Student Driver Night is tonight at 6:00 in the school Library. I really hope everyone attending leaves with a better understanding of the importance of voting in local elections, and how it affects drivers, their pocketbook (Gas $) and their vehicles wear-and-tear. For example: You have an average person driving their average fuel efficient car to-and-from work, and to-and-from school (parent), and to-and-from various activities. This is a person who occasionally drinks a beverage while driving. (People get thirsty.) This person does not have time to study all the items for the election, even though they have had the information for two months. They also can't remember to register for the absentee ballot in time to vote in the next election, and their polling place is nowhere near where they work.
Well, as time goes on the roads age and crumble, and the car ages and does not ride as smoothly or comfortably. An election comes around and the voting population gets to choose - raise taxes to repair crumbling roads, - or vote for toll roads so only the people using the roads pay for road maintenance, - or vote against road improvements because they are a tight-wad. All of a sudden, this average person gets a huge promotion and pay raise for all their hard work. They are so busy with their success; voting is forgotten, but they managed to arrange a lease on their dream car with every imaginable luxury.
Meanwhile,,, the election is over and some toll roads will be established, but it will cost this average person with a luxury car $5.00 each day in traffic tolls just to get to work. A few months later the toll booths are in place and the roads established. There is another road they can use to get to-and-from work, but it is not well maintained and very busy. It is also a longer, slower drive. This average person figures out the cost of using the toll road each month: $10.00 a day (going to-and-from work) for an average of 22 work days in the month. This $220.00, vs. using the toll road only to get to work for a month - $110.00, vs. using the slower, unmaintained road for free. The average person decides to use the free road and just leave home earlier to get to work in order to save money and still be able to afford a morning beverage. Life is good for the average person, leaving earlier for work but not getting to see their family in the morning. Driving on a pothole riddled road, not realizing the damage it is doing to their expensive luxury car. Then one day, the road begins attacking the cars with bits of road kicked up by tires and - denting and chipping the exteriors, and cracking windshields, even causing accidents. It would have been much cheeper for the people to use the toll road or pay a road use tax to maintain the roads, but it's the accidents that you do not see that occur inside these vehicles that are the most costly. They cost drivers their self confidence. What you do not see from the outside is the anger and fear the average driver has because their bladders are full from the beverage they consumed on the long ride over the bumpy unmaintained road. Then the stress of watching and listening to their vehicle get pummeled by loose gravel and potholes takes its toll. Finally, they have to react suddenly to avoid an accident. There goes the contents of their bladder into their heated luxury seat. OOPS! Shocking isn't it?
If only they had voted and encouraged others to vote as well. Then they and their car could still be intact. Do you know how expensive a driver side seat with a heater is to replace? All the wiring and electronics, not to mention the customizer who knows what you did? Then there is the shame. I don't know about you, but I would not want to find out. It is better to vote, than loose your contents.
Vote November 06!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Important Information for All Junior and Senior Athletes
Are you planning to participate on a collegiate athletic team? If it is a Division I or II NCAA team you hope to participate with you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse before November 5, of your Senior Year in High School. Even if you plan to go to a community college and then transfer to another college or university later, you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse NOW to be able to participate later. This does not apply to Rowing, Rugby or Badminton, but check out the website to learn if your sport has to register. There is a fee, but it is worth every penny when you get to participate in Collegiate Athletics. Go to NCAA Clearinghouse to sign up.
November 06, 2012; Make a Difference Day - VOTE
I am not confused. Today is Saturday, October 27, Make a Difference Day. This is a great day to join others in the community and assist each other in making our community a more aesthetically pleasing, welcoming and enjoyable place. It also allows volunteers to meet and socialize with like minded citizens, and possibly make new friends and acquaintances. This has great benefits for everyone.
I am simply referring to Election Day on November 06, 2012. If you have already voted by Absentee Ballot, Thank You!!!! If not, send in your ballot before Oct. 30, or else you will need to take it to your polling place on election day.
