Carl M. Dameron Founder and Creative Director of Dameron Communications interviewed on KVCR.
Dameron Communications
Published On : 2/19/2014
By : Ken Vincent
From : KVCR
Categories : Local, Business
KVCR commemorates African-American history month by hearing about the history of trying to get nonprofit government and other small groups with small budgets to realize the importance of public relations. KVCR’s Ken Vincent talks with San Bernardino PR pro, Carl M. Dameron.
Listen to Podcast http://kvcr.org/News/Stories/2014/February/0219_Dameron_Communications
Decisions, decisions picking cupcakes to taste was a fun discussion at last years Inland Empire Cupcake Fair in Riverside. The 2014 IE Cupcake Fair is set for May 4th at the Riverside Convention Center.
IE Cupcake founder Su Pak with two of the three winners for Best Overall Cupcake and Most Unique Ingredient competition (left to right): Andrea Vasquez from Lavish Cupcakery, Su Pak, founder IEShineOn.com and Desiree Massei from [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes
(Riverside, CA) The Second Annual Inland Empire Cupcake Fair is set for Sunday, May 4, 2014, at the Riverside Convention Center. The fair has cupcake tastings, judging, giveaways, cake decoration demonstrations by California Cake Decorations & Supply Co., live entertainment, free massages, Kids Zone provided by Seeking Sitters Inland Empire, Craft Corner and lots of shopping!
“The Inland Empire Cupcake Fair is back for more delicious fun! We’ve learned a few things since last year’s Premiere event and we’re excited to say this year is going to be bigger and better,” said Su Pak event creator and founder of IEShineOn.com.
Last year’s bakers included not only the best bakers in the Inland Empire but also the best cupcake baker in the United States! Desiree Massei from Design Cakes & Cupcakes, a three time Cupcake Wars winner and Casey’s Cupcakes also a Cupcake Wars winner.
Pak not only shares the cupcakes she shares the wealth. “This year, proceeds from the Inland Empire Cupcake Fair will benefit Community Connect and California Riverside Ballet.”
Pak has partnered with some great community organizations. “We’re proud to be working with the Riverside Downtown Partnership, the Riverside Convention Center and Dameron Communications,” said Pak.
A delicious clover leaf cupcake from Christie Cakes in San Bernardino and it’s the Double Chocolate Vanilla Bean Buttercream Dream. She won for her Orange Cremesicle cupcake – 3rd place in Best Overall
“We are so excited to be in the fabulous, brand new Riverside Convention Center with the latest and greatest technology and comforts. We think our guests are going to love having it there. We plan to have the IE Cupcake Fair at the Riverside Convention Center for the next five years!” said Pak.
The IE Cupcake Fair is a family event with cupcake tastings, professional and amateur baking competition, live entertainment, a spa zone with free massages, a kid’s zone with professional babysitters from Seeking Sitters Inland Empire and a free photo booth hosted by Shutter Cubby.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, February 25th. Visit IEShineOn.com for packages including VIP early entry specials and group rates.
Sponsored by IEShineOn.com, a website for finding the best dining, shopping, attractions and fun events in the Inland Empire. The Inland Empire Cupcake Fair is also sponsored by Key Sponsor California Cake Decorations & Supply Co. in Redlands
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company manufacturer and marketer of premium chocolate products brought their delicious chocolates to the IE Cupcake Fair.
“Event, booth, table space and sponsorships are available but are filling up fast,” said Pak. “The response from bakers and vendors has been excellent.”
For more information call: Su Pak (909) 257-8862 or go to IEShineOn.com/cupcakes.
Enjoy the slide show from last years Inland Empire Cupcake Fair in Riverside, CA
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<iframe width=”853″ height=”480″ src=”//www.youtube.com/embed/L2Mx-tdnFW0?rel=0″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>IECC-PR-102 AnnounceFor More Information callCarl M. Dameron @ (909) 534-9500
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.
Project Moving Forward, backed by a $1.9 million federal grant, improved academic scores in two local schools. African American students at Hendrick Ranch Elementary School achieved impressive academic gains, where Academic Performance Index or API scores jumped 51 points
(Moreno Valley, CA) Students in two Moreno Valley elementary schools have become top academic achievers through a simple concept: learning vocabulary the RAP way!
Short for Rehearse, Analyze and Produce, RAP is based on 12 years of research by Dr. Linda Ventriglia-Navarrette, a Harvard educated researcher and professor at National University.
