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 School Newsletters
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 This Year in Pictures

 Panthers Like to Move It, Move It

 More News...
Serrano & Vernon Middle Schools and Montclair Police Department: A Great PartnershipUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
More than 300 attendees were assembled at the April 4th State of the City at the Montclair Community Center this week.  The event's theme - "A City on the Right Track" is certainly true.  Montclair is a city to be counted on as Serrano and Vernon Middle Schools of the Ontario-Montclair School District can certainly attest.
 
Serrano and Vernon Middle Schools partnered with the Montclair Police Department  this year.  “The Montclair Police Department rocks,” said Elena Zerbel, Assistant Principal.  “Their collaboration with our school has had a positive impact on all of us.”
 
 Earlier this year Serrano and Vernon took a stand against bullying.  It was a campaign that effected students, staff and community that day and continues to affect them today as evidenced by the great interactions and activities that are happening at the middle schools.
 
 “Not everyone is supposed to like you, but they should respect you,” reflected Eva Vega, a 7th grade student, after a week of activities from the anti-bullying campaign, culminating on December 2, 2011.
 
Staff and students at Serrano Middle School spent the entire week learning about, understanding, identifying, and taking a stand against bullying.  Guest speakers, essays, significant colors worn each day, spirit assemblies and community participation gave strength to a powerful message, “We will not tolerate bullies here.” 
 
Ann Brownell was one of the guest speakers during the week.  Mrs. Brownell is the mother of Amanda Brownell, a victim of bullying who attempted to take her own life.  Students were deeply affected as they listened to Mrs. Brownell, whose message to students was a simple, but powerful one… “Never give up.  Tell someone you trust if you are being bullied.  People care about you.”  Resource Officer Mandy Holloway, the Montclair Police Department, and the Montclair Police Association stood together with Serrano’s students as they listened to Mrs. Brownell’s speech and then each made a commitment to stand up against bullying.
 
Colors became strong symbols of peace and unity. Students wore blue on Tuesday to signify PEACE and stood together, creating a human PEACE sign on the field where Officer Holloway and the Montclair Police Department took an aerial photo.  On Wednesday students were encouraged to wear the color purple as a symbol of royalty and treating each other as royalty.  On Friday students wore pink as a symbol to “Stand up to Bullying and not be a bystander”. 
 
The week concluded with a spirit assembly that included students, staff and numerous dignitaries such as, Council Member John Dutrey, Assembly Woman Norma Torres, and Police Chief Keith Jones.  Assembly Woman Norma Torres shared her story of being teased and bullied in high school.  She reminded students not to be a bystander because a bystander is just as guilty as the bullier.
 
The Serrano cheerleaders danced to the music of Bruno Mars   “Just the way you are” and   Celia Cruz  “La Vida es un Carnival”.   Student of the month awards were given, there was a Caught you Caring raffle, and then the Montclair Police Department presented the school with a framed photograph of the aerial peace sign from earlier in the week.  Dr. Ursula Reveles, principal of Serrano Middle School said “I am proud of our students and the awareness that this week has brought to them.  Every child should grow up in a world without fear.  I think that this week empowered our youth and enlightened them.  It was a great week.”
 
And indeed it was a great week and a great year as we caught Serrano Middle School teaching, learning, and caring.
Created: 4/16/2012 10:26 AM
Vernon Students Shine in Production of Beauty and the BeastUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
On March 9 and 10th, The Arts Conservatory at Vernon Middle School proudly presented their musical production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Montclair High School.  Over 1,000 people filled the audience over two days to watch 30 7th and 8th graders grace the enchanted stage.  The talented cast rehearsed over 200 hours after school and on Saturdays for this spectacular event.  The music, under the direction of Vernon music teacher Joe Correia, was provided by a live Orchestra made up of OMSD music teachers, administrators, and professional musicians whom all volunteered their time. Costumes were created by the OMSD Parent Center, Stephanie Hibbard (Teacher at Vina Danks), Sherril Miller (Substitute Teacher), Tina Ball and Jason Deamos (Vernon Teachers).  Student stylists from Salon Success cosmetology school volunteered to do hair and make-up for both shows. Sets were designed and created by parents; Frank Perine and Kris Kleen.  This truly was a community event!   
Created: 3/30/2012 3:02 PM
Vernon's AVID Students Explore UCRUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Thirty of Vernon Middle School’s AVID students took a field trip to University of California  Riverside’s Outdoor Excursion program on February 17, 2012.  This opportunity was paid for by the Target Field Trip Grant. Seventh and eighth grade students participated in team building activities and challenged themselves physically and mentally on a rock wall and ropes course. Students were all willing to try something that at times seemed very overwhelming, or even impossible to do.  The kids learned there are many challenges in life, and this experience gave them confidence to face their fears, even if they failed, they knew that with determination, they can get right back up and try again. AVID is a program that relies on hard work and determination, because for many of our AVID students they will be the first in their family to go to college.  Mrs. Schneyer, Vernon’s AVID Coordinator, and Mrs. Harris, OMSD’s AVID District Liaison, were very proud of all the AVID students and their outstanding behavior on the field trip.
Created: 3/8/2012 2:35 PM
Panthers like to Move it, Move it. Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
As a newly redefined VAPA school, Vernon was looking for a unique way to make a statement about our goal of raising student achievement.  Our dance students took the challenge and created an all school dance, which was then taught by our dance teacher, Lauren Venegas with the help of our PE department.  All of the students and staff members learned the dance and came to perform one epic morning.  The three songs selected were done so to make a statement about who we are as Panthers.  The first song, "I'm Blue," is a shout out to our school color and school pride.  The second song, "Move it," celebrates the growth that we have seen in school achievement and spirit.  The third song, "Higher," is our commitment to reaching higher goals than ever before.  We hope you enjoy our flashmobbin' Panthers.
Created: 12/2/2011 3:04 PM
VERNON AVID STUDENTS VISIT University of RedlandsUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
The Vernon Middle School AVID students recently toured the University of Redlands campus.  The AVID program is designed to target ‘middle of the road’ students who have a determination to attend college after high school.  AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and it is the determination of the students in the program that help them succeed.  Students are taught about note-taking , organization, higher level thinking skills, team building and given information about college throughout the year-long elective class. The curriculum focuses on writing, inquiry, collaboration and reading to improve their academic skills.

