SRLA Complete the L.A. Marathon

March 17, 2013

Congratulations to our Civitas and Roybal SRLA Runners, who completed the L.A. Marathon this Sunday! All students finished the 26.2 miles and earned their St. Patricks Day medal and a Marathon Finisher sweatshirt.

Please congratulate our finishers of Sunday’s LA Marathon, running from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica: Ricardo Bautista, Felipe Camargo, Beatriz Cuevas, Christian Garcia, Ovidio Gomez, Brian Gonzalez, Guemil Gonzalez, Ramses Ledon, Kevin Lopez, Raymond Martir, Eduardo Miguel, Beatriz Orozco, Tai Quoc, Josue Salgado, Ashbel Salguero. Proud coaching staff: Mr. Pollack, Ms. Stratton, Ms. Warren and Mr. Nittle.

18 Miles Down... Only the L.A. Marathon Left to Go!

February 10, 2013

Please congratulate our finishers of Sunday’s 18 Mile Friendship Run: Ricardo Bautista, Felipe Camargo, Beatriz Cuevas, Christian Garcia, Ovidio Gomez, Brian Gonzalez, Guemil Gonzalez, Ramses Ledon, Kevin Lopez, Raymond Martir, Eduardo Miguel, Beatriz Orozco, Tai Quoc, Josue Salgado, Ashbel Salguero. Proud coaching staff: Mr. Pollack, Ms. Stratton, Ms. Warren and Mr. Nittle.

Last race: LA Marathon (26.2 miles) on Sunday, March 17!  Come cheer on our runners! This is the big race, the one we’ve been waiting for… For pictures, video and race results, check out: http://srlastudents.com

Ringing the New Year with a Chilly Half Marathon

February 12, 2013

On a chilly Saturday morning, January 12th, Civitas & Roybal SRLA finished 13.1 miles at the Southern California Marathon in Irvine.  Our student runners and teachers finished their second half marathon with style, in near freezing temperatures, receiving their fifth medals of the year!

Please congratulate our finishers: Beatriz Cuevas, Christian Garcia, Ovidio Gomez, Brian Gonzalez, Guemil Gonzalez, Ramses Ledon, Kevin Lopez, Raymond Martir, Eduardo Miguel, Tai Quoc, Ashbel Salguero

 Proud coaching staff: Mr. Pollack, Ms. Stratton, Ms. Warren and Mr. Nittle

We’re training for the 2013 LA Marathon.  Remember, if you can be one of the few to run a marathon, you can be one of the many to graduate college!

Next race: SRLA Friendship Run (18 miles) on Sunday, February 10th at Hansen Dam!  Come cheer on our Civitas/Roybal Runners!

For pictures, video and race results, check out: http://srlastudents.com

SRLA Rings in the Holiday Season with 13.1 Miles!

December 9, 2012

On Sunday, December 9th, Civitas & Roybal SRLA finished 13.1 miles at the Holiday Half Marathon.  Our student runners and teachers finished a very tough course, through the LA County Fairgrounds, a racetrack and scenic Bonelli Park in Pomona, receiving the coveted Snowflake medal. 

Give them a high-five on a job well done! 
  
Please congratulate our finishers: Ricardo Bautista, Felipe Camargo, Beatriz Cuevas, Christian Garcia, Ovidio Gomez, Brian Gonzalez, Guemil Gonzalez, Kevin Lopez, Raymond Martir, Eduardo Miguel, Beatriz Orozco, Tai Quoc, and Josue Salgado. Proud coaching staff: Mr. Pollack, Ms. Stratton, Ms. Warren and Mr. Nittle.

We’re training for the 2013 LA Marathon.  Remember, if you can be one of the few to run a marathon, you can be one of the many to graduate college!

Next race: Southern California Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on Saturday, January 12th in Irvine!  Come cheer on our Civitas/Roybal Runners!

For pictures, video and race results, check out: http://srlastudents.com

Students Participate in

Bullying Hearing

October 4, 2012

Students at Civitas participate in a hearing on bullying hosted by the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission.  The goal of the hearing is for youth to voice their opinions on the issue of bullying to affect District policy.

November 11, 2012

On Saturday, November 10th, Civitas & Roybal SRLA finished its first real long-distance test of the season: the Universal Studios Backlot 15K.  Our student runners and teachers finished a tough, hilly 9.3-mile course, through Universal Studios on a beautiful fall day.  Special thanks to Ms. Stroud and the Leadership Team for coming out to support our runners!  You Rock!

