NEWS                                                                                    Walnut Valley Unified School District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                   880 S. Lemon Avenue

May 2, 2013                                                                          Walnut, CA 91789

 

Contact:       

Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources

(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204

WALNUT, CA—Walnut Valley Unified School District has a plan for the future. It is plan to help students become 21st century global citizens.

Over 100 stakeholders, including district and city officials, administrators, teachers, staff members, parents, students and community members, attended the first-ever World Café on May 1.

The special event was held during a Board Meeting at South Pointe Middle School.

“World Café is an opportunity to gather and hear your voices. We’re going to talk tonight about exciting things happening in Walnut Valley as we move forward into the 21st Century,” said Superintendent Dr. Dean Conklin.

“What we’re not going to do tonight is tell you exactly what that plan is going to be,” he said to the invited guests.

“We are going to share some ideas that we have been working on. We’re going to ask you questions, ask for your ideas and feedback,” Conklin added.

Diamond Bar High senior Ayo Osilaja kicked off the event delivering his speech on the topic 21st Century Learning and received a standing ovation. Ayo competed at the 2013 Association of California Administrators (ACSA) high school speech contest for Region XV.

“The world has become in every sense a global village. But how the schools educate us and ensure that students are prepared for life in this new world order? What skills should they emphasize? What abilities should be taught? Students need to be flexible, socially aware, direct, and be able to lead,” the DBHS senior said.

Walnut Valley understands the Key to 21st Century Learning is the implementation of the four C’s: communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. This also includes the strong development of reading, writing, and mathematical skills. The four areas that the Task Force has focused on are Common Core State Standards, Dual Immersion, Technology, and Career and Technical Information.

“These areas have prompted in-depth critical thinking among educators, parents, students and community leaders as it relates to 21st Century learning, Walnut Valley is dedicated to involving and communicating with District stakeholders. The end goal is to help our students develop as critical thinkers and global learners,” said Board President Helen Hall.

“We think this is achievable if we can work together as a whole,” said Jose Annicchiarico, Administrative Director of Educational Services, who moderated the World Café. 

“It’s all about our kids,” Annicchiarico said.

“Our goal as a district is not only to graduate all students, but to guarantee they will be successful in college, as well as in their careers and life. If we provide the academic foundation and skill set for all students to succeed, we know we have done our job as educators. Providing the opportunities for students to learn core curriculum with the infusion of technology, critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration, we ensure our students will have the tools to thrive and be leaders in the future,” said Jackie Brown, Director of Educational Programs.

Facilitators from the 21st Century Task Force shared some of the emerging ideas they have been working on throughout the year as they rotated through the different groups during 20 minutes sessions.

Guests seated at twelve tables discussed the education topics during the event held from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The table groups also shared their ideas on posters displayed around the multipurpose room

“It is clear that the Walnut Valley Unified School District has accepted the challenge and is moving forward with developing our 21st Century Scholars. By encouraging a more globally minded, career focused educational environment, one which embraces the concepts of Dual Emersion and Technology while maintaining our Common Core Standards, it is clear that WVUSD will soon be developing and delivering highly capable and engaged future business owners and leaders. Wednesday night’s World Café exemplified that the best is yet to come!” said Clark Rucker, DBHS parent.

Information from the World Café’ will be available on the District website under the 21st Century Learning link at www.wvusd.k12.ca.us.

Diamond Bar High senior Ayo Osilaja delivered his award winning speech on 21st Century Learning. 

Suzanne Middle School Language Arts teacher Alice Chen facilitated a discussion at the World Café. 

Vejar Principal Jennifer DeAnda led a group discussion during the World Café held on May 1. 

Administrative Director of Educational Services Jose Annicchiarico discussed Career and Technical Information. Shown with South Pointe Middle School Parent Roseanna Donohue. 

Director of Pupil Personnel Steven Dorsey shared the findings of the 21st Century Task Force.  

GATE Specialist Diana Miller reported the findings about the Common Core Standards. 

The World Café’ provided an opportunity for WVUSD stakeholders to discuss and share ideas.