WISHINSIDER

www.wishcharter.org June 2015 issue

INSIDE

Leadership

Community Partnerships

Operations

EDDY Award Winner pg. 1

Upcoming Events pg. 2

Science Fair pg. 3

Middle School pg. 6Skate Night

WISH Charter 6550 West 80th Street(Entrance on Emerson)Los Angeles, CA 90045310.642.WISH (9474)

Shawna DraxtonExecutive Director (Elementary & Middle School), Principal (Elementary School)shawna@wishcharter.org

William BrownPrincipal (Middle School)wbrown@wishcharter.org

Rachel WoodwardAssistant Principalrwoodward@wishcharter.org

Jennie BrookFinancial Managerjennie@wishcharter.org

Kimberlie TraceskiOffice Manager - Middle Schoolktraceski@wishcharter.org

Sara SommerOffice Manager - Elementary Schoolsara@wishcharter.org

Marie KimFacilities Managermarie@wishcharter.org

On the Cover: Recycled sculpture created by 5th grade class for the Annual Art Gallery.

EDDY Award Winner pg. 1

Upcoming Events pg. 2

Student Life

Kids Corner

Annual Project pg. 7

Music Wrap- Up pg. 8

Sports Wrap - Up pg. 9

SMaRT pg. 13

Art Wrap - Up pg. 14

Book Review pg. 15

Free Summer Events pg. 16for the Whole Family

Newsletter TeamEDITOR IN CHIEFCHRISTIE KOBATA CREATIVE DIRECTOR ISABEL ALVAREZ CONTENT EDITORSLAURA CUSHINGOLIVER JONES

WRITERSANGELA JONESALLISON GROVER-KHOURYIVEY STEINBERGJAYME YOUNGERKIMBERLIE TRACESKIMIKE STEINSPAULA TOMIZAWA- MENDOZASARAH WHITNEY

Leadership

Ms. Huey is the lead for our third grade team, and WISH’s GATE services coordinator, helping to adapt curriculum to be individualized for all learners. Ms. Huey received nominations from WISH parents, students and teachers for this award, many of whom commented on her hands-on learning projects, innovative teaching strategies, and ongoing professional development as reasons that she truly is WISH’s Teacher of the Year!

Left to Right: Adrien Murphy, Caty Solone,

Leslie Huey, Jaclyn Petty, Lourdes Perez, Dr. Shawna Draxton

Congratulations to Leslie Huey, WISH’s Teacher Eddy Award winner for 2015!

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Operations UPCOMING EVENTS

Leadership JUNE 171098 AUGUST

Middle School Meet and Greet

@WISH Campus

Honor Roll Assembly 8:15 a.m.

@Auditorium

5th Grade Culmination

10:30 a.m. @Auditorium

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

*DISMISSAL 12:30 p.m.

Summer Mixer

Congratulations to the graduating 5th grade class! We wish you the best in Middle School

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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR

2015 – 2016 School Year

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Community Partnerships E = mc2Excitement = magnificent children Squared!

It’s amazing what can happen when you put your mind to it. Single-mindedness built this incredible school, uniting the WISH Charter community. From that community, a like-minded set of parents came together to create a committee - SMaRT (Science Math and Robotic Technology) - which then set forth with determination to have a science fair. On May 1st, WISH Charter witnessed the spectacular evolution of this endeavor with its 2nd Annual Science Fair. Parents, judges and community members filled the gymnasium to celebrate the innovations, inventions and investigations of 191 WISH students, a number representing nearly three times the number of participants in our first fair in May 2014.

While our school’s population has increased by nearly 150 students, participation in the science fair is, for the most part, optional. Middle School students are required to submit a science project but are not required to display them as part of the Science fair. For the 81 students representing grades TK - 5, the submission of a project and participation in the fair is completely optional. And yet, this year we rejoice in the fact that more than a third of our student body participated!

Once committing to participate in the fair, students are strongly encouraged to employ the practices of the scientific method in order to explore and answer questions from a variety of scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics, the natural sciences, electronics and

engineering. The judging rubric took into account the application of this process to the project, the student’s thoroughness of understanding of their work, and grade level. Winners were determined for each grade by the judges scoring based on the rubric…and competition at all levels was stiff!

