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CASCWA CONNECTION CASCWA ASSOCIATION OF SUPERVISORS OF CHILD WELFARE & ATTENDANCE

A publication of CASCWA-SOUTHERN SECTION, June 13, 2012,

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In this edition you will find: Information on: The 2012 Lillie Wilson Scholarship Luncheon; Scholarships

Information; LaTasha P- A True California Success Story; Ray Vincent to Retire; Jeni Mendel’s Website Page; 3

rd Annual Safe Schools Conference this August in Long Beach and Save the Date for April 17, 18 and 19, 2013

as CASCWA’s Delta-Sierra Section host the State CASCWA Conference.

CASCWA Southern Section Executive Board:

President: Steve Fraire, (858) 292-3786, [email protected] , San Diego COE, Retired; Immediate Past President: Sherman Garnett, (909) 386-2903, [email protected], San Bernardino COE; President Elect: Tim Catlin, (562) 926-5566, [email protected], ABC USD; Vice President: Cami Berry, (951) 826-6243, [email protected], Riverside COE; Secretary: Allison Haynes, (951) 826-6246, [email protected], Riverside COE; Treasurer, Dr. Ken Lorge, (714) 524-7245, [email protected], Retired; Webmaster, Tom Mangione, (626) 390-0996 Retired, [email protected], Retired.

PLEASE VISIT CASCWA’S WEBSITE AT WWW.CASCWA.ORG

SPECIAL END OF YEAR “LILLIE WILSON”

SCHOLARSHIP EDITION

April 18, 19, 20, 2012 - Crowne Plaza of Anaheim

mailto:[email protected]



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Southern Section’s President’s Message - Steve Fraire

Greetings CASCWA Members, Here we are at the end of another school year and it seems that it moved extra fast. With the climate we now live and work in providing more road bumps then ever, it is comforting to remember that the CASCWA family is here providing consistent support, resources, and encouragement. We know that our students and their families are our key focus and with that, special programs honoring them become all the more important. The "Lillie Wilson" Scholarship Luncheon and Support staff Recognition was held on June 1st ant the Holiday Inn in Buena Park. Students who have achieved a great deal while navigating through unique challenges were presented with their scholarship awards, a gift bag , and a student star. La Tasha J. P, a homeless student, entering her 4th year at the University of California in Berkeley also received another year's scholarship (See her powerful article in this edition). It was heart-warming to hear students stand before the group and give testimony to their journey. A special thanks to Phil Kauble for his generous contribution. Phil donates profits from “California Laws Related To Minors-The Red Book” for the scholarships. Also, our utmost thanks and appreciation to Rick Riegel, with the assistance of Mark Michels, for their leadership and organization. The event was an enormous success do to their fantastic efforts.

The next State SARB Meeting will be held on June 21st. David Kopperud, Education Programs Consultant at the California Department of Education, has informed us that critical issues that could effect how we do business in the future will be discussed.On the table will be the Department of Finance's proposed amendments to California's compulsory education laws in order to help resolve the state's budget crisis. In recent years there has been several talks about removal of mandates such as the truancy notification process. However, this time around there is a possibility that this could happen. The budget needs to be on the Governor's desk by June 15th. As a result, the next State SARB Meeting will be an avenue for more information. I am sure many of you know friends who will soon be retiring. For the past few years, Dr. Donna Daltoni Opuku-Ageyman has been a one person “Retires Advisory Committee.” At our Executive Board Meetings she always acknowledges retirees with creative gifts and kind words. She truly lights up the room. This year's class includes two CASCWA members who have made a difference wherever they have been in education and they have had an impact on the lives of so many young people. We welcome to the class of 2012, Cami Berry from the Riverside County Office of Education and Ray Vincent from The Los Angeles County Office of Education. Thank you for being you. Enjoy what is in your new future. You have earned it! Last, a final big thank you to the Southern Section Executive Board for all they have done for this past year. Words cannot express my appreciation for all your hard work and dedication! You are truly what CASCWA is about. And to all of CASCWA members, have a wonderful, happy and healthy summer!