The California Public School System's livelihood is at stake in this election. Our students are the future workforce of this county, state, nation, world. We need to support our public schools in whatever way we can in order to provide a proficient population for the future of our nation. This election day it is so simple. Just make a thick line connecting the YES arrow for Proposition 38, and Measure E when you cast your vote. All state public schools are scheduled to loose an enormous amount of state funding due to the California State Budget Deficit. I do not know about you, but my family cannot afford private school or special on-line classes to supplement public education once it begins to lack the classes my child needs. Home schooling is an option, but for High School Students it can be extremely difficult to get adequate math and science instruction. (I know, I home schooled for one year. Very poorly I might add. We survived and were able to do some great things we otherwise would not have done, but my child's math and science instruction was lacking.) I gladly and thankfully let my children benefit from the professionals in public education.
Proposition 38: Will provide much needed funding for our schools for 10 years. This will allow El Diamante to continue offering all classes needed for graduation requirements and college admission with adequate classroom sizes. Our school is scheduled to receive just over $2 Million in 2013, to keep the school running as usual, when Prop. 38 passes. We have an exemplary teaching staff, administration, and office staff. We need every one of them. Our school also needs water, heating and cooling, electricity, text books, computers and cable. The list goes on and on. Our students need the best we have to offer for their future success. Our community livelihood is dependent on your YES Vote on Prop. 38.
Measure E: This is a no brainer. This Measure continues to fund VUSD school maintenance and upgrades, also allowing for construction of a new Middle School to ease the severe overcrowding of our middle schools. Measure E will continue what Measure G has been doing for the past several years. Measure G will expire at the end of this year, but our schools need to be maintained. The community will not have any tax increase. In fact there will be No Changes to taxation because of Measure E.
Measure E will replace/repair leaking roofs and upgrade electrical systems,
improve access for the disabled, update science and computer labs, replace or repair flooring, plumbing and ventilation systems, upgrade fire and life-safety systems as required by state law, and more.
Please vote Yes on Measure E.
VOTE on November 06, 2012
and Make a Difference for Education!
I am simply referring to Election Day on November 06, 2012. If you have already voted by Absentee Ballot, Thank You!!!! If not, send in your ballot before Oct. 30, or else you will need to take it to your polling place on election day.
The California Public School System's livelihood is at stake in this election. Our students are the future workforce of this county, state, nation, world. We need to support our public schools in whatever way we can in order to provide a proficient population for the future of our nation. This election day it is so simple. Just make a thick line connecting the YES arrow for Proposition 38, and Measure E when you cast your vote. All state public schools are scheduled to loose an enormous amount of state funding due to the California State Budget Deficit. I do not know about you, but my family cannot afford private school or special on-line classes to supplement public education once it begins to lack the classes my child needs. Home schooling is an option, but for High School Students it can be extremely difficult to get adequate math and science instruction. (I know, I home schooled for one year. Very poorly I might add. We survived and were able to do some great things we otherwise would not have done, but my child's math and science instruction was lacking.) I gladly and thankfully let my children benefit from the professionals in public education.
Proposition 38: Will provide much needed funding for our schools for 10 years. This will allow El Diamante to continue offering all classes needed for graduation requirements and college admission with adequate classroom sizes. Our school is scheduled to receive just over $2 Million in 2013, to keep the school running as usual, when Prop. 38 passes. We have an exemplary teaching staff, administration, and office staff. We need every one of them. Our school also needs water, heating and cooling, electricity, text books, computers and cable. The list goes on and on. Our students need the best we have to offer for their future success. Our community livelihood is dependent on your YES Vote on Prop. 38.
Measure E: This is a no brainer. This Measure continues to fund VUSD school maintenance and upgrades, also allowing for construction of a new Middle School to ease the severe overcrowding of our middle schools. Measure E will continue what Measure G has been doing for the past several years. Measure G will expire at the end of this year, but our schools need to be maintained. The community will not have any tax increase. In fact there will be No Changes to taxation because of Measure E.
