Band Spectacular

 taken from the program November 7, 2012

A Bit of History

Excellence in music in the district began in the early 1920's when Joshua Williams came to Anaheim High School.  During the 30 years at that school he gave free lessons to his high school students as to make a complete orchestra, then he encouraged the elementary schools to develop music programs.  The next important champion in Anaheim was William (Bill) Cook, who came to Anaheim High School while he was still a senior at Redlands College.  With the retirement of Williams in 1950, Bill Cook spearheaded the development of music throughout the new schools that were being  built in the district.

Loara has been blessed with only 3 band directors in our 50 year history,

1. Rick Moreno
2. Bill Schroeder
3. Scott Domingues

The first Spectacular was held at La Palma Stadium in 1963.  The show moved to the newly opened Anaheim Stadium in 1967 and back to Glover Stadium in 1984.  During the enrollment high of the district, and prior to the high schools becoming four year institutions, the Spectacular drew crowds of over 25,000 and featured 26 AUHSD schools (17 junior high schools and 9 high schools).

The Band and Pageantry Spectacular was never intended to be a competition, but rather a "show." The basic rationale of the "show" was to show off the excellence of the Anaheim Union High School District music program and to help the progression of young musicians from the junior high school programs through the high school band programs.

The All District Junior High School Band is composed of 120 musicians represent the eight junior high schools in the Anaheim Union High School District.  The members are selected by their directors to join in this opportunity to introduce them to the high school band program.  The goals of this group are to promote high expectations, outstanding achievement, motivation, and involve junior high school students in the large scope of music education.

The All District High School Band is also chose by the band directors.  They chose an equal amount of students so the band is a overall representation of the best of the best when it comes to High School music.  Over the years some of the best musicians in the nation played in the all district band.

Since the early 90's Loara's ASB has agreed to attend each and every band spectacular and since then other ASB's have been seen there supporting their bands ... of course Loara High School is always the loudest.

Once a Saxon, Always a Saxon.

Homecoming Halftimes / Games

Courtesy of 2012 Seaxe / Kelly Low Queen

There have been several ways we have found to crown a Queen and King.  Since 1965 (First Homecoming) The Queen was announced in a halftime ceremony and by 1988 (First Kings) we began crowning Kings at the dance.

We've brought them out in corvettes, chariots, walked them out, paraded them, carried them and the likes.

No matter how we have done it the winners have felt that stars, like they are the only one in the room at that moment and to them and the school, for that one moment, they are a Queen of a King.

All this while there is a football game going on in between crownings or even a dance when it comes to  the King.

Courtesy of 2012 Seaxe / Nolan Sanchez King

For the 50th we spared no expense, we had corvettes representing each year, we had confetti cannons that went off when the queen was announced, we brought the band out of 1/2 time retirement to play a soft song in the back ground while the queens were announced and we had 2 emcee's describing the girls and boys and they came driving by.  For 2012, we had a show.  In the past 24 years that I've been involved in the crowning, i'm always amazed we make it in time because our 1/2 times often go long.  The shortest I believe was about 4 minutes and the longest was this year and we used all 20 minutes given with only about 50 seconds left on the clock.

Happy 50th Anniversary Loara High School, Happy Anniversary.

Queens of 1965 - 1987 video

Queens and Kings of 1988 - 2012 video

As to the football games, often times the game we chose is the big rival. Either Katella High School or Anaheim High School which will rile up the crowd.  As leagues shift  and we are now in the Golden West League we no longer can battle these teams in our Homecoming game.  We have only been in 3 Leagues, Empire, Sunset and now Golden West.

Homecoming Game / Halftime / Post Game slide show courtesy of Bill Norris

What are some of your memories of Homecoming Game and Halftime?

Morning Announcements go Live Video

Jazlyn Lewis and Matt Argame during our test run

For the last 50 years our morning announcements have gone through some changes but none so big as today, September 26, 2012 at 8:54 am.  This mornings announcements were done as a live video broadcast.