Please congratulate our finishers: Ricardo Bautista, Felipe Camargo, Beatriz Cuevas, Christian Garcia, Ovidio Gomez, Brian Gonzalez, Guemil Gonzalez, Ramses Ledon, Kevin Lopez, Raymond Martir, Eduardo Miguel, Beatriz Orozco, Tai Quoc, Josue Salgado, Ashbel Salguero. Proud coaching staff: Mr. Pollack, Ms. Stratton, Ms. Warren and Mr. Nittle.

We’re training for the 2013 LA Marathon.  Remember, if you can be one of the few to run a marathon, you can be one of the many to graduate college! Next race: Holiday Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on Sunday, December 9th in Pomona!  Come cheer on our Civitas/Roybal Runners! For pictures, video and race results, check out: http://srlastudents.com

SRLA Tears Up La Puente 10K!

October 21, 2012

Please congratulate our finishers: Jose Banegas, Ricardo Bautista, Jesus Fabian, Chrstian Garcia, Guemil Gonzalez, Ramses Ledon, Kevin Lopez, Eduardo Miguel, Beatriz Orozco, Josue Salgado, and Ashbel Salguero. Proud coaching staff: Mr. Pollack, Ms. Stratton, Ms. Warren and Mr. Nittle.

We’re training for the 2013 LA Marathon.  Remember, if you can be one of the few to run a marathon, you can be one of the many to graduate college!

Next race: Universal Studios Backlot 15K (9.3 miles) on Saturday, November 10th in Hollywood!  Come cheer on our Civitas/Roybal Runners! For pictures, video and race results, check out: http://srlastudents.com

Students Participate in Bullying Focus Group

October 18, 2012

Civitas and Roybal students participate in a focus group on the issue of bullying, hosted by the Human Relations Commission of the City of Los Angeles. Student input will be used to develop policies in LAUSD.

Students Participate in "Breaking the Silence"

October 13, 2012

Civitas students participate in the First Annual “Breaking the Silence” Young Women’s Conference, hosted by King/Drew Medical Magnet High School. The theme was “Take Charge of Your Reality” where they engaged in various workshops on Women’s Health and Empowerment.   

Civitas Students Attend the "Angel Awards" Dinner

October 10, 2012

Civitas SOL students and alumni pose for a photo with entertainer George Lopez at the 2nd Annual “Angel Awards” dinner hosted by the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission.  Students were invited by the Asian Pacific American Legal center for their participation in the Civitas-Roybal Unity Garden Internship during the summer.

September 22, 2012

Students Run L.A. Kicks Off the Year with a Beach 5K!

September 22, 2012

The Endeavor Flies Over Civitas

Come and be part of the Green Revolution!

Help us beautify our campus, learn how to garden, grow your own food, and enjoy the great outdoors!

There will be food, prizes, giveaways, and fun for kids of all ages!

When: Saturday, September 22, 2012

Time: 8 am to 12 pm

Where: At the Civitas–Roybal Unity Garden

1200 W. Colton St.

Los Angeles, CA 90026

*Participating students may receive extra-credit, community service credit, service hours, or class credit with any participating teacher. (Roybal students, please contact Mr. Ortiz in room 373. Civitas SOL students, please contact Mr. Gurrola in room 230.)

Back to School Night

Back to School Night is this Thursday, September 6, 2012

Parent Council Elections: 5:00 - 6:00 P.M.

Meet the Teachers 6:00 - 7:00 P.M.

Gathering / Raffle 7:00 - 8:00 P.M.

Student schedules may be picked up at the front office.

Congratulations, Class of 2012!

June 19, 2012

Photos credited to Tina Kim.

June 7, 2012

Students in the tenth grade investigated the topic of war. Their essential question "Why War?" covered topics like gang violence, the military, sexism, prejudice, Internet hackers, and other student-chosen topics. Their exhibition took place at the Filipino Center.

9th Grade Exhibition:

What's the Real Cost of Food?

June 5, 2012

Ninth grade students researched the question: What is the real cost of food? During the second semester of projects, students were required to create a poster, an art piece or demonstration, and a technology project that explained their topic. Some of the topics included: Hunger, water, fast food, obesity, diabetes, farm workers, school cafeteria food, marketing of fast food, eating disorders, etc. The exhibition took place on Tuesday, June 5th at the Roybal library.

11th Grade Exhibition:

What is the American Dream?

May 31, 2012

Civitas juniors presented their exhibitions at the Japanese American National Museum on Thursday, May 31st. Their essential question was: What is the American Dream. Some of the topics the students presented were: immigration, women in art, education, California school budget, etc.