“The kids showed such confidence with their presentations, it was truly a sight to behold. With that much passion on the showcase floor, it was a challenge and a joy to see the extensive displays and really talk with the children!” says WCA leader and Science Fair Judge Raj Makwana.

In addition to the profusion of spectacular projects on display, a viewing theatre was established for guests to watch video clips of the 6th grade’s Rube Goldberg machines. Rube Goldberg (1883 - 1970) was an American cartoonist, inventor and engineer who is best known for creating complex gadgets to perform simple tasks (e.g. a trail of dominoes collapsing into a ball that then pushes a car to hit a switch to turn on the light). Using Goldberg’s work as inspiration, our 6th grade STEM students were charged with creating their own machines and submitting them to Mr. Hutterer via video for class credit. The Science Fair provided another opportunity for the students’ hard work to be seen and appreciated by the community.

The growth of our Science Fair this year was also reflected in the increased level of community support. Our judging panel consisted of 47 individuals from all walks of life, rivaling high school and college level science fairs. WISH

By Kimberlie Traceski

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Charter welcomed molecular biology researchers, aerospace systems engineers, environmental chemists, business analysts, authors, teachers, real estate agents, WISH parents, WISH grandparents, structural engineers, and physicians. We had judges from UCLA, LMU, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Philips Aerospace Partners, Cal Poly and LA Sanitation, among others. In addition to the support in the judging arena, our own cavalry of volunteers found community support from Santa Monica College’s Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society and Kohl’s department store. HomeTown Buffet Westchester and KIND bars graciously provided sustenance for our volunteers and judges and we are also grateful for the continued support of Council member Mike Bonin!

The SMaRT member tasked with leading the Science Fair, Danielle Busse (parent to Samantha and Max) was “so happy to see how our community came together that day. And of course next year we will be even bigger! With the addition of two more 5th grade classes, and additional classes at the middle school level, many considerations must be made to

ensure we continue with this level of excellence. The children are already talking with much anticipation about next year’s projects. There is only one way to grow…and that is UP!”

Scientific Method

• Ask a Question• Do Background Research• Construct a Hypothesis• Test Your Hypothesis by

Doing an Experiment• Analyze Your Data and Draw

a Conclusion• Communicate Your Results

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Transitional Kindergarten: Tanner BrownKindergarten: Finnegan Sieman1st Grade: Oliver Horton2nd Grade: Joseph Alvarez3rd Grade: Timmy Washburn and Ciela Reyes (tied)4th Grade: Lily Siniawski & Devan Makwana (tied)5th Grade: Rowan SpeckmanMiddle School: Lucy Daniels

Transitional Kindergarten: Evie WashburnKindergarten: Ryan Scott1st Grade: Max Weiner & Eoin Ordubegian (tied)2nd Grade: Clint Maska3rd Grade: Connor Kaytor4th Grade: Tiara JacksonMiddle School: Dajon Snead

Transitional Kindergarten: Soleil WicksKindergarten: Martin Alvarez1st Grade: Betheny Hailemeskel2nd Grade: Allie Yeargin3rd Grade: Molleigh Draxton & Cyrus Hosseini (tied)4th Grade: Leelee Marruci & Violet Stephany (tied)Middle School: Marcus Tomlinson

Special Commendations 7th Grade: Adam Dreyfuss 6th Grade: Robert Lercari

SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS

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Middle School Skate Night RocksBy Lynda Modaff Middle school skate night at the Toyota Center had a turnout of over 50 skaters plus many parents who mingled up in the Pirates Cove. It was a great opportunity to get to know each other better and for the kids to enjoy some time to socialize outside of school. Fundraising was not our main objective but we raised $270 to help with Middle School activity expenses.

Student Life Every year, all WISH students participate in an annual project. Last year’s project had a social studies emphasis and students created a “living museum” where each child represented a historical figure. This year’s project focused on math and groups of students in each class created a small business, developed a business plan, manufactured and sold products at the Business Fair on May 21st. The Business Fair gave WISH students an opportunity to practice their math skills in a real-world setting.