The Broadcast Media Production Class led by Danny Klatzker (class of 90) has been working tirelessly for many years to make this a reality, and this year using ASB and others as anchors, his classes have finally gone live.  In an email to the staff on September 25, 2012 Mr. Klatzker adds:

"Tomorrow my Broadcast Media Production class and ASB are going to do the daily announcements live via a video feed and over the PA system. They have worked very hard over the last few weeks to put together a working television studio and coordinating with ASB to bring you our first Saxon TV news broadcast."

As we begin the next 50 years it seems only fitting to make some big changes in how we do things.

Our live editing crew

In the years past we have been using the telecom system built into the school all those many years ago.  As I wasn't at Loara until 1979, I can't be sure what all the Principals read on the bulletin but I do know that Tommy Thomason would read key Saxon news of the day, I also know that Tom Kenally in the early 80's didn't get on the announcements much, but in the late 80's Dr. Jerry Glenn used to have tidbits he read over the all call, in the early 90's Dr. Barry Escoe used to have his word of the day, Dr. John Dahlem in the 90's would do facts and alliterations like have a Marvelous Monday, Mrs. Pam Krey in the 00's always ended with "smile often" but now in the 2010's we have gone mobile.  Mr. John Briquelet, our newest principal, will be the first principal seen on video discussing hot topics of the day, and key educational and testing ideas.  However his first broadcast was just an introduction of himself and the goals this coming school year.

Along with the Principals I know that Alden Esping and myself have been on those announcements nearly every single day, helping ASB learn how to use their voices, project and make those announcements short, sweet and to the point.  As they are incorporated into the school day they do not take away from the academic minutes of a class.  By the early 90's I found a song by Oscar Brown Jr. called the "Friday song" we can not find it on iTunes and the likes so my dad had to listen to a local jazz station on Friday and record the morning show to get it so we can play it every Friday since.

How are video announcements set up?  Just like real news, we have our anchors, our beat reporters and closing remarks by yours truly.  When the school was modernized in 2006 and beyond, the classroom for the most part were equipped with a cable feed. Most teachers have the cable feed running into their classrooms, they just turn to channel 24 for the news.  If there isn't a video feed then they will only hear the announcements as read for the video over the loud speakers.   Here is a typical lineup:

Camera Two

1. Opening
2. Greeting
3. Pledge
4. Bulletin
5. Sports
6. Clubs
7. Other bulletin
8. Video Interviews (if any)
9. Joke of the Day
10. Birthdays
11. Closing

I'm proud to be a part of this process and these kids are to be commended for all their hard work.  It is great to be a part of sweeping, positive change that is happening on Loara's campus.

Andrew Exler & Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)

Andrew Exler from Blog

Andrew Exler / Crusader vs. Disneyland

In the 1980's, Disneyland policy over gay rights was a bit more restrictive than you'd find it today.  Actually many locations in Anaheim, Orange County, California and the Nation were a bit more restrictive that you'd find today.  Today's political scene has many things as their key issues and gay rights seems to still be the topic of discussion.

Loara High School had a former student that is known today as "Crusader" but during his High School years went by Andrew Exler. If you were to sign on to Andrew Exler's personal Google site you'd read:

"I am the 51-year-old activist formerly known as Andrew Exler who overturned Disneyland's ban on same-sex dancing in the 1980s. I reside in Palm Springs, California."

And then be directed on how to discover more details about any of the issues he has been involved with, leading you to links that will take you to news articles, commentary, and letters to the editor about most of the issues I have personally been involved with.

"Where are they now" date unknown

check out https://sites.google.com/site/crusading4u/crusaderbio
 

So how did Loara High School and Andrew Exler make history?  In doing research and looking at news articles from the Times and other local sites, I felt that his own words were the best testimony of the events.  I hope he doesn't mind me taking right from his site, but I mean no harm by him, just to enlighten our Loara alumni a little bit of info in regards to this "crusader."

"On September 13, 1980 ("Date Night"), I was disco dancing on the Tomorrowland Terrace dance floor with another teenage male (Shawn Elliott). Five security officers physically brought us to a halt, processed us at the security office and escorted us from the park. It wasn't until many years later that I learned the security office where we were detained is now referred to as the "Disneyland Jail."

