News News

MOVE training - seeing is believing

Webteam — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:22:36 GMT

Remember those early days of elementary school when “show and tell” time was your opportunity to share a favorite story or show how a gadget worked with the rest of the class? Each year in June, MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education) International has its own version of “show and tell” at its headquarters in Bakersfield, CA, where the purpose is much more serious and the outcome can be life changing. Approximately 70 participants came from across the nation and countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand to learn by seeing and doing at MOVE’s annual training held June 24-27. MOVE was founded in 1986 by Kern County Superintendent of Schools special education teacher Linda Bidabe to teach children with severe disabilities how to sit, stand, walk and gain independent mobility. Since its inception, the MOVE Curriculum has developed programs for both children and adults serving all age groups from birth to death. MOVE is in use in more than 25 countries. The curriculum has been translated into 13 languages.

Kern’s National History winners

Webteam — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:10:09 GMT

Five students from Bakersfield’s Fruitvale Jr. High School - Marissa Manos, Ramneet Sahota, Bianca Hinojosa, Calvin Laverty and Sameen Bramer - finished first in the junior division group performance category at National History Day which concluded June 18, at the University of Maryland. Their entry, “Sylvia Mendez: The Legacy of a Young Girl’s Fight for Equality in Education,” was judged the best out of 14 finalists from 12 states. Kern County also had another finalist, Centennial High School’s Sarah Moore, whose senior division individual documentary, “Silently Leaving a Legacy: The Actions of Chiune Sugihara,” was judged third best in the nation. “Once they said Bakersfield had won, I screamed so loudly I didn’t even hear all our names being called,” said Sahota. “I thought we had done a good performance, and lots of people who saw it assured us we would be in the top three. But this is nationals, we just didn’t expect it.” The Fruitvale team’s performance was based on a child of Mexican descent who was denied admission to a school near her Orange County home because of segregation.

Frazier named 20th Kern County Superintendent of Schools

Webteam — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:09:17 GMT

The Kern County Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday, (June 9) to appoint Christine Lizardi Frazier as Kern County’s 20th superintendent of schools. The appointment is effective July 1. Frazier replaces Larry E. Reider who will retire June 30. “We’ve worked with Chris Frazier for several years. Her fiscal conservatism, work ethic and passion to help more of our children become successful not just in school-but in a career are among the qualities we want in our county superintendent, “ said board president Don Cowan. “After much thought it is the full board’s conclusion that she has the background, ability and commitment to be Kern County’s leading advocate for children.” Cowan noted that the board received widespread support from educators and community members on behalf of Frazier. “These (letters of support) were viewed by each board member and were factored into the decision-making process,” said Cowan. Frazier has worked more than three decades as a teacher, principal and school district superintendent. She joined the office in 1996 and, since 2005, has been associate county superintendent of schools.

Students harness penny potential

Webteam — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:36:09 GMT

Pennies are often maligned for taking up space in one’s pocket or purse, considering their lack of purchasing power for individual items. Recently, students enrolled at Community Learning Center (CLC) Tech, operated by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, proved you can make a difference, if you collect enough pennies. They pooled their "Pennies for Patients" and raised more than $2,200 to help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Many of the students have a tough life of their own. Community schools give them a chance to stay in school, when for a variety of reasons they have become at risk of dropping out. Yet, the combined CLC Tech classes taught by Leonor Lopez, Dave Meek and Araceli Rivera accepted the challenge proposed by their teachers - to raise money to help others. Why get the students involved? Rivera had an answer. "Part of being a teacher is teaching civic education to our students,"

‘Dream Playground’ a step closer

Webteam — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:56:08 GMT

A $10,000 donation from the Bakersfield Breakfast Lions Club brought the Claude W. Richardson Child Development Centers Dream Playground for children with disabilities a step closer. The check was presented May 29 in an area where part of the playground will be built to Richardson Center principal Brian Cortez by Jason Gandola, representing the Bakersfield Breakfast Lions Club. “The Breakfast Lions contribution, coupled with other donations, brings the $75,000 project closer to reality,” said parent advisory committee member Marci Wattenbarger, who has contacted individuals, clubs, and, with Richardson Center staff, organized the annual school carnival to help fund the project. Principal Cortez said the new playground equipment is designed especially for students with special needs. When completed, the Dream Playground will permit teachers to take what they teach in the classroom outside. This includes helping students develop social and language skills. “All the equipment is at ground level so any child regardless of their abilities can participate,” said Cortez.