Dear Parent/Guardian,

The new year is already off to an exciting start. On January 11, we were notified that our schoolwould be visited by an accreditation team on January 20! Most new schools have a year to prepare for such a visit, but to ensure that our seniors would be eligible for grants and scholarships, our accreditation was moved ahead. Although the final report will not be issued until mid-February, the initial review looks very good. Students, teachers and parents who were interviewed by the visiting team members represented our school well and were able to show how far we have come in less than five months.

Despite the severe budget cuts in education, our school is still able to offer a high quality education in a warm and personalized environment. Our class sizes continue to be very small and our teachers offer assistance to students who need additional help with their class work.

Finals for the first semester are just around the corner. Minimum days are scheduled for February 3-5 when students are scheduled to take their final exams. Monday, February 8 is a pupil-free day so there will be no school for students. Second semester will start on February 9.

We are happy to have received our charter to start a PTSA at our school. PTSA is the major fund-raising entity on campus and we urge all families to become members. Our membership drive has been extended and information is being sent home with students.

It will be a busy semester for our first class of graduating seniors. They are already active raising money for their prom, graduation ceremony, Grad Night, yearbooks and various senior activities. Please contact Mr. Martin Tate, Senior Class Sponsor, for information on all senior events.

The LAUSD is currently sending out the new School Report Card. Unfortunately, the information for our new school is either missing or incomplete! Please know that I will be sharing updated academic data at our various school councils and in future newsletters. Next year we should have accurate data available based on student performance in 2009-2010.

Our new school councils are now up and running. The School Site Council, Title I Advisory Council and the Local School Leadership Council meet monthly. We encourage parents to attend the meetings as these councils make critical decisions for our school.

Parental support is still the critical key in supporting our new high school. Please call our main office at 818-758-4430 to find out how you can be involved at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School.

My best to all of you in this new year!

Janet Kiddoo

Principal