Norm here...

Winter Vacation

2007-12-07T18:35:00.000-08:00

What are you planning on doing this vacation?

Have you thought of doing something special for someone you love or someone who loves you?

Have you considered making any positive changes in your life?

Regional Robotics Competition at CSUN

2007-12-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

Our robotics team under the direction of Mrs. Aldrich is competing in the state regional competition on Saturday December 8, at 8AM at CSUN. Our students need your support at the competition. Please see Mrs. Aldrich for additional information.

Do something nice for someone else

2007-12-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

Please share what you have done to make others happier. Have you told your family and friends that you love them and apprieciate what they do for you? Have you remembered to use the works please and thank you in all of your conversations?

Valley College classes next year

2007-12-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

TO: Susan Joseph

FROM: Norm

SUBJECT: Opportunities for 12th grade CHAMPS students to enroll in college classes next year.

Valley College Time Schedule for 2008-2009: (refer to online 2007-2008 classes). An option will be available to students who are enrolled in an academy and score at the level of proficient or above in the STAR examination. All students must be enrolled in at least four classes at CHAMPS. The schedule for enrolling is the following:

1. Approval of the principal
2. Complete Valley College application in April, 2008
3. Take placement test as a group at Valley in English and mathematics in May.
4. If they pass the basic proficiency test in math, they may enroll in a college level mathematics or science class.
5. If they pass the basic proficiency test in English, they may enroll in a college level class in English, social studies or foreign language.

The main advantage for academy students enrolling in college classes as seniors is to enable them to complete a double major in college in just
four years.

2007-12-02T18:32:00.001-08:00

New Academies for 2007-2008

2007-11-30T09:40:00.000-08:00

CHAMPS will have two additional academies next year. Additional information regarding the new academies will be found next month on our web site.

The film academy will be directed by Otis Sallid, our co-performing arts director.
Otis directed and produced the opening and closing sessions of the Middle East Film Festival in Abu Dhabi in October of this year.

Our second academy will be called the law, ethics and social action academy. Ms Gabrielle Koury will be originating the program. It will include government, economics, sociology, and history. Students will master the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in the decision making processes of greater society.

Scantron Machine and Cannon Copier

2007-11-27T20:02:00.000-08:00

CHAMPS has just received a new Cannon copier that will enable staff to duplicate materials from their computer in their classroom.

We also have a new SCANTRON machine that will electronically grade multiple choice examinations.

CHAMPS location next year

2007-11-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

We are in the process of evaluating a number of sites for our location next year. One option is to utilize portable classrooms on our current site. Next year, students with a "B" average will be able to take their academics at the community college, and enroll in their academy at CHAMPS.

We are also in the process of looking at other locations in the Van Nuys area.

Would like to hear from you, if you have any ideas

2007-10-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

Halloween Dance: Congratulations to Mrs. Aldrich, the student council and student body for the great job you did planning the dance. It was fantastic. Over one-hundred-fifty students attended. Great job

SMART BOARDS

2007-10-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

SMART BOARDS Electronic white boards, Smart Boards, will be placed in all classrooms within one month. Teachers will be completing an extensive $20,000 professional development program relating to the effective use of the white boards. Technology can be very effective, but it must be accompanied by extensive assistance.

Electronic classroom remotes: All classrooms will have electronic remotes that will enable all students to electronically answer questions from their seats. The remotes enable teachers to immediately obtain information regarding which students are understanding the concepts that they are attempting to teach. The key factor in success is not what the teachers are teaching, but what the students are actually comprehending.

Technology in the Music Classroom

2007-10-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

We have ordered sixty-thousand dollars of technology and electronic keyboards for our music and technology laboratory. It will be a state of the art facility. We are hoping that all the technology will be in place within three weeks.

2007-10-26T08:27:00.001-07:00

Study Groups

2007-10-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

Forming study groups is one of the best methods to increase your understanding. If you would like to form a group or need some assistance in forming a group, please join my CHAMPS blog.

Goal Setting

2007-10-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

Setting goals is one of the best strategies for creating successful outcomes. "If you do not know where you are going, you will never no when you arrived." Setting short as well as long term goals are very important. Please list your goals and tell me how you are progressing.

2007-10-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

Norm's blog said...
Tours of t he CHAMPS campus are scheduled every Wednesday. The mornng session will discuss the academic program, while the afternoon program will provide information of our elective program in the performing arts and technology. The first tour is scheduled for the 14th of November. Parents may attend either or both of the programs on the same day. The morning tour is scheduled between 11:00 and 12:30; the afternoon tour begin at 1:00 and concludes at 2:30. A home cooked lunch prepared by our CHAMPS' chef will be available for $3:50. Parents and incoming students are invited to join our students during one of the lunch periods. Parents are requested to contact the school office prior to their arrival. Although we have a closed campus, the gate will be open on Van Nuys Blvd. Parents will be directed to enter the driveway and park on the campus.

Teacherease

2007-10-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Teacherease, our web based grade book enables students and parents to have access to all grades and attendance. Parents and students also have the ability to email teachers and arrange conferences if necessary. We still have a few parents who are not using Teacherease on a regular basis. If you have lost your password, please contact CHAMPS Charter at 818 994-4744.

2007-10-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

Tours of t he CHAMPS campus are scheduled every Wednesday. The mornng session will discuss the academic program, while the afternoon program will provide information of our elective program in the performing arts and technology. The first tour is scheduled for the 7th of November. Parents may attend either or both of the programs on the same day. The morning tour is scheduled between 11:00 and 12:30; the afternoon tour begin at 1:00 and concludes at 2:30. A home cooked lunch prepared by our CHAMPS' chef will be available for $3.50. Parents and incoming students are invited to join our students during one of the lunch periods. Parents are requested to contact the school office prior to their arrival. Although we have a closed campus, the gate will be open on Van Nuys Blvd. Parents will be directed to enter the driveway and park on the campus.

Leaving tomorrow for Abu Dhabi

2007-10-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

excited about flying Abu Dhabi and watching taking part in the Middle East Film Festival. I will be leaving L.A. tomorrow and returning on the twenty-first of October.