Measure E will replace/repair leaking roofs and upgrade electrical systems,
improve access for the disabled, update science and computer labs, replace or repair flooring, plumbing and ventilation systems, upgrade fire and life-safety systems as required by state law, and more.
Please vote Yes on Measure E.
VOTE on November 06, 2012
and Make a Difference for Education!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Seniors: Important Tips
All seniors. Congratulations on working hard and staying on track with your studies. You are so close to graduation, yet still so far. (That is a paradox.) You are about to learn what Busy really is. To make life a little easier (if you have not already) keep ALL testing scores in a file in a safe dry place: STARR, SAT, ACT, and all major tests you have taken, along with a copy of your school transcripts. Begin asking teachers, mentors, fellow volunteers if they will be willing and able to write you nice letters of recommendation. If they agree, let then know the specifics of what the recommendation is for, so they can tailor the letter specifically to you and your triumphs.
Be gracious and thank everyone who has helped you get this far.
Always double and triple check your spelling so you do not appear rushed and sloppy.
If you get a moment or two, make some lasting memories with your friends. Reach out to other seniors you have not yet met. You will be surprised at how many wonderful fellow students you have that have not yet made your acquaintance. The PTSA is proud of our hardworking Senior Class of 2013.
Be gracious and thank everyone who has helped you get this far.
Always double and triple check your spelling so you do not appear rushed and sloppy.
If you get a moment or two, make some lasting memories with your friends. Reach out to other seniors you have not yet met. You will be surprised at how many wonderful fellow students you have that have not yet made your acquaintance. The PTSA is proud of our hardworking Senior Class of 2013.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Help needed for Math teachers and students
Please help our MATH teachers and students. They have so many problems.
What can "I" do to help? You'll figure it out.
What can "I" do to help? You'll figure it out.
Novel November: November is Novel Writing Month
November 01 - 30th at midnight. This is Novel Writing Month. It is actually GLOBAL.
If you have a story to tell, or are interested in getting your students writing, then this is for you and everyone else with something to write about. Just sign up, then on November 01, start writing.
This is for anyone and everyone!
If you are interested for yourself or your classroom (yes it is for all ages and all occupations) Google: National Novel Writing Month. If you complete a novel in November, the cover art will be done free by graphic artists, and many do get published if that is your desire. No one reads your work except you, the author.
WRITE IT DOWN!!!!
This is your creation, your story, write whatever you need to. Sign up now, before November 01, or you will have to wait until next year. Have fun.
If you have a story to tell, or are interested in getting your students writing, then this is for you and everyone else with something to write about. Just sign up, then on November 01, start writing.
This is for anyone and everyone!
If you are interested for yourself or your classroom (yes it is for all ages and all occupations) Google: National Novel Writing Month. If you complete a novel in November, the cover art will be done free by graphic artists, and many do get published if that is your desire. No one reads your work except you, the author.
WRITE IT DOWN!!!!
This is your creation, your story, write whatever you need to. Sign up now, before November 01, or you will have to wait until next year. Have fun.
PTA Reflections Arts Program. Nov. 26 Entry Deadline
Do you love to Dance? Write Music? Write? Paint or Draw? What about Photography or Film Production? Are any of these ways you express yourself? If so, you need to make an entry for the National PTA Reflections Program. All El Diamante High School students can enter. The awards and rewards can be great.
This years theme: "The Magic of a Moment"
Create an original work of art relating directly to the theme.
This year we have a new category for those students needing assistance creating their artwork.
Turn in you original work of art to the Main Office on or before November 26, 2012.
Find rules in the Main Office, or at PTAreflections.org.
Contact Janelle Bland at janellebland@yahoo.com
or Melanie Kazmier at melakazmier@gmail.com
with any questions.
Do you have younger siblings, children, or children you care for that would like to participate but there school does not have this arts program? You are in luck!