 In 1984, a conservative Orange County jury found that Disneyland, under California law, violated our rights based on sex or sexual orientation. It was a landmark decision that made international news, and it was one of the first times a plaintiff won any type of case against the powerful Walt Disney Company, let alone one this controversial.

No monetary damages were sought, but the way Disneyland now treats their gay guests and cast members has hopefully changed for the better.

Immediately after the verdict, a Disneyland attorney insisted the jury verdict only applied to Shawn and I, and he vowed that Disneyland would "shut down the dance floors" before permitting other same-sex couples to dance together.

Although the park immediately filed an appeal, they dropped it after my attorney (Ronald Talmo) won a landmark California Supreme Court case where the court held that business establishments violated state civil rights laws by offering 'Ladies Day' or 'Ladies Night' promotions (Koire v. Metro Car Wash). Disney knew, based on the ruling in Koire, that if Exler v. Disneyland made its way to the California Supreme Court, Disney would have probably lost!

About a year after our victory, in 1985, The Happiest Place on Earth quietly dropped the policy altogether, claiming they couldn't tell "who was dancing with whom." They denied that the Exler v. Disneyland victory had anything to do with their decision. Like, duh."

Today Disneyland hosts Gay Days at the park.

Loara's GSA

Jump to the year 2009 and Loara High School establishes its very own Gay Straight Alliance (GSA).  Since the 80's, Loara itself has been through many changes.  I started student teaching in 1987 and found Loara to be a different place than I left in 1982 upon my graduation.  It seemed to be a little more accepting and a little more progressive but I know that it would be a long time til we got to the point where something like a GSA would be socially accepted.  I remember hearing the announcements on my first day, announcing there would be a Gate Club meeting at lunch, and the student reading didn't enunciation very well and I thought I heard Gay Club.  I was thinking, "I'd only been gone for 5 years, what other changes have happened at Loara?"

During those years leading up to a GSA we had several "out" students, ranging from all different people within the LGBTQ ( Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Questioning) community. I was well aware of the LGBTQ students, but the other students didn't really notice. They kept to themselves and seemed to be okay with who they were on the inside, yet still not comfortable enough to share on the outside. It wasn't until these courageously proud gay students found a voice that it became more of a scene, but the nice thing about it was those students used a voice of reason and passion. I'm certain there were many still in the closet feeling the pressure to stay quiet, but these open ones fought the good fight for all to follow. Sure they were teased by some, but our faculty and staff did a good job in allowing that voice to be heard, well at least I felt they did.  I don't want to write their names down because I haven't asked their permission to be in this blog.  As Mr. Exler is in the news I felt it okay to share his story.

One point I want to make perfectly clear before I get emails talking about the political scene today when it comes to LGBTQ.  Were talking kids here, students.  I'm not taking a stance on gay marriage, gays in the military or anything of the sort (even though if you ask me I would). As a high school teacher I am not to show any political leanings, I'm here to teach and to love my students. I am just pointing out what Mr. Exler had to do to gain acceptance as a human just to dance.  And as Loara High School is a public school, we as educators need to teach acceptance of all human being regardless of speech, age, religion, race or gender.  The world can decide the rest, the school chooses love.

These students following Mr. Exler were "crusaders" too, they changed minds and hearts along the way which made creating the Gay Straight Alliance an acceptable thing.  I recall the worry about making themselves public including the adviser, but once that club was solidified as part of our campus culture, their gender identity no longer became a topic of discussion.  It's that old motto to kill a stereotype make it part of the norm, and these pioneers did just that.  Our GSA has become one of the more popular clubs on campus, its name is its service they are an alliance for Gays and Straights alike and they don't just cater to one group over another.  They are raising awareness of who they are and where they'd like to fit into the Loara landscape.

Article on Andrew Exler: (you can find many others, just Google his name)

I hope Erica Davies doesn't mind but I found this article from OutHistory.org that help explained Andrew Exler's case.  I know it says all rights reserved, but I'm not selling anything, just enlightening.

OutHistory.org

Dancing at Disneyland: Gays in the Fast Lane

Copyright (c) by Erica Davies, 2008. All rights reserved.

