Lunch from Cafe X2O, on the north side of Foothill just east of Alta Vista. Got the Chicken Kebab ($14) and substituted the rice with spinach for about $4 (wasn’t broken out so not sure). Very good. I enjoyed it all.
- Brad Haugaard
Lunch from Cafe X2O
Lunch from Cafe X2O, on the north side of Foothill just east of Alta Vista. Got the Chicken Kebab ($14) and substituted the rice with spinach for about $4 (wasn’t broken out so not sure). Very good. I enjoyed it all.
Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 166, 2 More, 1 More Death
Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:
Monrovia: 166 cases (up 2), 20 deaths (up 1).
Unincorporated Monrovia: 21 cases (unchanged).
Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).
Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74 (unchanged), 16 deaths (unchanged). This facility has suddenly disappeared from the county's stats page, so these numbers are old.
Monrovia Memorial Hospital: 27 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovian Restaurant Prepares to Re-Open
The Monrovian restaurant, at the corner of Myrtle and Colorado, is apparently getting ready to re-open. A Facebook post says:
“We are a new family restaurant located in Old Town Monrovia, California. Chef owned, offering fresh baked pastries, cakes, pies, and local coffee in our quick service pastry area located in the front of our dining room. We offer many different styles of artisan pastries and breads, alongside our naturally leavened pizza dough! We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a full bar.”
- Brad Haugaard
Wildlife in Wilderness Area
It’s not just bears you encounter in Monrovia’s Wilderness Preserve. I saw these two today. The fawn stopped and stared at me for a while.
- Brad Haugaard
Civic Leaders Join to Discuss George Floyd, Racism
Members of the Monrovia City Council, School Board members, law enforcement, and other community leaders gathered in Library Park today to talk about racism and the killing of George Floyd.
A prayer, a hymn, comments by organizer Tyler Spicer and brief comments from officials and others. Above is School Board President Rob Hammond, who condemned the “murder” of Floyd, recalled the interview with Floyd’s brother and compared the pain to that which he experienced on the death of his own brother.
Mayor Tom Adams said the killing in Minneapolis has hurt the Monrovia Police as a stain upon their profession and something they would not have allowed if they were in Minneapolis.
Note: I put “murder” in quotes because I’m quoting and because officially a person is only a murderer if convicted, not because I doubt the facts.
- Brad Haugaard
Curfew Starts Later Tonight - 9 p.m.
City Manager Dylan Feik reports:
Los Angeles County has issued the fourth night of a countywide curfew. Tonight's curfew will start later at 9 p.m. and will end tomorrow at 5 a.m. Residents are asked to stay in their home during the curfew unless traveling to and from work, experiencing homelessness and without access to a viable shelter or seeking medical treatment.
- Brad Haugaard
Major Monrovia Facebook Groups Display Same Image As Statement of Solidarity
Police Chief Alan Sanvictores kneeling before protesters.
Four of the main Monrovia Facebook groups - Monrovia Happenings; Monrovia, California; Monrovia Messenger, and Everything Monrovia, together having more than 26,000 members - have switched their groups' pictures to the same image, showing Police Chief Alan Sanvictores kneeling before people protesting the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.
Carmen Martinez, of Monrovia Happenings, writes:
"Today we have solidarity throughout our town.
"If you belong to several community groups you will see us changing our group picture to the same picture. We are all different and yet, we are all the same.
"Thank you, Brian Tindall, for capturing such an amazing moment, but more so for our MPD Chief Sanvictores, our entire MPD and our entire community."
- Brad Haugaard
Superintendent Thorossian's May Update
In the beginning of May, the District and our school community celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. Our teachers chose this profession because of their belief in the value of education, their love of learning, and their connection to their students. I’d like to personally thank them for their passion and dedication to their students, to Monrovia Unified, and to our community.
Monrovia Unified honored the Class of 2020 with a celebration at 8:20 p.m. May 6 at Monrovia High School. Monrovia High lit up the Stadium and the Monrovia ‘M’ on the mountain, as another way to acknowledge seniors and their achievements. This has continued to occur every Wednesday since then and will continue through our June 3 graduation. Monrovia Unified is dedicated to celebrating its Class of 2020.
On May 10, Monrovia Unified took part in Virtual Monrovia Days 2020, and shared a video montage that celebrated our scholars and athletes. The video highlighted all of the things that make our District great: our students, teachers and staff, families, and strong academic programs and enrichment opportunities.