With a $5. student membership in our PTSA, other students from non-participating schools can create an entry and submit it through the El Diamante H. S. PTSA.
PTSA membership forms are available in the schools main office. All that is needed is your name, phone #, address, and membership fee.
Start Creating "THE MAGIC OF A MOMENT"
This years theme: "The Magic of a Moment"
Create an original work of art relating directly to the theme.
This year we have a new category for those students needing assistance creating their artwork.
Turn in you original work of art to the Main Office on or before November 26, 2012.
Find rules in the Main Office, or at PTAreflections.org.
Contact Janelle Bland at janellebland@yahoo.com
or Melanie Kazmier at melakazmier@gmail.com
with any questions.
Do you have younger siblings, children, or children you care for that would like to participate but there school does not have this arts program? You are in luck!
With a $5. student membership in our PTSA, other students from non-participating schools can create an entry and submit it through the El Diamante H. S. PTSA.
PTSA membership forms are available in the schools main office. All that is needed is your name, phone #, address, and membership fee.
Start Creating "THE MAGIC OF A MOMENT"
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Visalia's Most Talented Nov. 10, 2012
If you are interested in talent competitions then you will love this event. The Visalia Education Foundation presents; Visalia Unified students in grades K - 12 performing solo and group presentations including dance, vocal music, instrumental music, theater, magic acts, ventriloquism, baton twirling, etc. Performances are limited to 5 minutes or less.
Monetary prizes and trophies will be awarded.
For more information go to: www.visaliaef.org
We have amazing talent in Visalia. You will be entertained.
Monetary prizes and trophies will be awarded.
For more information go to: www.visaliaef.org
We have amazing talent in Visalia. You will be entertained.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Positive Discipline/Communication with your child
WOW! It has taken awhile to pass on the incredible information received from Deni Camit, our Visalia Unified School District Psychologist. She spoke briefly at our last PTSA meeting this month as our special guest presenter. Every household with a child attending a VUSD school should have received a brochure on Positive Discipline. It is an amazing 7 sessions of how to use Positive Discipline Tools for all ages. Basically, it teaches how to communicate with your child/student in an encouraging and motivating manner while allowing the child/student to be accountable for their own actions.
I Highly Recommend this 7 sessions series. The last session for this year is;
October 30, 2012, 6:00-7:30 pm. at the
Visalia Learning Center, Room 9
630 S. Atwood
Visalia, CA 93277
The topic is "Discipline that Teaches."
1. If you say it, mean it, if you mean it, follow through.
2. Create closeness and trust by making sure the message of love gets through.
Call to register: Paula Kreger 730-7566
Child Care is provided, so register.
For more information contact Deni Camit at dcamit@vusd.org
The Positive Discipline 7 Sessions will be presented again in 2013.
You will learn how and when to use 10 Positive Discipline Tools:
1. Connect with the child before you correct
2. Take time for training
3. Invite Cooperation
4. Make sure the message of Love gets through
5. Focus on Solutions (not blame)
6. Hold children accountable with their self-respect intact
7. Be kind and firm
8. Encourage, Encourage, Encourage
9. Choose your battles
10. Use Discipline to teach
This is all available in Spanish during the first part of the year 2013, and in English again next fall.
All sessions are on Tuesday's. It is actually life changing for your family if you implement what you learn.
Please check it out.
I Highly Recommend this 7 sessions series. The last session for this year is;
October 30, 2012, 6:00-7:30 pm. at the
Visalia Learning Center, Room 9
630 S. Atwood
Visalia, CA 93277
The topic is "Discipline that Teaches."
1. If you say it, mean it, if you mean it, follow through.
2. Create closeness and trust by making sure the message of love gets through.
Call to register: Paula Kreger 730-7566
Child Care is provided, so register.
For more information contact Deni Camit at dcamit@vusd.org
The Positive Discipline 7 Sessions will be presented again in 2013.
