Like other high schools in the area – namely, Crescenta Valley, St. Francis and La Cañada – the robotics team at Clark Magnet High School – Team 696 – is working hard to design and engineer a robot to compete for the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Regional Competition in Long Beach on March 15 through 17.

Team 696, also known as the Circuit Breakers, devotes their time to the project after school and on weekends. The team has six weeks to design, build and test a working robot that’s ready for competition.

Clark Magnet High School principal Doug Dall has made available a new engineering lab for the team to use. This dedicated workspace has an area large enough to store machinery and tools, conduct team meetings and conferences, and physically build the robot. With a new Computer Aided Design – CAD – room, business office and electronics room, the space is a more organized and stress-free environment to work in said team members.

The team has also been receiving high-tech engineering equipment funded by Glendale Unified School District and will be obtaining electrical service upgrades to accommodate the new equipment.

The FIRST Robotics kick-off day for this year’s competition was on Jan. 7. The team crowded around the screen waiting for the rules for the new 2012 game.

The team learned that the game plan was based on basketball and  wasted no time in strategizing and coming up with ideas of how to win. Since kick-off day, the Circuit Breakers have been  working up to 30 hours a week, all the while maintaining grades and completing homework.

FIRST is an international organization whose mission is “to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.” The FIRST Robotics Competition engages over  2,300 teams with about 58,000 high-school students in grades 9 through 12, in 52 regional events; one state championship; one region championship; and 14 district competitions. Robots are built in six weeks from a common kit of parts provided by FIRST, and typically weigh up to 150 lbs.

For information on the Clark Robotics team contact David Black at (818) 248-8324 ext. 5204 or e-mail David at dblack@gusd.net.

By Agnes CONSTANTE

More than 110 students from grades kinder through six participated in Mountain Avenue Elementary School’s third annual Science Fun Fair on Friday, Jan. 28.

The clamoring and bustling of students and parents from the beginning of the event to its end reflected the enthusiasm and appreciation toward science by those in attendance.

“[The fair is] wonderful,” said Annette Limonadi, a parent who has two children attending the school. “The kids love it and it’s educational in a fun way.”

Projects were presented on poster boards that were lined up on tables inside the school. Students showcased a variety of scientific experiments, from conducting electricity with potatoes to determining the best material to filter colored water.

“I was really surprised with the diversity of the different experiments,” said parent Karen Fullner.

While the projects were a central part of the fair, there were other stations both indoors and outdoors that enhanced the evening. There was a telescope for parents and kids to view the moon and stars, a hovercraft chair that kids were able to sit on, fog dry ice bubbles, and more.

The Coke and Mentos fountain was a favorite among kids, who screamed in excitement as Coke spurted out from a plastic bottle high up into the air.

Despite the noise and crowd, parents spoke favorably about the evening.

“We are new to this school but it has been great because the kids really love it,” said Udaya Manchikatla, whose son completed a project about dancing raisins. “They seem to be able to [understand] what a science fair is even though they’re in kindergarten, so it’s been a great experience for us.”

Manchikatla’s son combined baking soda and vinegar to create a carbonated liquid that made raisins appear to be dancing.

Another positive aspect of the fair was that it brought the community of parents together, said parent Sarah Orth, whose two children submitted projects.

“What’s really good about this is it draws on … all the parents who are at [the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, those who are] scientists, and it really helps bring a new level of looking at science in school. So I think it’s a fabulous thing to do. It gets families involved.”

The school began holding science fairs in 2010 and the event is co-chaired by parent Jackie Bodner, who holds a doctorate degree in molecular biology/genetics, and Saty Ragvachary, who holds a doctorate degree in engineering.

Six of the sixth grade science projects will compete in the Los Angeles County Fair at the end of March, representing Mountain Avenue Elementary for the first time.

No judging took place at the fair, and every student participant received a prize for their efforts.

On Saturday, the St. Francis High School Academic Decathlon Team placed first at the Southern California Private Schools Academic Decathlon (SCPAD) Competition held at Alemany High School.