In 1980, 19 year-old Loara High School graduate Andrew Exler of Palm Springs sued Disneyland in 1980 for encroachment of his civil rights because of discrimination based on sexual orientation. Exler and his male date, Shawn Elliot, were escorted off the premises after security guards intervened on their "homosexual fast-dancing" and told them, "This is a family park. We do not put up with alternative lifestyles here."^[1] The legal matter was dragged out in court for four years until May of 1984 when a Superior Court judge ruled that Exler's civil rights were impinged upon by the guards. Since the court verdict was in favor of the plaintiff, Disneyland consequently was ordered to abolish its ban on same-sex dancing and pay Exler's legal costs – which amounted to $25,000.^[2] Yet, following the ruling, Disneyland's attorneys insisted it applied only to Exler and Elliot; others who engaged in "homosexual touching" thereafter at the theme park were not exempt from expulsion.

In February of 1988, three UCLA students filed a lawsuit against Disneyland citing another civil rights violation for similar discriminatory acts regarding sexual orientation. Christopher Drake, Eric Hubert, and Jeffrey Stabile, Jr. claimed their rights to slow-dance with each other at the amusement park was infringed upon in late 1987 by security guards who stated that "touch dancing is reserved for heterosexual couples only." The lawsuit was dropped by the plaintiffs shortly after being filed and before the case was submitted to the Superior Court in Orange County because of Disneyland's motion to reassert its non-discriminatory written policy for the public media.^[3] In disbelief of this almost identical incident, Exler was appalled by the recurring discrimination and Disneyland's failure to preach tolerance among its staff and visitors. "I'm surprised that it took nearly 10 years for the Happiest Place on Earth to admit that they must operate under the civil rights laws just like any other business."^[4].

Exler is currently a civil rights activist in Southern California who legally changed his name to "Crusader" in 1995. He operates an established controversial column online called "Crusader's Corner". The website features an array of civil rights lawsuits and social change cast in a humorous light and his writings chronicle witty remarks about politics, consumer rights, celebrities, and sex.^[5]

References

1. ↑ Griffin, Sean. Tinker Belles and Evil Queens: The Walt Disney Company from the Inside Out. Pg. 126.
2. ↑ Heuberger, Frank W. and Kellner, Hansfried. Hidden Technocrats: The New Class and New Capitalism. Pg. 171.
3. ↑ Krupat, Kitty and McCreery, Patrick. Out at Work: Building a Gay-Labor Alliance. Pg. 220.
4. ↑ Exler, Andrew. "The Civil Rights Webring: Crusader's Corner.” Accessed November 20th, 2007.http://u.webring.com/hub?ring=civilrightsforal
5. ↑ Exler, Andrew. "The Civil Rights Webring: Crusader's Corner.” Accessed November 20th, 2007.http://u.webring.com/hub?ring=civilrightsforal

Leadership Development

Leadership

In the 23 years that I have been here at Loara as a contracted teacher (25 years total subbing / student teacher) I have been personally involved in the leadership development of many students.  Whether it be through Student Government, classroom curriculum, Yearbook, Newspaper, on the pool deck coaching Water-polo and Swimming or the short lived Conflict Management, my goal has always been to show anyone willing to learn what it means to be a leader at school and in society.

Loara has always had a strong sense of self and has always had a strong student led philosopy.  We have many organizations now that have stepped up to show our students a pathway to self leadership and a pathway towards service.  Whether it be through Key Club, Bridges, JROTC, Production Media, Avid, Band and the likes, our kids take the lead.

Leadership Development Day

AUHSD Junior High School Delegates

Today, September 14, 2012, Loara had the opportunity to train 216 Junior High delegates with advisers from Ball, Brookhurst, Dale, Lexington, Orangeview, South, Sycamore, Walker and Buena Park.  We did all this using 25 Loara High School Student Government (ASB) kids and 10 California Association of Student Leaders State Board members.  This marks the first time in several years in the current history of the Anaheim Union High School District that all of the student government classes have been together for a day of training.  In the years prior to 2000 ASB's would attend workshops and conferences to train their kids for the leadership of the 21st century, but with redevelopment of schools and programs it has been hard to get them all together under one roof.