CASCWA Southern Section Area Representative & Committee Members: Area I Representative Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties: Phil Gore, (805) 437-1302, [email protected], Ventura COE; Area II Representative: Los Angeles County, Cecilia Ornelas, (626) 931-3000, [email protected], Bassett USD; Area III representative: Los Angeles USD, Laura Ewing, (323) 421-2886, [email protected], Los Angeles USD; Area IV Representative: Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino Counties, Jon Best, (909) 307-5300, [email protected], Redlands USD; Area V Representative Orange County: Rick Riegel, (714) 327-1074, [email protected], Orange COE; Area VI Representative San Diego County: Jeni Mendel, (619) 644-4014, [email protected], Grossmont UHSD; Legislative Chair: Jeni Mendel, (619) 644-4014, [email protected], Grossmont UHSD; Membership Committee Chair: Terry Gendreau, (562) 866-9011, [email protected], Bellflower USD; Nominating Committee Chair: Sherman Garnett, (909) 386-2903, [email protected], San Bernardino COE; SARB Committee Chair: Ray Vincent, (562) 922-8658, [email protected], Los Angeles COE; Conference Committee Specialist: Jerry Hime, (714) 390-2679, [email protected], Retired; Scholarship Committee Chair: Rick Riegel, (714) 327-1074, [email protected], Orange COE; Communication/Newsletter Committee Co-Chairs: Mark Michels, (714) 775-5188, [email protected], Frank Boehler, (714) 693-0968, [email protected], Retired; Past Presidents’ Advisory Committee/Retirees Advisory Committee (PPAC/RAC):Dr. Donna Dalton Opuku-Ageyman, (951) 679-7901, [email protected], Retired; Member-At-Large: Mike Bateman, (909) 398-0609, [email protected], Claremont USD, Maria Hwang De Bravo, (562) 922-6073, [email protected], Los Angeles USD, Jessie Cherri, (714) 538-7427, [email protected], OUSD Retired, Luvia Hernandez, (909) 386-2903, [email protected], San Bernardino COE, Ray Vincent, (562) 922-8658, [email protected], Los Angeles COE, Mike Wong, (760) 416-6036, [email protected], Palm Springs USD;

Student Member: Jaliyl Vasquez, SB Co. Valley College.













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Why are CASCWA Scholarships Important? By Mark Michels, Co-Editor

For more than a decade, CASCWA Southern Section has awarded scholarships to deserving students who have benefited

from intervention by a Child Welfare and Attendance professional. These students have faced seemingly

insurmountable obstacles in their lives which have made graduation from high school unlikely at best. Nevertheless,

aided by a CASCWA member, these students have overcome these challenges and have earned their diplomas. This

scholarship program is at the heart of CASCWA Southern Section. It represents our mission to serve students who most

need our support and to assist them to attend school regularly and to achieve academically. For those students who are

awarded CASCWA scholarships, it represents our belief in them, our recognition of their achievements, and our

commitment to their future education. More than any other function of CASCWA, the scholarship program validates

our willingness, in State President Betty Folsom’s words, “to stick our necks out for kids.”

In the 1990’s, the Southern Section scholarship program was

launched under the leadership of Karen Saunders, Agnes Moss

and Mark Michels. Over the years many Southern Section

members have contributed to the success of the student

scholarship program, notably Pat James and Ken Lorge. , The

current scholarship chairperson is Rick Riegel, Coordinator of

Student Services, Orange County Department of Education. Rick

has done an outstanding job of marketing the scholarship

program, coordinating the selection of student award recipients,

and presenting the scholarships at the annual June luncheon.

Much credit for the success of the scholarship program also goes

to the individual CASCWA members who have assisted and

mentored students at their school sites, have supported them as they completed their requirements for high school

graduation, and have nominated them to receive a CASCWA scholarship.