Day one of the contest, which took place on Jan. 28, consisted of the subjective tests, essay, speech and interview. Day two, which took place on Feb. 4, consisted of the objective tests, including the oral super quiz, and concluded with a team dinner, awards ceremony and celebration.

At the end of the night, the efforts of the young men from St. Francis and their coach Dirk Dierking were rewarded with a first place finish.

The success of the St. Francis Academic Decathlon Team this past weekend allows the team to move on to compete in the California Academic Decathlon State Championship in Sacramento tentatively scheduled for March 15-18.

Misty DUPLESSIS

In observance of every national holiday, Montrose Christian Montessori School takes time to pay tribute to historic figures and events during its flag ceremony.

On Friday, Jan. 13, the school celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King by releasing 100% biodegradable latex balloons with meaningful notes on seed tissue inside of them, thanks to the support of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), approval from the city and donations from La Crescenta Ralphs.

PTO President Armineh Manookian brought the idea to Montessori as a fond memory she had from her experience in grade school. One of the balloons that Manookian’s classmate released landed on a gravesite many years ago. After visiting that gravesite, a relative took the balloon with the school’s information on it and contacted the school.

The note provided great hope to the relative as they shared how thankful they were to have received that special gift on their loved one’s grave.

This year Montessori students were encouraged to write down dreams that involved others. Their notes – some of which were religious in nature, others more secular – were inserted into the balloons and released.

Sixth grader William wrote, “I have a dream that one day people from all races would get together and praise God’s name.”

Student Madelyn wrote, “I have a dream that one day people will be accepted for who they really are.”

After singing songs and reciting poems about Dr. King, all students, at the direction of fifth/sixth grade instructor Armond Gharakhanian, released their balloons in unison.

Each year Gharakhanian focuses on a different aspect of Dr. King’s life, this year the students learned about the Birmingham letter.

Public relations officer of the PTO April Rushing said that she hopes that the children learn the importance of Dr. King and his influence on American history.

“The kids were in awe after letting the balloons go. I think it definitely made a lasting impression on them and helped illustrate how small actions can have a big impact,” Rushing said, adding that it’s important to have dreams and to share those dreams.

The school is considering making the balloon release an annual event.

Brass Bash on Friday
The CV Jazz band will be taking part in a Brass Bash on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Pasadena.

The gathering is of professional and student brass players of all ages and levels who play for and with each other in three types of brass music: rehearsed, under-rehearsed and un-rehearsed.

There is no charge to attend.

First United Methodist Church is located at 500 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena.

Tasting Bee Coming Up
The Girl Scouts of Crescenta Valley and Glendale are hosting their 28th Annual International Tasting Bee in celebration of World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Thinking Day 2012.

Girl Scouts of all ages are busy learning about the culture, customs, and food of faraway lands, and the girls will be serving tastes of foods they have prepared from these exotic places. Tasting tickets will be sold at the door for 25 cents each with all proceeds funding Crescenta Valley Glendale Girl Scout Service Unit activities throughout the year.

The public is invited to a delicious afternoon on Sunday, Feb. 26 at Pacific Community Center, 501 S. Pacific Ave. in Glendale. Doors open at 1 p.m., official program starts at 2 p.m.

Attendees to the event will be able to participate in various opportunity drawings – $1 each – as well as the Crescenta Valley Glendale Service Unit’s silent auction.

LCFEF Announces Summer School Registration
The La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation announced that registration will open for 2012 summer school on Thursday, Feb. 9. This program is open to all students entering grades 9 through 12 in the fall of 2012. Course offerings include English 1-4, Spanish 1-3, algebra IB, geometry, algebra II, U.S. history, world history, government/econ, biology, chemistry, physics and P.E.

Summer school is a great way for students to free up their upcoming academic year schedule or improve upon a previously received grade. Registration information is now available at www.lcfef.org. Questions?  Leave a message on the LCFEF Summer School hotline at (818) 952-8070 or email summerschool@lcfef.org.

