The El Campanil Theatre in Antioch hosted a very special graduation ceremony on Dec. 22 for thirteen talented and grateful Contra Costa County residents.

Known as Opportunity Junction’s “Class 36”, this group of graduates definitely has something to celebrate this Holiday Season having just completed an intensive three months of full-time job placement and training.

Receiving their diplomas, each spoke of the commitment it took, not only by themselves but by their spouses, children, parents and friends – many of whom were in the audience – to get through the intensive program. They also recognized in their personal and emotional speeches that this was a life-changing opportunity which they were thankful to have been selected to participate in.

Founded in 1999, Opportunity Junction is a non-profit organization in Antioch which provides education and career training for qualified Contra Costa residents. Its mission is to fight poverty by helping low-income adults gain the skills and confidence to support themselves and their families.

Supported by community partnerships, grants, in-kind donations, pro bono services and donations from the public, Opportunity Junction’s successful Job Training and Placement program is able to combine technology training, personal development and real world experience to adults. Alumni are followed for at least 18 months and continue to be offered services including career counselling and mentoring indefinitely.

According to Alissa Friedman, Executive Director at Opportunity Junction, “There is a tremendous need for workers today to have strong technology and workplace skills. Without education, experience and stability many residents in Contra Costa County struggle to secure a job which can meet their basic needs.

She added, “Last night’s graduation ceremony means these thirteen wonderful people are now ready to get on the road to economic self-sufficiency with enhanced skills and more self confidence.”

What’s next for these special graduates? In the New Year they return to Opportunity Junction to commence up to four months of paid internships using the skills introduced during training. That is if they don’t find a full-time job first.

Ms. Friedman reminds potential employers that unlike staffing firms, Opportunity Junction’s Temp-to-Hire program has no conversion fees. Contact her to find out if your organization or agency qualifies for available tax credits through this program.

If you missed the graduation ceremony last night in Antioch, don’t worry because it will be available for viewing on CCTV (Comcast channel 27, Astound channel 32 and AT&T U-verse channel 99) Monday, January 9 at 8:00 pm, Wednesday, January 11 at 2 pm, Wednesday, January 18 at 2 pm.

For information about Opportunity Junction’s programs and services, visit http://www.opportunityjunction.org or contact Alissa Friedman, Executive Director, at 925-776-1133, alissa@opportunityjunction.org.

Please join Take Back Antioch on January 9th for a Spaghetti Feed and Benefit Auction to raise money for Lone Tree Elementary and Diablo Vista Elementary Schools.

Both these schools were recently affected by arson and vandalism. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be designated for ‘Safety and Security’ needs at both schools. All funds raised will be split 50/50 between the participating schools.

The feed will be held on January 9th from 5 PM to 8:30 PM at The Red Caboose Restaurant located at 210 Fulton Road in Antioch. Diablo Vista seating from 5-7; Lone Tree seating from 6:30-8:30. Tickets are $7 ($3/child 12 and under) and can be purchased at the door or in advance by emailing info@takebackantioch.com.

TBA is accepting donations from local business for the Benefit Auction. To donate a product or service to the auction please contact Veli Waller at tbaspaghettifeed@gmail.com. In exchange, participating businesses will be thanked at the event.

Proudly accepting a plaque of recognition as a California Distinguished School is Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Principal Nancie Castro. In attendance on December 8th at the Dozier-Libbey gym were (L-R) Antioch Board Trustees Gary Hack, Claire Smith, Diane Gibson-Gray, Joy Motts, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, Antioch Superintendent Dr. Donald Gill and Trusttee Walter Ruehlig. (Photo courtesy of ABC School Portraits)

The California Department of Education gives the Distinguished School award every year to schools that demonstrate academic success through high test scores among all of their students, regardless of background.

Closing the achievement gap was a particular focus of this year’s award, which is now celebrating its own silver anniversary.

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson was on hand at the packed ceremony to present the award to the medical career focused high school.

Torlakson said that Dozier-Libbey won the award because of its high Academic Performance Index, (API), scores and its career themed, “real-world” focused education which he said is the future of education in the State.

“Here at Dozier-Libbey … every student is valued, every student challenged,” said Torlakson. “This philosophy of having every student helped and creating and understanding relevance every day … is a big reason [for the award].”

The high school, which specializes in a rigorous curriculum that exceeds California public school requirements with a focus on math, science and careers in the medical field, has improved its API scores every year since it opened its doors in 2008.