Each grade created different types of products to support

their overall theme. TK’s theme was “Wishopolis.” KA’s theme was “Goody Good Town.” KB’s -- “Rainbow City” and KC’s -- “KinderCrazy.” The first grade classes had “Community Essentials” themed businesses. Second grade’s theme was “Bead-Dazzle.” Third grade was focused on “Market Day.” Fourth grade created businesses based on a California boom town in 1849. Fifth grade’s theme was “The Shark Tank.” Sixth grade recreated a Roman convivium while seventh grade created “El Mercado de Mesoamerica.” Products were priced from 25 cents to a dollar and each class chose how to donate their money. One second grade

class used the $120 they earned to adopt a flamingo and a panda!

In addition to the students’ busi-nesses, the business fair also fea-tured a few local businesses that have supported WISH this past year. Bank of America offered strategies for children and families to learn financial literacy. Star Party offered party planning tips. Taylor Whitley from Coldwell Banker shared tips for selling your home. The Greasy Wiener and Peaches’ Smokehouse & Southern Kitchen food trucks were also at the fair.

By Sarah WhitneyWISH Business Fair

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This year in the WISH music program, students from both our elementary and middle schools have enjoyed learning about many different genres and styles of music through weekly lessons, as well as hands on practice using a variety of instruments. WISH Elementary School music students have developed a fundamental understanding of rhythm components such as tempo, dynamics and syncopation, and have applied what they’ve learned by creating basic hand drum beats. Elementary students have also enjoyed singing many

different songs from around the world, as well as learning about their historical significance. Students have also enjoyed preparing for and participating in a variety of performances, such as the International Fair, monthly assemblies, and the Spring Sing.

WISH Middle School students have also had a great time in the school music program. Throughout their music survey units they’ve learned about the origins and evolutions of many musical genres and styles. Middle School students have also learned about a variety of musical movements including

Renaissance, Baroque, ska and reggae, and the British invasion. Middle School students have examined various roles within the music industry as well. From production, engineering, music video creation, and marketing to artist management and live touring, middle school students have learned to appreciate the vast and fluid mechanisms of music.

This year WISH music students have discovered their own abilities and found new heights of talent. We look forward to another exciting musical experience in the 2015-2016 school year.

WISH Music UpdateBy Peder Draxton

MUSIC

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Eight new sports were added to our team sports roster this year. Our athletes competed in play-off games and earned ribbons and trophies, but those are just symbols of what makes our team sports program so special.

What better way to capture the spirit of the year in sports than to hear from the athletes, the families and the coaches themselves? Here are just a few thoughts from those who worked so hard to make us all OWL PROUD!

“My favorite memory is making new friends. I made a lot of friends from volleyball and basketball. This is my favorite memory because it made me comfortable around people I didn’t know before and it made me more comfortable at school. I was honored to receive most improved player on my team and score a record-high 18 points .” – Malina Miura, Girls Volleyball and Girls Basketball

“When I aced and scored 15 points for the team against New West.” – Haley Veazie, Girls Volleyball

The WISH Year in Sports: Owl Proud!By Ivey Steinberg

Sports

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“When we were down by 3 points in basketball and we had 3 seconds on the clock and Collin (Guillory) was at the three-point-line and he made the basket but the ref said it was a two-point shot.” - Rowan Speckman, Boys Basketball

“We saw a lot of great things from the girls. They know that they are to control two things: attitude and effort. I couldn’t be more proud.” – Coach Orlando, Girls Basketball

“Before I started track, I didn’t know how to throw the javelin. I didn’t even know what a javelin was! During the season, I learned a good technique that helped me get a lot better. I was even able to help my teammates learn to throw better. And it was so exciting when the D3 boys won first, second and third place in javelin at our second meet!” – Timmy Washburn, Track

“I like being with my friends and collaborating with them on the relays.” – Alexa Hogan, Track

“Always winning the 4X100 relays. With each track meet, we got further and further ahead of the people we competed against.” – Erin Hogan, Track

“Watching the kids get more and more confident each time they competed.” - Monique Hogan (mom to Alexa & Erin)

“Going to my first track meet ever and earning a ribbon in each of my events!” - Nathan Scott, Track

“My favorite memory of cheer was going to the cross-country meet and cheering for every school. I was really proud of the girls for showing WISH spirit!” - Coach Isabel Alvarez, Cheer