Hendrick Ranch and Armada Elementary schools posted the highest academic scores in their history, becoming the top two achieving elementary schools in 2013 among 23 in the Moreno Valley Unified School District. Both schools are located in low-income neighborhoods where academic achievement has suffered.
African American students at Hendrick Ranch Elementary School achieved impressive academic gains, where Academic Performance Index or API scores jumped 51 points while improvement was up 49 points at Armada. Hispanic students also made significant increases, moving from far below basic skills to proficiency in reading and math.
Based on the recent results, Hendrick Ranch was the only school in the District to achieve the state Academic Performance Index and Annual Yearly Progress scores. Armada was the only school where over 90 percent socially disadvantaged students achieved an academic performance index of 700. Hendrick Ranch achieved a 796 ranking.
How did they do it? By adopting a vocabulary instructional program called RAP, or the Rule of three. Armed with a $1.9 million federal grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the District created a partnership with National University where teachers learned how to increase student’s academic achievement through vocabulary instruction.
The program provided 60 hours of teacher training and coaching, using the Rule of 3 or RAP as ways to teach words across the curriculum.
Research shows that improving academic vocabulary has the highest correlation with success in school.
Other educators agree. E.D. Hirsch, a widely known academic researcher, says, “The achievement gap between Black and White, rich and poor is not due to lack of money. It largely comes down to a vocabulary gap, because words name things.” Hirsch found that poor children have a massive vocabulary deficit that today’s U.S. education system does not address.
In the RAP program, students rehearse words by clicking out, spelling and saying the letters of the words, including focused conversations about the words. They teach vocabulary words to a partner. Students also analyze word structures and produce their own individual meanings for words in their Power Word books.
Many teachers at Hendrik and Armada elementary schools reported that the RAP program was popular with students. They enjoyed learning new words, which became an exciting part of the school day.
Robert Gordon, who was principal of Hendrick Ranch said, “These vocabulary development strategies made a significant difference in students’ achievements.”
Armada principal Jeff Jones said, “Armada’s teachers improved the delivery of consistent, effective and engaging instructional strategies that addressed the critical areas of vocabulary development and reading comprehension.”
At the district, the performance results were well received. “We are extremely proud of our students at Hendrick and Armada,” said Dr. Judy White, Superintendent of Schools in Moreno Valley. “This program demonstrates how students in economically disadvantaged areas can achieve remarkable academic results by focusing on their learning styles. It captures how students learn.”
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.
(Fresno, CA) LaSalle Medical Associates Inc. grows in the Central Valley announcing a new contract with Care 1st to serve as its Medicare healthcare provider in Fresno County.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to approximately 150,000 people in Fresno, Kings, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Madera, Tulare, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.
“Care 1st has tapped in to LaSalle’s long standing service presence in the Central Valley to help them serve Medicare patients. LaSalle is already delivering a full range of medical insurance products including and Medicare in a number of other counties in California,” said Carl Maier, executive vice president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in California. LaSalle also accepts Anthem Blue Cross, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) in 9 California counties.
“Many people think of LaSalle as a medical provider for children’s services. They are very surprised to know we deliver services to children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities. Many of the people we serve today already have Medicare or will get Medicare shortly because of their disabilities,” said Maier.
“LaSalle currently serves Medi-Cal and Medicare patients in the Central Valley, we are in active negotiations to bring more products to counties we serve,” said Maier
“I am honored to have more Doctors to help serve the thousands of patients who have placed their trust in our network of primary physicians and healthcare professionals in California,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga founder and Chief Executive officer of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
LaSalle plans to continue to grow and serve low-income people and welcomes the new Affordable Health Care Act some times called Obama Care.
“As a large provider of service to government sponsored health care programs we understand what the state’s implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act and expansion of Medi-Cal means here in California. A lot of uninsured people with a high demand for service are going to be coming to doctors, clinics and hospitals in 2014,” said Dr. Arteaga.
“Our mission continues and LaSalle is preparing to welcome 1 million new low-income patients in the nine counties we serve. We are recruiting more health care professionals to increase our ability to provide more health care to more patients. Why? Everyone deserves high quality health care delivered with dignity and respect regardless of ethnicity or income,” said Dr. Arteaga.
For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to LaSalleMedical.com.
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