You will learn how and when to use 10 Positive Discipline Tools:
1. Connect with the child before you correct
2. Take time for training
3. Invite Cooperation
4. Make sure the message of Love gets through
5. Focus on Solutions (not blame)
6. Hold children accountable with their self-respect intact
7. Be kind and firm
8. Encourage, Encourage, Encourage
9. Choose your battles
10. Use Discipline to teach
This is all available in Spanish during the first part of the year 2013, and in English again next fall.
All sessions are on Tuesday's. It is actually life changing for your family if you implement what you learn.
Please check it out.
Student Speech Contests
There are two separate student speech contests you should know about.
1. The Lions Clubs are having a speech contest. The topic; "How Do We Create and Keep Jobs in America". This is a 5 to 10 minute speech. Everyone in grades 9-12, from any Visalia school can participate. The scholarship awards are big $. Go to MD4.org and look under Student Speech Contest for rules and information.
2. AAUW (American Association of University Women) is having an annual speech contest. The contest is open to all high school students, grades 9-12, from any school in Tulare County. The topic; "Sexual Harassment in School... Big Deal?" Interested students must submit an "intent to participate" notice to the local AAUW Ca branch by Dec. 21. There are many cash prizes awarded. For rules and information contact Jan Johnson at 559-625-2926.
1. The Lions Clubs are having a speech contest. The topic; "How Do We Create and Keep Jobs in America". This is a 5 to 10 minute speech. Everyone in grades 9-12, from any Visalia school can participate. The scholarship awards are big $. Go to MD4.org and look under Student Speech Contest for rules and information.
2. AAUW (American Association of University Women) is having an annual speech contest. The contest is open to all high school students, grades 9-12, from any school in Tulare County. The topic; "Sexual Harassment in School... Big Deal?" Interested students must submit an "intent to participate" notice to the local AAUW Ca branch by Dec. 21. There are many cash prizes awarded. For rules and information contact Jan Johnson at 559-625-2926.
Yellow Ribbon Cards needed for all students.
All High Schools and Middle Schools!!! What is on the back of your students' School Student ID CARD?
It is the perfect place to put Yellow Ribbon information and the VUSD Hotline information.
Students are losing their Yellow Ribbon Cards as soon as they receive them, but when one is needed; It is NEEDED! The Yellow Ribbon Card contains lifesaving live hotline phone numbers for anyone and everyone to call during a crisis. Most people do have at least one crisis to go through as they grow up. Not everyone has someone to talk to during a crisis. This information on the back of a student ID is easily accessible by ALL. Not many students lose their ID Card. If they do, they get another one. Having emergency crisis information on the back of a students ID makes sense. They know exactly how to use it and they will not lose it. (These hotlines do get used.) Our community needs this information in a convenient predictable manner, because when someone is in crisis they most likely will not try to look up the information. They are in fight or flight mode and need immediate assistance. You cannot get any more immediate assistance than having all the crisis information on the back of your student ID. Let's give our students every opportunity for their own wellbeing and to be able to easily assist their friends and family in crisis situations.
Please have your school put live saving information on the back of every student ID card!!!
It is the perfect place to put Yellow Ribbon information and the VUSD Hotline information.
Students are losing their Yellow Ribbon Cards as soon as they receive them, but when one is needed; It is NEEDED! The Yellow Ribbon Card contains lifesaving live hotline phone numbers for anyone and everyone to call during a crisis. Most people do have at least one crisis to go through as they grow up. Not everyone has someone to talk to during a crisis. This information on the back of a student ID is easily accessible by ALL. Not many students lose their ID Card. If they do, they get another one. Having emergency crisis information on the back of a students ID makes sense. They know exactly how to use it and they will not lose it. (These hotlines do get used.) Our community needs this information in a convenient predictable manner, because when someone is in crisis they most likely will not try to look up the information. They are in fight or flight mode and need immediate assistance. You cannot get any more immediate assistance than having all the crisis information on the back of your student ID. Let's give our students every opportunity for their own wellbeing and to be able to easily assist their friends and family in crisis situations.
