Fun Times - June 2000
Orangethorpe Learning Center

"Some of the news, once in a while"

2351 W. Orangethorpe Ave., Fullerton, CA 92833
Vol. 5 No. 5 ----- June 2000
A Homework Center

OLCers Honored at Schools

The following Orangethorpe Learning Center students were on the list of students who were honored for their achievements by Orangethorpe Elementary School:

PERSONAL BEST - 1ST TRIMESTER

Linda Ayala, Jessica Hernández, Carole Solares, Diana Murcio, Salvador Gutiérrez

PERSONAL BEST - 2ND TRIMESTER

Linda Ayala, Jessica Hernández, Raneisha Wright, Nadia Young, Diana Murcio, Nohemi Durán, José Pérez, Betty Bi, Johnny González, Salvador Gutiérrez, Joel Larios

PERFECT ATTENDANCE FOR 1999-2000

Desirée Smith, William Solares, Bianca Solares, Leslie Cano, Elvia Gallardo, Christopher Van

MOST IMPROVED STUDENT

Steve Servín, Raneisha Wright, Hugo Paz, Johnny González, José Pérez

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Salvador Gutiérrez

6TH GRADE LIBRARY HELPERS

Betty Bi, Nohemí Durán, María García, Salvador Gutiérrez

ACADEMIC OLYMPICS

BRONZE - Hugo Paz

BRONZE - Anthony Trinh

GOLD - Betty Bi

In addition, Justin Hambey was given the Flying Dragon award by Dysinger School. Richard Ianculi was given an award by Raymond Temple School for "Exceptional Ability in Social Studies and Science". Rogelio Cerda was recognized for "Outstanding Participation" in John Marshall School's Field Day.

Congratulations to all our students!

OLCers Skate at Disney Ice

We recently received an invitation from Mr. Dave Wilk, of Disney GOALS, to bring a group of learning center students to Disney Ice. On May 24, we took sixteen of our hardest-working, most regularly-attending, best-behaved OLC students, to downtown Anaheim to enjoy an evening of skating and hockey.

Most of our kids had never skated on ice before, so they needed a lot of help from Dave's courteous and patient staff putting on hockey uniforms and helmets and lacing up their skates. But this didn't stop them from having a great time. Everybody was eager to get on the ice and it seemed like it was all over way too soon. Here were some of the things we heard that afternoon...

"I only fell down three times!"
"How do I get this uniform off so I can go to the bathroom?"
"My kneepads are falling off!"
"Where's the snack bar?"
"Wow! You mean Canadian kids get to play hockey all Winter long?"

We're planning to return to Disney Ice some time in July.

Farewell to Sixth Graders!

The following students who attended Orangethorpe Learning Center during the past year have graduated from the sixth grade and will enter junior high school this fall:

Jaime Baltazar, Betty Bi, Seth Briggs, Nohemí Durán, María García, Johnny González, Salvador Gutiérrez, Héctor Morales, José Pérez, Mao Kim Phan, Luis Quintero, Popy Saradeth, and Kurt Swensson.

We'll miss each one of you and wish you all the success in the world at your new schools. We hope you'll come back to OLC whenever you can to help your little friends with their homework.

Thank you!

Orangethorpe Learning Center wouldn't be possible without the help of so many of our friends...

The parents of our children, who often work in the center as volunteers, and who contribute snacks and refreshments every day. Most important of all, you trust us with the well-being and education of your little ones.
Our loyal volunteers, who contribute their time, energy and love towards helping the children learn. We hope you'll all come back in September and will each invite a friend to serve with you.
Kathy Hight, of St. Jude Medical Center, and all the members of St. Jude's "We Care" club who have come to help our children.
The parishioners of our three sponsoring churches for their patience and support.
Our many friends who have helped by donating funds, computers, books, and supplies.
Our employees, Norm Todd, Nancy Howell and Karen Gardner, whose work goes far beyond the limits of their job descriptions, and who never cease showing their love and concern for the children.

Parents Meet With School Leaders

During May and June, we had several important meetings between the parents of Orangethorpe Learning Center children and the staff of Orangethorpe School, where most of our children attend.

A friendly relationship has developed with the staff at Orangethorpe Elementary School. This has resulted in the school's vice-principal, Ms. Ann Rose, recommending OLC to her teachers as a place where their children can go for extra help. Ms. Rose and the principal, Dr. Patrick Backus, have both visited us on several occasions.

Several OLC parents raised questions about the possibilities of requiring wearing of uniforms at Orangethorpe School and of hiring bilingual office employees. As a result of the parents' concerns, meetings were arranged between parents and Dr. Backus, Ms. Rose and the school's Site Council. The parents were given a fair and courteous hearing at these meetings. In fact, Dr. Backus encouraged them to become candidates for site council openings in elections which are scheduled for this Fall. Several moms have taken up the challenge and plan to declare their candidacy. Both issues were addressed in a positive manner by the school. A uniform policy will be developed based on the results of a survey of all parents to be taken in September. The hiring of an additional employee will be dependent on availability of funds.

All of the parents who have attended meetings with school personnel feel encouraged and enthusiastic about this opportunity to play a significant role in their children's education. We will be in touch with parents during the Summer to make plans for this Fall.

OLC to reopen September 11

The 2000-2001 school year for Fullerton schools will begin on Thursday, August 31. We plan to reopen Orangethorpe Learning Center on Monday, September 11. Parents, watch for an information packet to come in your mail some time in August.

Students, don't let your brains sleep through the Summer! Go to the library and check out some good books and read them!

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