Assistance League Glendale Offers SAT Seminars
Assistance League Glendale is offering SAT Seminars again this spring for $45. There will be eight two-hour sessions during the month of March. The sessions are held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 314 E. Harvard, Glendale. Registration forms are available by going online at www.alglendale.org/sat.htm. Registration forms are also available at the Assistance League thrift shop, Thrift Alley, at 314-A Harvard, Glendale.

For details, call (818) 247-4296 or email info@alglendale.org.

Scholarship Apps Sought
The Kohl’s Department Stores Kohl’s Cares® Scholarship Program will award more than $420,000 in scholarships and prizes, ranging from $50 Kohl’s gift cards to $10,000 scholarships, to more than 2,200 young volunteers who have made a positive impact on their communities.     Nominations for kids ages 6 to 18 will be accepted Feb. 1 through March 15 at kohlskids.com. To nominate volunteers for a Kohl’s Cares scholarship, visit kohlskids.com.

Nominators must be 21 years or older.

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The Verdugo Glen chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) is funding two special scholarships through the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF). The scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $1,000 each. No applications will be accepted after March 31.

Candidates must be women who are citizens of the United States and residents of Los Angeles County; are currently a second year level student at Glendale Community College; are majoring in the field of business; and have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale.

The application will be completed online. A minimum of four eligible applications is required to make both awards. The winners will be notified in May.

The one-time scholarships are not renewable. A check will be issued jointly to the educational institution and the recipient. Funds are limited to tuition, books and fees.

For details, email Lynn White-Shelby at lynnws@msn.com.

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The La Cañada Thursday Club, celebrating its centennial year, announced that applications are now available for its annual scholarship awards. One of the main philanthropic projects of the Club is to encourage the youth of the community in their academic endeavors. Each year members of the La Cañada Thursday Club celebrate the academic achievements of our youth at its May Tea by hosting and honoring the recipients of these annual scholarship awards.

All applicants must live within the boundaries of the La Cañada Flintridge postal district (91011).

Scholarships are based on academic achievement, promise and financial need. Applications will be available at local high schools or by contacting the Scholarship Committee at (818) 952-1856. The application is also available on the club’s website, www.lacanadathursdayclub.org. The deadline for submitting applications is March 11.

Click here to view the GUSD Board Meeting from Feb 7, 2012

By Jason KUROSU

Clark Magnet High School was the beneficiary of yet another Lexus Eco Challenge win last week as a team of eight students, the self-proclaimed Carbonators, won a $10,000 prize for their research on the negative effects of ozone smog in Los Angeles County. Clark Magnet students previously won the Lexus Eco Challenge, a nationwide project for raising student interest in environmental affairs, with their studies of pollutants threatening the local lobster population.

Clark was one of only two schools in the country to win last year and two of the students involved in that win are part of the Carbonators. Dominique Evans-Bye, Marine Science teacher at Clark, showed pride for her students’ multiple wins.

“They’ve certainly done a great job,” Evans-Bye said.

The Carbonators’ research showed that already notorious smog levels in Los Angeles County are still high. The team looked at data of smog levels from 1999 and compared that with Environmental Protection Agency data from sampling stations throughout the state. They then created maps from this data on ArcGIS, spatial analysis software that creates maps based on statistical data. The data, displayed through ArcGIS, showed that San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties had high levels of ozone smog.

The Carbonators also looked for potential solar energy possibilities in those areas with the highest levels of smog, exploring where the best places to install solar panels might be.

The next step for the Carbonators is to compete for the Eco Challenge’s $30,000 grand prize. To do this, they will expand their research outside of Los Angeles County.

“Now they have to take their research to a global scale,” said Evans-Bye. “They’ve already mapped out ozone smog levels in Europe through data collected on the Internet.”

They would also like to collect data on smog in Asia.

“We’re looking at places with high populations, industrialized countries,” said Evans-Bye.

The deadline for the grand prize is in late February.