This year student’s average API scores were in the mid 800s, placing them among the top high schools in the county.

Dozier-Libbey Principal Nancie Castro believes her school is one of the best around. And, like Torlakson, she sees Dozier-Libbey’s “real-world,” student-centric learning model as something that could revive the state’s ailing public education system.

“I believe in my heart that this is a model that works for all kids,” said Castro. “Getting experience for students outside the classroom, really bringing relevance to what they’re learning – it means they’ll blossom. And [the award] is validation that what we’re doing here really works.”

As if to prove Castro’s point further, Dozier-Libbey also received a California Linked Learning Certification at the ceremony for its use of up to date, career-focused education to help improve student engagement, achievement and eventual transition to college as well as an additional award for Exemplary Career Technical Education Program.

Dozier-Libbey’s small size – it will hold a maximum of 600 students by the time the school is at capacity – allowed all of its students to attend the ceremony, including the school band. The enthusiastic cheers from the bleachers seemed to prove the students were just as proud of the award as the school staff.

“It’s a really great honor,” said Nazifa Fazli, 17. “I think it encourages everyone to try even harder.”

Another student and future pediatrician, Raymond Maciel, 17, said that the awards give the students and staff a chance to show special their school is. “Dozier-Libbey, from its environment to its excellent teachers – it makes our futures one step easier to achieve,” he said.

17-year-old student Celynn Knight summed up the ceremony by simply saying, “Everyone here is a family.”

After all of the accolades perhaps that’s the one thing that really sets Dozier-Libbey apart.

Antioch Charter Academy II received a $10,000 grant in November from the Hershey Foundation. Colleen Dow, an employee of Hershey, chose the school as the receipient of the grant. Wednesday, December 14, at an assembly, Colleen presented the check with balloons and chocolate kisses for all. Colleen is a parent of one of the middle school students, Lance Dow. Students, parents and staff will be discussing possible ways to use the grant money. Photos courtesy of Jeannie Dubitsky.

By Walter Ruehlig

Dozier-Libbey Medical High School had a recognition bash December 9th that filled a good part of the gymnasium. State Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson, introduced by AUSD School Board President Diane Gibson-Gray, was the keynote speaker.

State Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla presented a certificate from the California Legislature honoring the achievement of DLMHS as a California Distinguished School. Dozier-Libbey was also recongnized for being one of a handful of California schools recognized by Connect Ed as a certified Linked Pathways institution.

Principal Nancy Castro and Antioch Superintendent Don Gill beamed at the recognitions and promised that the best was yet to come. They also acknowledged the tireless efforts of Executive Director of Programs and Interventions, Robin Schmitt, in putting together all the pieces of the Linked Pathways programs that has launched Antioch into the innovative forefront state-wide.

Other officials present included representatives from Congressman John Garamendi’s and State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier’s offices; City Council members Gary Agopian and and Mary Rocha; Cynthia Ruehlig, Trustee, County Board of Education; and Antioch School Board members, Diane Gibson-Gray, Vice President Claire Smith, Joy Motts and Walter Ruehlig.

All in attendance seemed wowed at the achievement of a school that is only into its’ fourth year and has held the standard for AUSD marks in attendance, API scores, successful U.C. system entrance requirement completion (A-G) and CAHSEE exit exam marks.

After the festive occasion, which included student speeches and music by the Dozier-Libbey High band, many of the attendees made their way over to Prewett Community Center where Tom Torlakson was honored for his thirty plus years of public service to Antioch. Tom has served as a City Counselor at the ripe age of age 27, a four term County Supervisor, a State Assemblyman and Senator. As the State Superintendent of Schools, Tom is the first Contra Costa official to be elected to a state-wide office.

After a stirring performance by the Antioch Music Masters, conducted by Ron Molina, and remarks by Mayor Jim Davis, City Councilwoman Mary Rocha introduced Tom by commenting on the fact that he sees the worth in, and relates to, everyone, from the Mayor to the blue collar worker.

Tom, from his side, remarked on how Antioch would always be home and that in looking out at old friends he saw his roots, like in the Kiwanis Club members present, Dave Massey, Martha Parsons and Kay Powers, a group that has worked closely with him on his annual Holiday Run that is closing in on four decades in the running.

For the third year, the City of Antioch and the Antioch Unified School District are partnering to present the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and scholarship program.