We’ve also been busy this month preparing for the celebrations ahead, including our promotions and graduation ceremonies. I’d like to extend a thank-you to our Board of Education, Monrovia High School Principal Kirk McGinnis and administrators, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the City of Monrovia, and our entire community for advocating on behalf of our students and making sure their successes and achievements were celebrated. I look forward to our promotion and graduation ceremonies – our students deserve this.
Toward the end of the month, Monrovia High School announced Kate Tadeo as its valedictorian and Jessica Lee as salutatorian. Congratulations to both on their achievements. We wish them luck as they pursue their academic and personal goals in college.
Lastly, congratulations to you all for rising to the challenge that this dismissal presented all of us. I know I speak for everyone when I say I cannot wait until we are back in school again but, until then, please stay safe and take care of one another.
We will continue providing updated information on our website and social media platforms. Pre-recorded informational messages are regularly updated at (626) 471-2084.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian, Superintendent
- Brad Haugaard
Company With Monrovia Lab Develops Mail-In Coronavirus Test Kit
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 164, Up 2 - No New Deaths
Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:
Monrovia: 164 cases (up 2), 19 deaths (unchanged).
Unincorporated Monrovia: 21 cases (unchanged).
Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).
Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74 (unchanged), 16 deaths (unchanged).
Monrovia Memorial Hospital: 27 cases (up 1) and 2 deaths (unchanged).
- Brad Haugaard
George Floyd Rally at Library Park
A group of about 150 plus people gathered in Library Park today to protest the death of George Floyd.
“No justice, no peace. No racist police.”
- Brad Haugaard
Assembly Planned With City Council, Law Enforcement, at Library Park
A "peaceful assembly event where the Monrovia City Council and local law enforcement, as well as religious and community leaders will come together" is set for this Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Library Park. Call or text 703-2398 for more information.
- Brad Haugaard
Spot Space Station Docked with SpaceX Ship
- Brad Haugaard
Curfew Again Tonight - at 6 P.M.
Yet another countywide curfew today, from 6 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Monday morning.
- Brad Haugaard
Canyon Oaks and Mountain Park Drive-Through Graduation
“This school year, our graduating class missed many senior opportunities but our community came together and advocated for our students to receive the graduation they deserve,” Board President Rob Hammond said. “I cannot wait to see our graduates walk across the stage and experience the moment they rightfully earned. Congratulations to all of our seniors from Canyon Oaks and Mountain Park.”
“Graduation is the culmination of a child’s education experience,” Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “Every degree our students earn hereafter, they will earn as adults. For this reason, high school graduations are milestones. For this reason, it is important to recognize and celebrate this achievement.”
Canyon Oaks High School and Mountain Park Independent Study School are committed to helping students succeed, whether through recovering credits to graduate on time or advancing in credits to graduate early.
As a tuition-free independent study school, Mountain Park offers flexibility in academic schedules and exposes students to career pathways, extra-curricular programs, and early college opportunities that exist at Monrovia High School.
Mountain Park School has a full curriculum that meets college admission requirements, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The school and its programs are designed to help students succeed in college, career, and beyond.
“Our graduates for the Class of 2020 have pushed themselves and worked tirelessly to achieve their academic and personal goals,” Director of Alternative Schools Flint Fertig said. “I am proud of each and every one of them, and I look forward to celebrating their achievements at commencement on June 2.”
- Brad Haugaard
Gertrude - A Happy, Loving Companion
The adoption fee for dogs is $140. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.
New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.
View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org and fill out an online adoption application. Adoptions are by appointment only.
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.
- Brad Haugaard
Curfew Now Starts at 5 P.M.
The county just sent out a notice saying that tonight's curfew begins at 5 p.m., NOT 6 p.m., and lasts through 6 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday (June 2).
- Brad Haugaard
Monrovia Coronavirus Count: 162, No New Cases - No New Deaths
Today's Coronavirus cases from LA Deptartment of Public Health:
Monrovia: 162 cases (unchanged), 19 deaths (unchanged).
Unincorporated Monrovia: 21 cases (unchanged).
Brookdale Monrovia: 8 cases (unchanged), 1 death (unchanged).
Monrovia Gardens Healthcare Center: 74 (unchanged), 16 deaths (unchanged).
Monrovia Memorial Hospital: 26 cases (unchanged) and 2 deaths (unchanged).
