WHITTIER CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
DELAC
District English Learner Advisory Committee
October 15, 2015 Longfellow School Parent Center Room 18
Members and Guests Present
Janie Nuanes, Coordinator, EL Program and GATE
Karina Hartl, Coordinator of Special Projects
Josie Cruz, Assessment Center
Tania Maguiña, Andrews School
Guillermo Garcia, Phelan School
Alma Gutierrez, Longfellow School
Vivalda Cortes, West Whittier School
Jenny Garza, Sorensen School
Natalia Arellano, Phelan School
Sonia Benavides, Edwards School
Adilene Zamudio, Phelan School
Claudia Gomez, Jackson School
Tania Maguiña, Andrews School
Ana Ochoa, Andrews School
Ricardo Pajuelo, Andrews School
Lucia Ortiz, Dexter School
Margarita Rivera, Dexter School
Fernando Nuñez, Phelan School
Lucy Garcia, Mill School
Rosa Contreras, Jackson School
The meeting was initiated at 9:00 A.M.
District representatives were introduced and parents were welcomed. Also each of the parents introduced themselves and shared the name of the school they represent. Anabel Ramirez made the motion to accept the agenda as presented, seconded by Jenny Morales.
Ms. Nuanes shared the results of the Language Census (R30) for the 2014 - 2015 school year. She explained some of the reporting changes that affected the results of the census for the period of March 2014 which had now been changed to October 2014. The changes were required by the California Department of Education. One of the changes included moving deadlines; previously reclassification information was sent to the state in March. They are now being sent in October. She stressed that due to this change, some schools show different results, for example, Longfellow shows on October 2014, zero reclassified students but actually 40 were reclassified by the end of the 2014-2015 school year. Another fact is that this census showed that as of 1 October 2014, the population of English Learners make up 19% of the enrollment at Whittier City School District.
Parents went over the results, then Ms. Nuanes answered some questions from parents about the Language Census. Ms. Karina Hartl explained how the school district receives additional funds according to the number of English Learner students and those funds are used. Parents expressed interest in the subject.
She also explained the meaning of ELAC and DELAC and with their respective goals. She explained the structure and function of the officers in each committee, emphasizing the seriousness and commitment of the posts.
Ms. Nuanes introduced the current president of DELAC, Tania Maguiña, who welcomed and thanked those parents that were present. She explained various points about DELAC meetings and their importance for parents, especially those with children of English Learners.
The election for DELAC officers was announced, new officers will elected on November 19. Also announced, was a possible Christmas potluck.
The meeting ended at 10:00 A.M.