No discussion of CASCWA scholarships would be complete without recognizing two legendary individuals: Phil Kauble

and Lillie Wilson. Phil Kauble, past president of Southern Section and State CASCWA, is now editor of California Laws

Related to Minors, known as “the Redbook.” Every year, Phil Kauble donates funds from the sales of this publication to

the scholarship program. CASCWA is most grateful to Phil Kauble for his generosity and support of CASCWA student

scholarships. Last, but not least, CASCWA scholarships are synonymous with the name “Lillie Wilson.” Lillie Wilson,

now retired, was past president of CASCWA and a giant in the field of Child Welfare and Attendance at the Los Angeles

County of Education for decades. In recognition of her dynamic leadership and unwavering support for students, several

years ago the Southern Section Executive Board voted to name the annual scholarships her honor. Each June, Lilly

attends the scholarship award ceremony and speaks to the students. She congratulates them on their perseverance in

overcoming obstacles to achieve their goals and then encourages them to begin work immediately on their next goal in

life. Why are CASCWA scholarships important? Just listen to Lillie Wilson address each year’s award recipients and you

will be reminded of our commitment to this meaningful project and why we “love to do what we do.”



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2012 CASCWA Scholarship Winners Orange County Department of Education’s Rick Riegel

was the chairman of the CASCWA 2012 Scholarship

Program. He is to be commended for his leadership in

facilitating this process to fruition.

Mr. Riegel took segments from the scholarship winning

applications and formulated a powerful presentation

that he read just prior to recognizing “CASCWA’s Class

of 2012.” Many of us were deeply moved by the

comments written by the students and we wanted to

share what these special individuals have overcome

and the directions that they are taking their future

accomplishments! Their words are as follows:

ADVERSITY Following in my older sisters footsteps, I got pregnant at 15 as a sophomore. As a result of my pregnancy, my

attendance got worse. By my Junior year, I felt it was too late for me because I had already fallen behind on credits.

…been in foster care since being a toddler because my mother used drugs and my father wasn’t around. I was raised in

a foster home where I was controlled by fear. .. Hanging out in the street with friends, I began abusing alcohol and drugs

to escape my life at home. In the middle of my Junior year, I had had enough when the foster lady wouldn’t let me eat

or enter the house.

…was removed from his home at the age of 14 and placed in several different foster care homes. I was physically,

emotionally and verbally abused for years. I attended 8 different high schools within 2 years….After making a wrong

decision, I was expelled for one year. My grandmother abandoned me and I was placed back into foster care.

I was a child born incarcerated, exposed to drugs, alcohol, gang affiliation and drug trafficking.

I was born to a mother who was, and remains mentally ill. In the year 2008, I started high school. I went for a little bit,

but I thought to myself school isn’t for me, so I decided from there, not to go to school any more. So I started to rebel, I

was affiliated with a gang, started to experiment with drugs and drinking alcohol…when I was 14 years old, my mother

decided to throw my sister and me out of the apartment. We would sleep in abandoned houses, “friends” houses, and

construction sites. Eventually, the student was placed in the foster care system.

I have been a child who has gone through many obstacles. I have not lived with my mother for the last 12 years and

have not seen my father since I was about 4 years old. When we were taken away, we were sent with my older sister

who I hardly knew, and her husband who was abusive.



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CONNECTING WITH PROFESSIONALS My high school counselor and the Child Welfare and Attendance Coordinator helped me when nobody believed in me,

even when I didn’t have my mom’s support. My counselor helped me make the right choices when I wanted to give up

and become another drop out statistic. My counselor always pushed me to go further and to believe in myself. I’ll

never forget what she told me, that “I’m smart and capable of doing what I want to do.” The CWA helped me with my

mom…and treated me like a regular teen not like a teen mom. He gave me options for me to make it easier to attend

school. With the help of both of these individuals I am preparing for graduation.