Please have your school put live saving information on the back of every student ID card!!!
Monday, October 22, 2012
October 30, 2012, is Student Driver Night
Student Driver Night is next week on Tuesday evening in the Library at 6:00. There will be useful presentations from police officers, insurance agencies, driving schools and more.
The Raffle prizes are amazing. Every year a lucky student wins free behind the wheel driving school. This is a Big expense, so to get it free is really great. There are many other raffle prizes as well.
For those of you coming straight from work and/or practice there will be some food and water in the Library. We do not want anyone to starve, faint, or have a growling snarling stomach due to starvation.
The El Diamante High School PTSA looks forward to you attending Student Driver Night, and learning what every driver needs to know about teens behind the wheel.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
How can I help El Diamante? I don"t even have time to sleep.
If you can only do one thing in the next 4 years to assist our school(s): VOTE IN THE NOV. 6, 2012 ELECTION.
The liveliness of all our schoolchildren and public schools is at stake.
If you honestly can not decide whether to vote for or against an issue you can skip it. (Don't tell anyone. It is a secret no one can speak of.)
The California State PTA, District and Council PTA's all support MEASURE E: It will provide for school maintenance and reparations to schools 10 years old and older. It will help fund the building of new schools to ease our overcrowding. There will be NO TAX Increase from Measure E.
The California State PTA, District and Council PTA's all support Proposition 38: When passed this will provide El Diamante with much needed $ (Approximately $2 Million next year) to continue providing a quality education allowing students to prepare for a future trade and/or college admission. If it does not pass our children's education WILL be compromised. It already is lacking because of funding.
The liveliness of all our schoolchildren and public schools is at stake.
If you honestly can not decide whether to vote for or against an issue you can skip it. (Don't tell anyone. It is a secret no one can speak of.)
The California State PTA, District and Council PTA's all support MEASURE E: It will provide for school maintenance and reparations to schools 10 years old and older. It will help fund the building of new schools to ease our overcrowding. There will be NO TAX Increase from Measure E.
The California State PTA, District and Council PTA's all support Proposition 38: When passed this will provide El Diamante with much needed $ (Approximately $2 Million next year) to continue providing a quality education allowing students to prepare for a future trade and/or college admission. If it does not pass our children's education WILL be compromised. It already is lacking because of funding.
P.S. There is no funding for technology at our school. Every classroom and the Library have been equipped with new computers and software in the last 2 years, thanks to superhero actions by our School Administrators. This is a monumental accomplishment.
Vote November 06, 2012!!!!!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Christmas Dinners
When a students needs are met at home, they can be more effective and engaging at school. If they know their school community cares about them and their family, the possibilities are endless for what can be achieved. We have amazing students from very different socio-economic backgrounds, and want them all to succeed and be their best. Every year the El Diamante PTSA and student body collect donations to assist our school families with limited resources with a nice Christmas dinner. We provide a pre-cooked, well balanced holiday meal that feeds 6-8 people to families who would otherwise go without. (The dinner is pre-cooked because some of our families do not have an adequate way to cook such a meal.) This is just one thing we enjoy doing for our school community during the holidays. If you would like to share in creating a united and caring school community you can donate a tax deductible gift to EDHS PTSA.
Donations can be turned into the school office or mailed to: 5100 W. Whitendale, Visalia, CA 93277.
Attn: PTSA. Your gifts need to be received by Thanksgiving.
Thank you
Donations can be turned into the school office or mailed to: 5100 W. Whitendale, Visalia, CA 93277.
Attn: PTSA. Your gifts need to be received by Thanksgiving.
Thank you
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Welcome to PTSA
Glad you found us. We would like to welcome everyone interested in the El Diamante High School PTSA to read our blog and keep up to date with what we are doing. Check in later this week to learn more.
PTSA on the Web
The El Diamante PTSA now has a blog presence to make announcements more accessible. Join us online by bookmarking this site el-diamante-ptsa.blogspot.com
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