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“I loved how the kindergärtners thought we were superstars and would want to give us high-fives.” - Analucia Alvarez, Cheer

“Seeing the girls perform at the competition and getting first place!” – Coach Sarah Thomason, Dance

“I loved bonding with my teammates during practice. I made a lot of new friends.” -Alica Alvarez, Archery

“I loved it! Once I hit my first good shot during practice, I started to like golf.” – Patrick Dass, Golf

“I love watching our players, win or lose, never give up! My next favorite is meeting the families and madly cheering with them! Goooooo Owls!” – Lynda Modaff (mom to Neil O’Loughlin, Flag Football, Boys Basketball & Soccer)

“Our main goal was to teach our boys how to play their positions and back each other up. We also tried to convey the importance of trying your hardest and not being afraid. I just wanted to say how proud I am of all the boys. It has been a very exciting season!” – Coach Al, Soccer

“Most kids are born with feet that desire to run. At WISH, kids learn with their brains and their hearts. So, WISH kids run with their brains, heart and feet and this makes them truly special and capable of so much more than those who just run with their feet.” – Coach Scott, Cross Country

“I watched as they fought on every play, lifted each other up and leaned on one another like a team should. My goal as a coach is not only to teach them what can be achieved on the field but what they can take from that and apply it outside of those white lines. I am proud because these kids are starting to believe in themselves and in their own greatness. WE ARE WISH CHARTER!” – Coach Simo Tagoai, Flag Football

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After weeks and weeks of training, the WISH elementary and middle school Botball teams, the WISHBots, concluded the season by successfully participating in the 2015 Greater Los Angeles Regional Botball Tournament, on Saturday, May 2.

The WISH elementary team completed all six challenges, winning the Jr. Botball trophy. The middle students competed against 22 teams and made it through to the double elimination round.

Botball is a team-oriented robotics competition where teams design, build, and program a pair of

autonomous robots using a standardized kit of materials. The team of students must document their design and build process and then compete in a double elimination tournament that includes specific challenges which are new each year.

2015 WISH Bots Elementary School team is comprised of Nicholas Abad, Nahshon Cannad, Molleigh Draxton, Connor Kaytor, Joshua Kobata, Devan Makwana, Ian Murray, Nicholas Steinman, and Timothy Washburn.

2015 WISHBots middle school team members are Sydney Abad, Oliver Draxton, Adam Dreyfuss,

Robert Lercari, and Jacob Walton.Special thanks to our coaches, LMU student Cole Jetton (Jr. Botball) and Swathi Ram (Middle School Botball), as well as our two assistants, David Garden (LMU Adjunct Professor of School of Film and Television) and WISH parent Khali Cannad, who were hands-on every week with our Jr. Botball team.

A huge debt of gratitude to USC Viterbi School of Engineering, the National Science Foundation, NASA’s Robotic Alliance Project and Home Depot for their financial support.

WISHBots 2015 Season a Smashing SuccessBy Angela L. Jones

SMaRT

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This year has been an amazing journey, beginning with an exploration of the inventions and works of Leonardo da Vinci and finishing with the impressionist style of Renoir.

We got to be a part of the LMU “Black History Month” Art Contest for the second year in a row and had four of our students get top prize this year out of our 40 entries. All the students were very creative in our studies of African American history and culture, from the tribal masks we created in second,

fifth, and seventh to our textiles in kindergarten and first and savannas in third.

We enjoyed other creative explorations as our first and second graders got to do nature studies out in the garden and the fifth graders collaborated in creating recycled sculptures.

The middle school students impressed me with their one-point perspective street scenes and realistic renderings of African American Heroes using a gridded picture transfer and value shading.

I loved seeing all the students grow as the year progressed: their enthusiasm for art never ceases to amaze me. Their discussions over the artists were insightful and whenever they got to share their artwork with their peers, their pride was definitely written on their face.  

I look forward to seeing them again next year and continuing our exploration of different mediums, artists, and styles.