With the support of my new foster parents, I decided to get a fresh start in school, to graduate and to go to college. The

school staff helped me out a lot. The counselor set goals and a plan to reach those goals for me. What I found most

helpful are my teachers advising me to seek further education and what the benefits of doing so would be.

There were so many positive people that I came in contact with that helped me improve: my social worker, current

caregiver and other foster parents. The principal, my teachers and assistant principal were very helpful and advised me

to stay diligent, and don’t give up… the Educational Liaison for Children and Family Services helped me use AB 167…and

encouraged me to request this scholarship.

My education has kept me from being influenced negatively. I know that dedication and hard work towards my

education will lead me to proceed further in life, not the influences around me.

Once I was placed in the foster care system, I started to go to school since I had been out for two years. I was placed in

San Bernardino County and I went to a continuation school. I started with zero credits, but within one year I earned 117

credits. My teachers and counselors started to talk to me and started helping me in the things I need the most.

ATTITUDE I know it takes a long time to reach my goal, but I know I can accomplish it because I feel I have already overcome my

biggest test which is staying on track for graduation from High School and becoming a mom at the same time.

This scholarship would help me to accomplish my goals and help me secure a bright and successful future.

Despite coming from a dysfunctional family in an impoverished town, I am more than just a grocery list, I am

extraordinary, courageous, intellectual, articulate and wise.

When people are faced with obstacles, they can choose to face them one of two ways. They can either use them as an

excuse for not being successful, or they turn those obstacles into a positive experience by choosing the right path that

may lead to success, despite the obstacles. In my life, I have decided to choose positive paths, and the obstacles are just

challenges I will overcome.

The greatest thing about entering high school was getting to become a whole different person and just getting to try

different things. ..like water polo and dance. I would take after school classes just so I did not have time to think about

my problems.



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LIFE LESSONS I would like to talk to and encourage other teen moms so they can see that nothing is impossible, it might be hard but

not impossible.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Karina F:

“Scholarship Application” submitted by Mrs. Allegre, School Counselor and John Ramirez, CWA, Placentia Yorba Linda

She wants to become a doctor and help people and become someone important in life.

Israel G:

“Scholarship Application” submitted by Michelle Markham, Nueva Vista HS, Jurupa Unified SD. He Plans to attend

Riverside Community College to get his Associate’s Degree in teaching, majoring in history, his favorite subject. He then

wants to transfer to a 4 year university to get his B.A and then his M.A. He would like to start as a high school teacher

and eventually become a college professor.

Brandon S:

“Scholarship Application” submitted by Sherman Garnett and the Rialto Unified SD, Rialto Unified SD. He wants to start

with Community College and continue to a University to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Business Administration

and finally, he hopes to pursue his dream of obtaining a master’s degree.

Johnnesha W:

“Scholarship Application” submitted by Joni James/ Barstow USD, Barstow, CA. Would like to attend a four year

university and pursue her B.A. , majoring in Kinesiology and with a minor in Business and Management, pursuing a

career in Sports Medicine and then attending Law school and either becoming a sports agent or go into the FBI as part of

the Special Victims Unit or Forensics.

Julisa M:

“Scholarship Application” submitted by Debra Donaldson, Norco High, Corona-Norco School. She plans to attend

Cerritos Community College, to study psychology and physical therapy so she can become a physical therapist. She then

wants to attend a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree, then later a master’s degree.

Leanna H:

“Scholarship Application” submitted by Karla Garcia, Workman HS, Hacienda-La Puente USD. She is planning on going to

a school of culinary arts to become a chef and later going on to college in Las Vegas.

For information on the “2013 Scholarship Program”, please keep connected with Rick Riegel, Orange County Department of Education, at (714) 327-1074 ([email protected].) The 2013 application forms and scholarship

information will be posted on the CASCWA Website at www.cascwa.org.

http://www.cascwa.org/



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FROM HOPELESS AND HOMELESS TO A SENIOR AT BERKELEY 2012 CASCWA STATE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPEIENT, LA TASHA P

Former CASCWA State and Southern Section President, Sherman Garnett, is

making arrangements to attend the “2013” Graduation Ceremony of the

University of California at Berkeley. This event will be one of the highlights of

his phenomenal educational career.

