Dear Parents/Guardians,

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that second semester is already here. The first semester of being on the Early Start School Calendar went well and I am pleased at how calm and “settled” campus life has been despite our having moved to a new school site just five months ago.

We have much to celebrate, and a few highlights from first semester include:

• We celebrated our first Daniel Pearl World Music Day, “Harmony for Humanity,” with honored guests Dr. Judea and Mrs. Ruth Pearl, the parents of Daniel Pearl. This was accompanied by outstanding performances and readings by students which were captured by ABC Evening News and the Daily News, as well as (of course) our own DPMHS journalists, photographers and video students.

• Our wonderful new choir is up and singing thanks to Ms. Jackie Gorski, our new choir and guitar teacher. Our students have been performing in various venues including: the Daniel Pearl World Music Day, the PTSA membership meeting, a local retirement home and for Local District 1 staff at their holiday luncheon.

• We have hired a new English teacher, Ms. Lisa Cheby, who will also be setting up our new library. Our teacher/student ratio will be even lower with the addition of Ms. Cheby, a very experienced teacher.

• The Leadership Class sponsored our first Oktoberfest with food, games, activities, and an after school dance. Several hundred people attended this fun event.

• Leadership Class also supported our first Welcome Back Winter Dance, “Winter Wonderland,” in which alumni returned to campus to share highlights of their first semester out of high school and to dance the night away with current students. Despite the pouring rain, we had great attendance and the first Winter Royal Court was selected: Queen Briana Tapia, King Chris Mitchell, Princess Silva Ayrapetyan, and Prince Ben Vongtongdee.

• Back to School Night was a great success due to all of the parents and students who attended. School staff members enjoyed meeting their students’ families. The refreshments provided by student clubs, organizations and the PTSA were a hit with everyone.

Yes, student lockers really are coming! Over 450 new steel lockers are being constructed and will be installed during February. The lockers will be set against the entire south side of the main hall.

New murals on the walls in our Main Hall have contributed to school spirit and the energetic atmosphere of our school. We invite you to visit and see the continual improvements taking place on our new campus.

What’s in store for second semester? Testing, testing, testing! Students will be taking the CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam), CST (California Standards Test), AP (Advanced Placement) Exams, as well as District Periodic Exams.

We will continue to provide safe, fun and social activities for our students as a balance to the rigorous academic program that our school provides. Free academic tutoring is offered by our caring, dedicated faculty. And Ms. Deborah Weiner, School Counselor and Ms. Linda Zimring, College Counselor, provide ongoing support to students and their families.

As always, please feel free to email me at janet.kiddoo@lausd.net or call our main office at 818-654-3775 if you have any questions about our school community.

Janet Kiddoo
Principal