Student Cassandra Roman Featured at LAUSD Journal

By: Gayle Pollard-Terry

Making a Difference with Fountains that Glow Blue

When Cassandra Roman saw photos of New York’s Empire State Building; Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statute and dozens of landmarks bathed in blue light to raise awareness about autism, she thought: Why nothing in Los Angeles?  She decided to fix that.

A senior at Civitas School of Leadership on the Roybal Learning Center campus near downtown, Roman, 17, is passionate about autism. No one in her family has it.  Her interest is more academic. 

"At Civitas, we do project-based learning.  During my junior year, we focused on disability and whether or not it makes it more difficult to be successful.  I started with the hearing-impaired, but I needed to narrow it down.   So I chose autism."

She studied the neurological disorder last year, and learned even more about the autism spectrum while spending Fridays in a special education class at an elementary school.  “I was like a TA (teacher’s assistant) there to observe and learn in a classroom environment.”  She also participated in Autism Walks, a fundraiser sponsored by Autism Speaks, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing awareness; raising money for research into the causes, prevention, treatment and cure and advocating for people with autism and their families.

During her senior year, she is continuing to work on this subject.

"I got an e-mail from Autism Speaks about ‘Light it up Blue’ to help shine a light on autism,” she said referring to the global campaign that occurs every April 2.  On the organization’s website, she saw pictures taken at night of dozens of national and international landmarks surrounded with a blue glow. 

In addition to attending school, Roman works four afternoons a week at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) through its Youth Services Academy, which partners with LAUSD’s Work Experience Education Program.  She does data input, filing and also works the counter in the employee transportation assistance department and also for the workers’ comp office.

“We have 19 seniors. LADWP pays them, and provides an office for us just in case we need to help our students.  In our classes and meetings, we stress the importance of communication and responsibility,” said Dale Hirayama, an advisor in the District’s Work Experience Office.  “The students really feel like they are workers here.  LADWP makes them feel like they are part of the family.”

LADWP also provided inspiration for Roman’s senior project.  The big fountains outside of its headquarters, could they light up blue?

“I didn’t know where to start but I overheard a lady in the cafeteria talking about events.  I asked, ‘what department do you work in?’   She told me to email my request to LADWP’s Department of Public Affairs.

That helpful lady turned out to be Chris Reinhart, from Local Government and Community Relations.  She contacted Winifred Yancy, a manager in the Public Affairs Division and requested that the fountains go blue on April 2nd, World Autism Day, and remain blue throughout the month of April.

The yeses continued, and voila!

“It was a complete surprise.  It was like a gift given to me,” Roman said. 

In addition, she wants to raise funds for autism research, and the City of Los Angeles is supporting that effort.


Roman plans to contribute.   She will continue working at LADWP after high school graduation next month, and during her first semester at Cal State Los Angeles.  Her goal?  “I want to be a special education teacher,” she said, “specializing in autism.”“Autism Speaks is now one of the approved charities in the City of Los Angeles’ Combined Charitable Campaign (CCC).  The CCC is a program where all L.A. City employees can give to charities via automatic payroll deductions or one-time gifts.  All LADWP employees now have the option of donating to Autism Speaks through that program,” said LADWP’s Lee Turner, who coordinates their Student Worker Program.

About those LADWP fountains, she plans early next year to send a friendly email requesting that they be lit blue again on April 2, 2013 for World Autism Day, and remain blue again for the entire month. Her motivation?  Roman said, “I just want to make a difference."

For the original link and to see the pictures, please visit the LAUSD Journal.

Metta World Peace of the Los Angeles Lakers Visits Roybal Learning Center to Promote Mental Health Awareness

March 1, 2012

Metta World Peace of the Los Angeles Lakers, formerly known as Ron Artest, visited Roybal Learning Center to promote mental health awareness. For more information, visit LAUSD's School Mental Health Services.

First Semester Electives Exhibition

January 31, 2012

Students at Civitas School of Leadership showcased what they learned in their projects class for the first semester. Exhibitions included tango, cumbia, and bachata dances, robotics, digital photography, ethnic studies, reading club, urban empowerment, guitar class, sketching 101, CAHSEE English and math, sex education, and online credit recovery.