The scholarship is open to middle and high school students who reside in the Antioch Unified School District boundaries. The application deadline is January 4th, 2012. Submissions may be written or visual. Visual work must be submitted on a DVD or CD to be considered.

Applications and submissions must be received by January 4th, 2012 at 4 PM and must be delivered to Antioch Unified School District office (510 G Street). The school district will be closed for the winter break from 12/17/11 to 1/2/12. Submissions submitted during this time may be placed in the door drop box.

Late submissions will not be reviewed, and all submissions become the property of the MLK Scholarship Committee and will not be returned.

Scholarships will be presented at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Celebration on January 16, 2012, which will be held at Beede Auditorium (Antioch High School, 700 West 18th Street) at 1 PM. For questions regarding the scholarship, please contact Lisa Harper at 437-4240. Information and application can be downloaded at http://art4antioch.org/MLKScholarship.asp.

Board considering June 2012 bond measure to upgrade Antioch High

By Amy Claire

Because of financial difficulties at the state and county levels, the Antioch Unified School District is likely to receive less funding than anticipated this year and in the coming years. An expected $4 billion increase in the state education budget has not materialized, which may lead to significant cuts to public schools.

State schools have only been fully funded five times in the past twenty-one years, and California remains well behind the national average in state educational spending per student, according to Associate Superintendent of Business and Operations Tim Forrester. So far, the AUSD has been able to handle the changes.

“We’ve monitored our expenditures very well,” said Forrester at the November 16 school board meeting.

The district has infused its budget with $23 million in one-time funds, and has followed the county’s suggestion of setting aside money per average daily attendant. But the lack of funds still has the possibility of leaving the district budget with a deficit by the 2013-14 school year. Fortunately, the county will allow for adjustments to ensure that the district does not run out of money, so the general mood was hopeful at the end of Forrester’s presentation.

The board also discussed the increasingly significant need for repairs and renovations at Antioch High School. “The needs are so great,” said Superintendent Donald Gill.

To pay for the repairs, as well as other district projects, the board is considering placing a bond measure on the June 2012 ballot. Forrester said that if the board members wish to proceed, they need to begin taking further steps, such as holding a survey of public voter opinion, preparing for public hearings in February and drafting the actual resolution by March.

School Board Vice-President Claire Smith said that voters deserve to know the details of the project, including when renovations will begin, what they will cover, how long they will last and exactly how much of a tax increase will be required to pay for them. She suggested scaling back the project to encompass only repairs to Antioch High School, concerned that it might not be the appropriate time to ask taxpayers for additional money.

Board Member Walter Ruehlig mentioned that the repairs will be unavoidable eventually, but suggested more evaluation to gauge public opinion before proceeding with the bond election.

Board President Diane Gibson-Gray agreed with Smith that the project should focus on Antioch High School, and said the cost of taking an official voter poll might be better spent on educating residents about the district’s needs. She also asserted that her role as an elected official was to give the constituents a chance to vote. Forrester will continue investigating the bond measure, and the board decided to discuss the resolution after more information had been gathered.

Only one person addressed the board during the designated time for speakers from the community. A man stated that his grandson, a freshman at Deer Valley High School, had been beaten by older students a week ago. He said that the district’s response left him with the impression that the board does not take bullying seriously. A board member said that someone from the district would contact him to address his concerns.

The meeting began with a flag salute led by the boy scouts who had attended the meeting to earn badges. The board also heard updates from student representatives of Bidwell High School and Deer Valley High School, who reported good news in both academics and social activities at their schools.

The next school board meeting will be held at 7 p.m., December 14 at 510 G. Street in Antioch.

Antioch Chamber and the Antioch School District is co-hosting a FREE work study session to discuss the Linked Learning Pathway initiative and involvement of local businesses and community members on Tuesday November 15, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is a Free Event and Lunch is Provided.

Staff from the District will provide an overview and answer questions regarding the Linked Learning Initiative. We will also participate in an activity that will gather and identify expectations that we have for our students in Antioch. The Linked Learning initiative refers to this expectation as pathway outcomes or a “graduate profile.”

This exciting event will provide a focused opportunity to discuss and develop a set of outcomes for our students in Antioch. This process will provide valuable input into the Districts efforts.

We still have about 8 spots available before we close registration – so if you are interested in attending and having your business represented, please RSVP as registration is first come, first serve.

Event Location will be provided to registered attendees only.

Antioch Chamber of Commerce
antiochchamberchair@gmail.com
925-757-1800