Sherman is one of several educators who had the privilege of working with La

Tasha P. La Tasha has overcome incredible adversity and has become one of

the greatest success stories in the State of California.

La Tasha has gone from a troubled youth and overcoming homelessness to entering the 2013 school year as a “Senior”

at Berkeley. La Tasha was one of Southern Section’s scholarship winners a few years ago. CASCWA would like to think

that they have made a difference in her life. However, we know that she is an exceptional, strong individual who

listened to the wisdom of others and has become a great decision maker with a tremendous future.

Sherman asked her to share her current thoughts with our CASCWA members in this edition! Her response is as follows:

We Congratulate La Tasha!

Dear Ms. Brenda Dowdy and CASCWA family,

I am approaching my 4th year here at the University of California Berkeley. Since my time here I have

been involved in many activities. I graduated from San Bernardino High School in 2009 and started here at Cal the following fall. During my first year at Cal, I lived on the African American Theme Program (AATP) floor, affectionately known as the Afro Floor. Students who live here are dedicated to learning about African American culture. Although the Afro Floor was made of primarily Black students, it was not exclusive to Black students only. And even among us Black students, our backgrounds were diverse. Through living on the Floor and taking some African American Studies classes, I was so empowered by learning our history and culture that in my second year I declared African American Studies as my major.

The summer after my first year I was a Cal Student Orientation (CALSO) Counselor, and through that

position I learned encyclopedic knowledge of the campus and its resources in order to provide hundreds of students with an effective orientation. I have also been involved with the Black Recruitment and Retention Center (BRRC). The BRRC puts on several programs throughout the school to do just as it’s name suggest: recruit Black students to higher education and provide Black students with the resources needed to graduate. I have helped them with programs like the Bay Area College Tour, the Southern California College Tour, study jams, and other events.

In my third year at Cal, I became the Treasurer for the Black Student Union (BSU), a volunteer with the

African American Student Development Office (AASD) and a VeVe Clark Scholar. The VeVe Clark Institute is a program designed to fully engage students majoring in African American Studies in the discipline.



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In the last semester of my third year, I pledged Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated. Sigma Gamma Rho host a number of events designed to give back to our communities including but not limited to: Operation Big Book Bag in which we provide school supplies to foster children and other under privileged youth, National Bone Marrow Program, and Project Wee Savers in which we talk to youth about the importance of managing money.

I am now heading into my final year at Cal. This year I plan on taking on the roles of the AASD and Multi-

Cultural Center Liaison, the President of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated Beta Psi chapter, and the Treasurer of the National Pan-Hellenic Counsel. I also plan on writing my Honors Thesis next year and apply to graduate school to pursue my Masters and Ph.D.

One thing I have learned is the meaning of the African proverb “I am because we are.” I know that my

history and my culture are rich and full of accomplishment. I would not be in this position if it had not been for strong Black sisters and brothers who struggled and fought for many years for the right to even study at this campus. I also would not be here if it were not for people like Ms. Brenda Dowdy and my high school principal, Ms. Sandra Rodriguez, who always encouraged me. I want to give special thanks to you two and hopefully in May 2013 you all will be able to see me walk across the stage once more.

Most Love, LaTasha J. P

THE RED BOOK IS RIGHT ON FOR CASCWA MEMBERS AND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

CASCWA Southern Section is also grateful to Phil Kauble, California School Laws Relating to Minors, for his generous donation to the scholarship funds from the sales of this important book.

This marks the 44th year of the "Redbook", a professional reference guide for school‐site

and district office administrators and other professionals who deal with schools and

juveniles.