Why is it significant to write a post about this you may ask?  Today marks a turn, a change, a movement into the right direction in this district that supports the idea that the x factor in schools today is teaching Student Leadership to all.  As the current Past President of a state wide organization CADA (California Association of Directors of Activities) I have re-discovered, with the help of the Alliance 4 Student Activities, that the x factor in schools is student activities ... x = student activities.  Today we are using a model developed by CADA to bring Leadership Development to the Junior High Schools Directly, CADA calls them Leadership Development Days and with the help of the state coordinator Sandi Kurland, Leadership Development they got.

A Leadership Development Day is a day of leadership training delivered in a partnership style while working in small groups of school student leaders. Using experiential activities and the related applications this teaches specific skills and enriches group dynamics.

250 Student Leaders

The curriculum centers on skills related to teambuilding, communication, learning through experience and evaluation, including more students in the leadership base, utilizing individual’s strengths, risk taking and getting involved in a positive way! The day concludes with a unique group activity pulling together all of the components of the day.

The Alliance for Student Activities has created an engaging presentation that pulls together the most current research, dialogue and thinging about the impact of co curricular activities on student performance.  Participation in student activities increases students' standardized test scores, GPAs, graduation rates, college acceptance rates and college success rates.  It practically eliminates the likelihood that a student will choose to drop out of high school.  Studdent activities develop core social and emotional skills while reducing high-risk behavioral problems and long term puclic assistance needs.  Student activies are a bargain, as the average school district spends less than 3% of their overall operating budget to support them. (and 100% of student budgets, not federal or state but student generated, are spent to support other kids)

A Big Deal

In the past 28 years at Loara, there have only been two Activities Directors and during those years (both have worked side by side all of those years, Paul as Alden's assistant and Alden in retirement helping Paul).   Both have won the state and regional title Warren E Shull Adviser of the Year and Alden Esping, has won the National title.  The region covers California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Hawaii.  This is a big deal for one school and it's a big deal for the nation. Both have served as the President of CADA State Board, and both have spoken Nationally about Student Leadership and student empowerment.  This being said, we care about cultivating leaders at Loara and that is a big deal.

In recent years with the team of Paul Chylinski (class of 82), Assistant Activities Director David Sporn (class of 90)  and Accounts Technician Toni Stroud (who is celebrating a birthday today) Loara has been truly dedicated in continuing the active leadership development of all at Loara High School.

Today Loara salutes the Junior High's in the hopes that in their journey they find a lifetime of service and leadership.

Ronald Reagan and Loara

photo shows future Orange County Supervisor Bruce Nestande, Governor Reagan, and Coach Herb Hill 
on the field at Loara High School in Anaheim in 1970. Happy birthday, Mr. President.

As the Presidential election of 2012 fast approaches we are reminded of a simpler time and when the State, Federal and Local Government all came to a stop and Loara High School stood in the limelight.

On October 20, 1970, Ronald Reagan, then governor of California and on a campaign tour, stopped by Loara High School's practice filed to wish the Saxon Football players good luck and to give them his famous, "Win One for the Gipper Speech" (Ronald Reagan played the part of Gipp in the 1940 film Knute Rockne: All American.) Head coach Herb Hill had his picture taken with the future President, caught a few of his football passes and then proceeded to lead the Saxon football team in a cheer for the Governor.  The Saxons were victorious in their game that week.

Newsweek, November 2, 1970

Ronald Reagan returned 20 years later to Loara High School as the President of the United States on October 31, 1986 for a special speaking engagement at the Anaheim Hilton Towers (as seen in the Orange County Register Nov. 1, 86 archives).  The Loara football field was a nice open are to land his Marine Helicoper on.  He landed on a Saturday and students and parents lined both sides of Euclid street to view the President who was surrounded by numerous secret service agents.

Anaheim Bulletin Monday November 3, 1986

"It was supposed to be a secret, but the band found out," said Becky Hannum, Loara's student body president as she waited for the president's arrival Saturday morning.  "It was easy to guess, there were Secret Service guys all over the place since Monday."