In addition to the one hour campus tour, the AVID students were required to ‘interview’ three college students to find out about college life from their perspective.  Among the questions asked were, “How many hours do you study per day/week?’” and “What was the biggest surprise or adjustment you had to make when you became a college student?” Students wrote diligent notes in a special field trip notebook using Cornell-style notes during the tour and will compile all the information they received into a special project. 

Students must apply and complete an interview process to be accepted into the AVID program.  Vernon will begin this process in January for the next school year.
Created: 11/28/2011 4:08 PM
Vernon Recognizes its High Performing PanthersUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
At Vernon, Performance is our Passion!  We pride ourselves in high performance in academics, character, and in the arts. Students who earn Proficient or Advanced on Benchmarks in ELA and Math earn a “High Performing Panther” t-shirt, which they tie dye green (representing proficiency) and blue (representing Vernon spirit) with administration.  After Benchmark 1, approximately 320 7th graders and 160 8th graders proudly wear their t-shirt every Friday!  We can’t wait to see what Benchmark 2 holds for our high performing panthers! 
Created: 11/4/2011 10:28 AM
A Spooktacular Event at Vernon!Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
On Wednesday, October 26th from 7:00-8:30pm, Vernon hosted their first annual Spooktacular hosted by Joe Correia, Music Director, Susan Schultz, Choir Director, and Mary Kay Scheid, Drama Teacher.  Our talented artists, dressed in Halloween costumes, performed in front of hundreds of Vernon family, friends, and staff.  Vernon’s VAPA Booster Club collected over $300.00 in donations, and snacks were sold by ASB and the Beauty and the Beast cast throughout the performances.  The fun night ended with trick ‘o’ treating around campus!
Created: 11/4/2011 10:26 AM
High Performing PanthersUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Each Benchmark (ELA, Math, and Science), students who earn PROFICIENT or ADVANCED in any or all of the subjects, will be rewarded with a HIGH PERFORMING PANTHER t-shirt.  Students will tie die the shirt blue (Vernon colors) and green (representing PROFICIENT or ADVANCED) at lunch in front of their peers.  These shirts will be worn with pride on Fridays.
 
At Vernon...
 
Performance is our Passion!
Created: 9/11/2011 7:47 PM
Parents Wanted!!!Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
A school is only as fabulous as their PARENT INVOLVEMENT!  Please join us each month for Coffee with the Principal where Dr. Niemann, Principal and Ms. Avery, Assistant Principal join you in a question and answer session over refreshments.
 
Also, English Learner Advisory Council where parents of English Learners make deliberate decisions on Vernon's English learners.
 
Finally, School Site Council where all parents are welcome to analyze the school budget, approve programs, etc.
 
Created: 9/11/2011 7:42 PM
Vernon's STAR PerformersUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).

Ontario-Montclair School District celebrates and salutes Shining Star Students who scored perfect on the STAR test in Spring 2011.  Congratulations!
El Distrito Escolar de Ontario-Montclair saluda y celebra a los estudiantes “Estrellas Brillantes” quienes lograron obtener calificaciones perfectas en el examen “STAR” la primavera del 2011. ¡Felicidades!

Created: 9/9/2010 8:41 AM
Vernon "Gets Caught in the Act!" Use SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
At Vernon Middle School, "Performance Is Our Passion."  We strive for high performance is academics, character, visual and performing arts, as well as athletics.  Mrs. Venegas and her 7th and 8th grade Dance students are proud to perform in our new, state of the art Dance Studio!  The room is equipped with portable dance bars, wall to wall mirrors, a dance floor, and a changing room.  The community is dedicated and excited about our inaugural year with "The Arts Conservatory."  Keep your eyes open OMSD...you never know who you might find "Getting Caught in the Act" of learning in all academic areas!  At Vernon Middle School, we have HIGH PERFORMING PANTHERS!
Created: 9/14/2011 12:38 PM
Character Performance Discipline PlanUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Vernon staff is dedicated to ensuring the learning environment is safe and fun! The Discipline Committee took time to revise Vernon's Discipline Procedures by creating school-wide rules, incentives, and consequences.  We have seen success thus far!  Please read the attachment for details of our
Character Performance School Rules!
Created: 9/11/2011 7:23 PM
Vernon Spirit DaysUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
Every Wednesday is COLLEGE DAY!  Students may wear a college shirt/jersey of their choice.  We want our Panthers to be looking towards their futures!
 
Every Friday is Vernon Spirit Day!  Students may wear a VERNON SHIRT (ex. AVID, ASB, Club, etc.) to school.  Blue bottoms still apply.  ASB will be selling t-shirts for $10.00, please see Mrs. Venegas in Room 3.
Created: 9/11/2011 7:28 PM