As the title reflects, this publication contains more than 1,400 current California Code Sections along with related Federal Laws and Administrative Guidelines that relate to minors. Subject areas include Attendance, Discipline, Due Process, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Pupil

Records, Special Education, and much, much more! A one of a kind publication, the "Red Book" also serves as a funding source for annual scholarships presented

to "At‐Risk Students", to assist them in reaching their goals.

Visit the website for “Legal Books Distributing” to purchase your copy today at:

http://www.legalbooksdistributing.com/



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2012 SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON MEMORIES



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At the “Lillie Wilson” Scholarship Luncheon, recognition is given to several key individuals who provide support

to members of the CASCWA Executive Board. Individuals who are recognized are truly the MVP’s of CASCWA!



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For conference information go to: http://www.visitlongbeach.com/microsites/index.cfm?action=Cover&meetingid=145

Registration Form https://custom.cvent.com/2ACDA9F6E7FC43378E5EB218887212EE/files/2e4637cc8bc84eafa6a4fe122452b6e2.pdf

If you have any questions, please e-mail Sherri Allmer at ([email protected])



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Jeni Mendel’s “Website” Page Over the past several years, the editors of the Connection have received emails from Jeni Mendel, [email protected], Grossmont UHSD and several other executive board members. These are websites specified in emails that the editors have chosen to post in the Connection. Please look over the following and see if they relate to your personal work load. Hopefully, you will find the websites useful.

Reducing the US Demand for Illegal Drugs June 7, 2012, Washington—U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), co-chairs of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, today released a bipartisan report entitled Reducing the U.S. Demand for Illegal Drugs that outlines strategies for Congress and the Obama Administration to reduce the massive U.S. demand for illegal drugs.

http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/files/serve/?File_id=81b53476-64a3-4088-9bae-254a84b95ddb

Government Study Finds More Teenagers Smoke Marijuana Than Cigarettes More teenagers smoke marijuana than cigarettes, according to a survey released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/drugs/government-study-finds-more-teenagers-smoke-marijuana-than-cigarettes

Bridges to Success - A Publication from the Division of Student Support Services Los Angeles COE May 2012 Newsletter prepared by Maria Bravo, CASCWA Board Member who was recently named the top student services administrator in California by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA).

http://www.cascwa.org/research/documents/LACOE_SSS_Newsletter_May_2012.pdf

27 Tips for Parent Conferences The “Math Goodies” website has posted an article from TSTA/NEA that was provided by “Inspiring Teachers Publishing” that list several excellent suggestions for teachers to prepare for parent conferencing. Many of the suggestions listed are just as applicable for CWA administrators.

http://www.mathgoodies.com/articles/parent_conferences.html

What a Beautiful World Need a mental health moment? When you have reached your limits and need a moment to regroup and refocus, go to this website and refocus!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/auSo1MyWf8g?rel=0





http://webmail.roadrunner.com/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.cascwa.org%252Fresearch%252Fdocuments%252FLACOE_SSS_Newsletter_May_2012.pdf

http://www.cascwa.org/research/documents/LACOE_SSS_Newsletter_May_2012.pdf

http://www.inspiringteachers.com/

http://www.inspiringteachers.com/



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RAY VINCENT TO RETIRE FROM LACOE AT THE END OF THE 2012 SCHOOL YEAR



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CONGRATULATIONS RAY ON A WONDERFUL CAREER AND THANK YOU FOR BEING A TRUE CHILD ADVOCATE!



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CASCWA

DELTA-SIERRA SECTION

PRESENTS:

Capitolizing on

Student Success

April 17, 18th & 19th

, 2013

Sacramento, California

MARK YOUR CALENDAR “SAVE THE DATE”

2013 STATE CASCWA CONFERENCE

Hyatt Regency Hotel - - Sacramento, CA

For on-going updates on the 2013 CASCWA State Conference, go to: http://www.cascwa.org

The co-editors of the Southern Section CA SCWA Connection are Mark Michels and Frank Boehler

http://www.cascwa.org/

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