The Anaheim Bulletin Monday, November 3, 1986 Reported the landing and took some impressive pictures of the helicopter on the Varsity Baseball field. (see below)

Reagan's secret landing in 1986

Logo and Mascot

Original Graphic Logo

There has been a vibrant discussion of late to why did we ever change the logo for Sammy Saxon.  Many traditionalist want Sammy kept in tack with his simple outline, horns and holding his sword in one hand, touching it with the next and giving a wink to the crowd.  This was the design that has held fast since the school opened in 1962.

I know I'm opening myself up to scrutiny here because on Facebook the traditionalist have raised quite a stir when looking at the new logo that has come from our modernization and for the 50th Anniversary.

About 10 years ago Historians started to chatter about how Sammy was not Historically accurate.  The debate was over the horns on his helmet and the smaller sword that Sammy carried.  In our research we came to find that Saxons had no horns at all on their helmets.  Furthermore, as most great tribes do, there are certain things they do in celebration of victories and conquer.  For the Saxons that was to put wings on their helmets to display superiority and honor to the battle.

note the lack of horns

When John Dahlem became Principal of Loara High School, he had asked a friend of his that was a graphic designer to come up with some newer logos that he could use throughout his tenure.  There were 8 different graphics that were designed that year ranging from tough to more playful, there was even a Samantha Saxon that was quite risque.  These design were used only in printed work and not on any graphic placed on the school.

Sammy 2000

Then in 2000 a class wanted to paint a Mural on the big gym and a new design was born.  You'll notice this one did not have the sword all together and brought in a victory flag and the wings of victory.  During this time period people were being very politically correct.  Some schools had to change out their mascots from things like the Apaches and Indians for something less stereotyping. many went with animals like Huskies and Cougars.  Our very own Savanna Rebels went through scrutiny because of their Confederate Flag they used in game days.  As a school we were trying to keep our Saxon identity but make Sammy less violent and more noble.  As time passed we realized that no one really minded the toughness of Sammy so a new discussion was born.  Do we go back to the original comic styles of a winking Saxon or do we redefine him one more time?

50th Anniversary Logo

Saxon @ Herfod Castle

Therefore in the updating of Sammy we came back to the sword, back to the toughness and gave him some definition, One can say he has gone through many transitions.  The crack Historians felt that to have no horns/wings and no sword made Sammy look bare so it was a choice of horns or wings, and because we liked the idea of Victory, the wings became the predominant feature on his helmet. We also felt giving Sammy some definition in his arms and face, gave him more of a warrior type attitude.  With all the political talk of obesity in schools, we needed to present a more fit Saxon.

We have not forgotten our roots, nor is the Original Graphic Logo lost to all of posterity.  We still use it in print documents, in classroom settings, on graphic T's, notebooks and even this blog.  But as most great organization do, they modernize to a new world, they adapt to sell more "swag". See our Online Store for details and stay tuned for some retro wear.

1970's

1970's 

Loara High School Coat of Arms

Loara High School Crest of Arms

In doing research we came across information in regards to the crest.

Loara High School Crest

October 1963 Saxon Shield

The Loara Crest which is engraved on school rings and is the official school emblem will be on display in the main office.  Research was done and the crest was prepared by Dana Winters of Josten's.  The explanation of the crest is printed below the emblem.
"The Seaxes were the weapons used by the early savage tribes of Middlesex and Essex, England.  The name "Saxons" came from the word Seaxes.  The helmet and rapiers represent the early Spanish influence in California. The Tomahawk represents the early Indian of the area.  The rampant stallion is symbolic of the fine blooded horsed of this area.  The name Loara is an Indian name meaning "Lost Child." The Saxon helmet is the symbol of the school mascot name."

Arms:  (Gules, Argent, Blazon and/or Shield) Parted per cross of the first and supported by two rampant stallions.  In the Dexter chief, three seaxes barwise, proper on a field of the second.  In the sinister chief, a Spanish helmet superimposed on crossed rapiers proper on a field of the second.  In the Dexter base, a tomahawk proper on a field of the second.  In the sinister base, a rampant stallion proper on a field of the second.  Below the shield, a ribbon boldly proclaiming Loara High School Crest: on a torse of the colors, a Saxon helmet.