Looking Back at the Year in WISH ArtBy Courtney Coleman

ART

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June Book Reviews: Rad Women & Joyous Gardensby Allison Grover Khoury

RAD American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries Who Shaped Our History and Our Future!Written by Kate Schatz and illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl, this fine ABC book of extraordinary women who played an important role shaping American history is a new favorite. Written for grades three to eight (according to reviews), it serves as an excellent primer for any age. The book highlights women of diverse racial and economic backgrounds who affected change across the centuries in almost any sphere of life you can name from worker’s rights to arts to sports. Excellent one-page summaries of the women’s lives and accomplishments are followed at the end by encouraging steps the reader can undertake in their own lives. Full-page brightly colored linoleum print portraits of each woman accompany the one-page biographies. Copies are arriving in both WISH libraries in time for the start of school in August.

Sky SweepersA lovely retelling of a Japanese tale about the care-taker of gardens at a Buddhist Monastery. Takeboki, the flower keeper, as he is called, starts his job at the monastery as a young boy. Every season, he faithfully creates beautiful garden spaces, and keeps the gardens and sidewalks clean. We witness his lifetime of devotion to his craft and begin to recognize traditional Japanese garden designs in the gardens in his care. And although he is often teased for choosing such a simple job, he is not deterred or unhappy. Instead, he is content, even joyful, about his work. The illustrations are beautiful collage and watercolor with charming details sure to delight younger readers. Grades K-3.

Kids Corner

READING IS A HOOT!Cut Along Dotted Lines for Summer Reading Book Mark 15

June14 Fowler Museum www.fowler.ucla.edu

Kids in the Courtyard Pop-Up Book Making: 1:00-4:00pm

Books have super powers! Many artists use messages in books to change the way we think about the world. Explore the exhibition The Sahmat Collective and read the children’s book created by the Sahmat artists. Then, discover the joys of book binding and pop-up book techniques as you create your very own family book.

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Target Sunday at California African American Museum www.caamuseum.org

Performances and presentations celebrating Black Music Month. There is also a special bonus workshop activity of making your own drum!

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The Lego Movie and Food Trucks @ Central Park Bandshell www.playavista.com

Movie: 8:00-10:00 p.m.

Food trucks open at 5:00 p.m.Bring lawn chair or blanket*See website for more movie dates and times

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Venice Japanese Community Center vjcc.com

June 27: 12:00-9:00pm June 28: 11:00am-8:00pm

Summer Festival: Great food, fun games (fees), exhibits, ondo dancing, and cultural experiences

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N’Demand @ Central Park Bandshell 5:00-6:30 p.m. in Playa Vista. Food trucks begin at 4:00pm

Back by popular demand! Dance to the latest pop hits by Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Meghan Trainor and many more

Fun and Free: Family Events to Enjoy this Summerby Paula Tomizawa

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July1

Westchester Farmers Market

Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.7000 W. Manchester Ave Intersection Of: Lincoln Blvd & La Tijera

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Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Farmers Market www.baldwinhillscrenshawplaza.com/ farmersmarket

10 a.m.-3 p.m. located on the Promenade by the Rave Cinemas 15Baldwin Hills Crenshaw has hosted the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Farmers Market for the past four years. The market ties into the mall’s diverse B Fit health initiative, which promotes wellness.

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Movie in the Park: Despicable Me 2 www.laparks.org/dos/reccenter/pdf/ marVista/movie.pdf

Mar Vista Park Activities begin at 7:00 p.m. Movie starts at 8:00pm

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Culver City Public Theatre ccpt.org

The Golden Bird and The Dancing Princesses

12:00 p.m. Children’s Popcorn Theatre in Carlson Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. *See website for additional movie dates and times.

August

1 & 2

Concert at the Getty Museum www.getty.edu/visit/cal/performances. html

Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards 4:00-5:30 p.m. at the Getty’s Garden Concerts for Kids *See website for full list of concerts

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Big Hero 6 and Food Trucks @ Concert Park in Playa Vista www.playavista.com

Movie Starts at 8:00 -10:00 p.m. Food trucks open at 5:00pm Bring a lawn chair or blanket *check their website for a complete list of dates, movies, and concerts

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Wishing you a restful and playful Summer! 18

-Your Insider Team

The Insider is in need of more writers! As our school grows,

so does the news! If you would like to be part of our team next

school year, please email our Editor-in-Chief Christie Kobata

at christiekobata@hotmail.com Very flexible and a great way to

contribute to our school from the comfort of your own home.