Aprendiendo y celebrando el día de los muertos en los salones y en la Placita Olvera

Noviembre 1, 2011

El dîa de muertos es una celebración trascendental anual que según la creencia de la civilización prehispánica mexicana se honra a los niños ya fallecidos el primero de noviembre y adultos el segundo del mismo mes, con festejos musicales, bailes y ofrendas simbólicas, con el motivo de guiar a las almas a su lugar predestinado de acuerdo al dios benevolente perteneciente a cada uno de ellos.  3000 años atrás, para los antiguos mesoamericanos (tribus mexicanas de tales registros en las etnias mexica, maya, purépecha y totonaca) la muerte no tenîa las connotaciones morales que hoy en dîa la religión católica tiene, (infierno y paraíso para estas tribus) a diferencia de la llegada de los españoles en el siglo XVI en América (cielo e infierno) cuyas han tomado lugar a un sincretismo de mezclar las tradiciones por su similitud en la actualidad.  Por un lado en su mayoría, los países norte, centro, y sur americanos junto con algunos europeos, a partir de su extensión cultural en Hispanoamérica, la festividad indîgena es una de las representaciones mas relevantes del patrimonio vivo de México y del mundo en toda la extensión cultural.  “Es una Obra Maestra del Patrimonio Oral e Intangible de la Humanidad según la UNESCO (Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Educación Cultural).  En esta función social, se recuerda el lugar del individuo y se afirma la identidad.  Es relevante mencionar que el dîa de muertos es una pråctica con fines de enseñar y educar en las escuelas y hogares refiriéndonos a la riqueza tradicional de experimentar esta tradición con respeto para poder crecer culturalmente y fomentar cada año esta agridulce celebración (llanto, miedo, dolor, resignación versus reconciliación, festejo, alegría).

50 estudiantes del departamento de español del décimo grado y 4 maestros de la escuela preparatoria Civitas, tuvieron la oportunidad de hacer un recorrido desde dicha escuela hacia “el pueblo de México”/La placita Olvera ubicada en Los Ángeles California considerada como el ombligo de la ciudad.   Describir y aprender datos históricos, culturales y tradicionales sobre El dîa de muertos y los primeros habitantes/fundadores de cuyo lugar hoy en dîa es el centro de atracción mas visitado por turistas nacionales e internacionales, fue el objetivo principal. 

Al llegar a la plaza, los estudiantes presenciaron con emotividad numerosos bailes folklóricos relacionados con el dia de muertos.  La llorona fue la primera canción bailada por bailarines disfrazados de La muerte y la catrina con sus rostros pintados de calavera seguido por Jesusita en Chihuahua en representación de la historia revolucionaria mexicana, y entre otras canciones no pudo faltar el baile de Veracruz y Puebla (números importantes dentro del ballet mexicano). El grupo estudiantil sentado alrededor del quiosco se veía impactado al igual que los maestros y personas con deficiencia física o mental supervisadas, compartían carcajadas disfrutando y deleitándose de estos bailes humorísticos pero al mismo tiempo melancólicos por su historia.

Una hora después,  los estudiantes fueron guiados por la Sra. Margaret Murphy al recorrido histórico y multicultural de este mágico lugar.  Los estudiantes tuvieron la oportunidad de aprender la mayoría de la historia de lo que dejo el pueblo mexicano años atrás, quien gobernó solamente por algunos 25 años desde su estancia en California a principios de 1800s.  Los estudiantes fueron divididos en grupos de 12 y 13 por cada maestro para mantener la seguridad de ellos y al dividirse estos aprovecharan las tiendas artesanas y el sabor de la comida y de altares construidos alrededor del quiosco.

De regreso a la escuela, los estudiantes cruzaron puentes y subieron escalones desde la placita Olvera para llegar y explorar la arquitectura y exposiciones de arte contemporáneo en la Catedral de Los Ángeles. Dieron un recorrido por el interior y se sorprendieron por las puertas/ paredes altas incluyendo el órgano.  Prosiguieron hacia el sótano en cuyo construyeron un cementerio el cual para los estudiantes y maestros es espectacular.  Antes de salir al exterior de la catedral, en uno de los compartimentos tenían pinturas acrílicas y de aceite reflejando los elementos volátiles y las emociones del individuo y la imaginación dentro de un transcurso del tiempo.  Lo interesante de esta excursión fue que los estudiantes no fueron solamente mexicanos en su totalidad, convivieron asiáticos, centroamericanos y afroamericanos.  “Mil Gracias a la colaboración positiva de los estudiantes para que no haya resultado ningún percance, al centro de turismo de La placita Olvera, especialmente a la Sra. Margaret Murphy, al distrito escolar unificado de Los Ángeles y a la directora Rosa Marîa Figueroa por otorgarnos el permiso en esta inolvidable experiencia”.  Como resultado y para finalizar como parte de la celebración de los muertos, los estudiantes escribirán un ensayo desde su propia perspectiva sobre lo que han aprendido y comenzaran a tomar en cuenta estas festividades.