CVHS junior travels to London for popular New Year’s Day parade

By Maddy PUMILIA

London’s New Year’s Day parade is considered equivalent to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, touting an approximate 10,000 performers from 20 different countries. Lining the two mile parade route are about a half million people with another 20 million watching on televisions throughout Britain.

One of those performers came from “across the pond,” from Crescenta Valley specifically.

CVHS junior Marta Archer was selected to join the parade after attending a training camp in July hosted by an organization called United Spirit Association. At the camp, she learned the skills, drills and techniques of a band drum major. Out of hundreds around the U.S., only the top 10% were invited to participate in the 26th annual event.

Just nine drum majors, all from California, were chosen to go to the parade.

“I feel honored,” Marta said. “Out of however many people who got selected, being in the top nine is a big deal. Not that many people know that much about drum majors, so to be in the spotlight of it all feels really good.”

“It’s pretty impressive,” agreed Marta’s father, Eric.

“It’s nice to have her skills and talents recognized,” added her mother, Jan.

The drum majors joined 500 cheerleaders and 400 dancers seen along the parade route that went through Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament Street. The drum majors were given a set routine to learn via DVD. Marta estimates that she practiced at her house for about 20 to 30 hours then another hour and a half in London.

“The weather was nice during the week, but it rained the morning of the parade,” Eric said.

“It was sunny,” Marta said. “There were no clouds and we all thought we’re going to be okay. Our uniforms weren’t going to get all wet and we were going to be fine and we lined up for the parade and we start marching. A block in, it starts pouring rain and there’s nothing we can do.”

Marta plays five instruments – flute, tuba, tenor saxophone, baritone and the piccolo. She has been in band for three years. This is in her second year as apprentice drum major at CVHS.

“I love band and I love music and I thought my understanding of music and my musical ability, because I play so many instruments, would really help the band grow musically,” Marta said of why she became an apprentice drum major.

There are four apprentices, two assistants and only one drum major. Designations are done by audition; not everyone makes the cut.

“It requires skill and discipline and leadership skills and a good understanding of music,” said Jan.

CV student Mac Wright was also selected to go in the London New Years’ Day parade, but he chose to participate in Pasadena’s Rose Parade on New Years’ Day as a herald trumpet. CV students Weston Foote, Riley Scott, Madison Artis and Aaron Hancock also were a part of the Tournament of Roses Honor Band.

By Misty DUPLESSIS

On Friday, a royal ball was held for the princesses of Valley View Elementary in celebration of the annual Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance.

The room was filled with photographs of famous royals, family crest posters and tables adorned with tiered glasses overflowing with jewels.

Girls arrived dressed in gowns and tiaras, escorted by their fathers, brothers, uncles, grandfathers or family friends who were all ready to eat, play games and dance.

For the last six years, a group of dedicated parent volunteers work together to choose a fun, themed night for the annual event.

The women worked nonstop all night to ensure that everything ran smoothly, overseeing all aspects of the event from the catered food provided by Peppercorn Kitchen to distributing the tiara necklaces that all the girls left with at the end of the night.

Thanks to donations by students and parents, there were plenty of baked goods for the girls and their dads to enjoy including sparkled cake pops and tiara-shaped white chocolate candies.

Committee member Zoe White was excited that the same DJ from last year was available to entertain the school this year.

“We’re lucky to have Kendall Roberg because he rocks. It wouldn’t be the same without him,” White said of the returning DJ.

The room was temporarily divided between daughters and the dads as they participated in a playful, competitive song game.

For many families this event is the highlight of the year. Many of the girls look forward to dressing up and dads and daughters appreciate spending time with each other.

Daddy Jonathan Price has enjoyed attending the dances for years. This year he came with his younger daughter, third grader Jensen.

“It was really fun and great,” said Jensen of the evening, adding that her favorite part of the night was dancing with her father.

Committee member Linda Hunter said that every year the event gets bigger and bigger, and that this year they broke a record for the highest number of attendees.