- Brad Haugaard
Two Reasons for a National Day of Mourning and Lament
The Monrovia City Council will be joining many other cities in declaring today, June 1, 2020 as National Day of Mourning and Lament. This was originally designed to Lament the horrific loss of life due to COVID 19. Now with the loss of George Floyd and the unrest that followed, it is fitting that the Lament be extended to include the events we now see. I am pleased with the Monrovia response of peaceful protest over the life of Mr. Floyd being taken but am also pleased that Monrovia has not experienced any of the looting and property damage. If we can keep this focus on a positive outcome, perhaps we can all make a positive difference. As I reach out to many of the Ministers in town, I find that many are praying for Monrovia and I am thankful for that.
- Brad Haugaard
'Reimagining Schools' - Superintendent Discusses Re-Opening District Schools
I found a 1919 issue of The Monrovian, Monrovia High School’s yearbook. In it, I found a couple of references. “The first part of the year was broken up by the ‘flu’. In fact, ‘Pep’ had a serious attack of influenza...‘Pep’s’ lungs grew stronger...The postponement of the Cradle Roll dance because of the ‘flu’ dampened ‘Pep’s’ ardor considerably.” Assuming they are referring to the “pep squad,” this was not quite the treasure trove of information I had sought; but I will continue searching.
It is too soon to gauge the impact of the pandemic on education. However, I believe that it will be transformative - especially in bridging the gaps in technology and access to the digital world.
As we close this year, our two main areas of focus are back to school preparations and the budget. Both of these topics include so many variables over which we have no control, that our preparations will include multiple scenarios. Leading our efforts with the reopening of our schools will be a task force comprised of key district, site, and department personnel. Their objective is to develop a framework for opening schools based on current assumptions and conditions for the 2020-21 school year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so effectively, they will need to follow the local and national guidance of experts; engage our community partners, as well as professional associations; and establish regular, two-way communication. The surveys completed in the last week are just the first step in determining our course forward.
The task force will approach elementary and secondary schools separately, but along parallel paths, to ensure coordination between all our schools and parity for all our students. Deep planning will need to be done in some broad areas:
- Health & Safety
- Instruction & Campus Life
- Social Emotional Support Systems
- Family & Community Engagement
- Operations & Operational Alternatives
No one small group can do this effectively in isolation. For that reason, we will need to expand the number of individuals willing to work alongside us as we create new instructional models to educate the children of Monrovia.
That first survey did confirm some initial thoughts - no one instructional model will meet the needs of all our students or staff members. Additionally, despite our rapid response to the dismissal of students on Friday, the 13th of March, we know that there will be learning gaps – especially in the case of our learners most in need of personal support. While we will be providing an online summer program, and developing enrichment opportunities before school begins, this will not be enough to mitigate the “COVID-19 Slide.” Currently, we are looking at three different instructional models:
- Face to Face Instruction - The teacher and the student meet physically in a set place for a set time, for either one-on-one learning or in group classroom lessons with social distancing measures in place, as well as health and safety measures.
- Distance Learning - Distance learning occurs when the learner and instructor, or source of information, are separated by time and distance and therefore cannot meet in a traditional physical classroom setting.
- Hybrid Model of Instruction - Hybrid learning occurs both in the classroom (or other physical space) with social distancing measures in place, as well as health and safety measures, and via distance learning.
In preparing for the opening of schools, we are purchasing personal protective equipment, additional hand washing stations, cleaning supplies, etc. We are rearranging desks in classrooms to reduce the number of students and identifying the supplies students will need at every grade level and in every subject area to avoid sharing.
Some of these costs may be reimbursed by FEMA and one-time funding by the CARES Act. A couple of weeks ago, the Governor’s May Revision of the Budget indicated grave cuts would be needed. At a time when we will need more resources and more people to support and supervise our students, we will be provided with far less. Since then, following the leadership of our Board of Education, we have been advocating for both additional funding and additional flexibility with our current funding sources.
Last night, the advocacy done at so many levels, seemed to steer things in a more positive direction. The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee adopted the budget plan for the 2020-21 State Budget. This version of the budget reversed some of the deep cuts the Governor had proposed. This is promising; however, this is not final, and our efforts must continue.
I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and expect we will continue to make thoughtful, student-centered decisions together for the 2020-21 school year. Reimagining schools will require the use of the same skills we try to teach our students: critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, community, and compassion, to adapt nimbly in a changing world. I look forward to continuing our partnership as we create history.
We have three days before we close the most unusual school year of my career. Encourage your children to finish strong and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katherine Thorossian
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