Attendance & Economy

It's Wednesday, Day 3 of school and I think it's amazing that with all the bad press that education gets we have only 5 kids absent today.  When school started many were still on vacation or getting registered so the numbers were off.  But how proud am I that kids in our community really want to go to school.

I am sitting in the yearbook room at the present time and we are discussing Senior Ads, Senior pages and Senior photos and I find myself reflecting back to the Class of 1982 (my graduating class) and how much impact that year had on my life.  I loved our yearbook and the memories that it captures throughout the year, brings me back to the days.  The days I spent with people I have maintain friendships with since Pre School at Temple Beth Emet across the street.

The sad reality today is that less than 1/2 of Seniors can afford their senior yearbook, and of the just under 2700 students on this campus only 750 actually buy a book.  Here is the change of culture, it's not that they don't want it, it's the one luxury item parents seem to cut out of their budgets.  I find kids really love their school, they are connected but we need to reach out a bit more, reach out to those hidden in the halls that aren't connected to anything.  It's not the school, it's the product of what is.  ASB's goal this year is to REACH OUT to the campus and make this campus whole once again.  What better year to start than YEAR ONE of the next 50 years?

Attendance Summary
		Today	Prior Day	2 Days Prior
		08/29/2012	08/28/2012	08/27/2012
	Enr - Total	2668	2669	2669
	Enr - Male	1319	1320	1320
	Enr - Female	1349	1349	1349
	Present	2663 | 99.81%	2639 | 98.88%	2601 | 97.45%
	Absent	5 | 0.19%	30 | 1.12%	68 | 2.55%
	Tardy	0	0	0

The Loara Community & Enrollment

August 27, 2012 First Day of School

As I sit in my office waiting for the first bell of the first day of the next 50 years to ring, I find myself just as excited as I do every year.  What are my students going to be like?  What is the year going to be like?  Will our Anniversary Celebration be a hit?  Heck will the opening rally on September 7, 2012 be a hit?

Likewise, I have a ringing in my ears of each graduating class saying "The school has changed since I left" and then they ask "is it any good?"  My answer to them is, YUP and I think it is even better.  Sure we have the state and district politics that has posed many problems in education, but that's business and I'm not here for that.  I'm here for kids to make a memory "that always lingers" and "that last forever, built by Saxons loyal and true."  Each year brings it's problems and each year brings new kids ... kids of every color, race, religion, ethnicity and more.  Are they different? Not really, they are still kids.

Here are some current statistics and demographics taken from our successful WASC Report from 2012.  WASC stands for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and they review school sites to make sure they are doing what they say they are doing (okay, it's a simplified explanation but I think you get it) and at the end of the process you can get a 1, 3 or 6 year seal of approval ... we got a 6 year with a 3 year review and that is really good!  This year we are opening the school with close to 2700 Students.

THE LOARA COMMUNITY

Loara High School is located in the city of Anaheim, one mile west of “The Happiest Place on Earth.”  Disneyland, the Anaheim Resort area businesses, Kaiser, and Northgate Gonzalez Supermarkets are the top private employers in the city.  Anaheim is a tourist and convention destination with over 18 million visitors annually.  Anaheim is the second largest city in Orange County with a population of 348,467.  The population of Anaheim is 52.4% Hispanic, 29.6% White, 13.4% Asian, 2.6% Black, and 1.9% as more than one race or other race.  The city of Anaheim is largely middle class with a median household income of $59,644 and a median home value of $576,300 (Anaheim at a Glance 2009).

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment Trends

In 2008-09, Loara’s enrollment reached 2761 students (number does not include special day class students as they are considered district students).  This was an increase of almost 200 students from the previous year, primarily due to the elimination of the retention program at the junior high.  Since then, enrollment has remained relatively stable around 2700 students.

Student Enrollment by Grade Level

Grade level enrollment data indicates that there is generally a decrease in the size of a class as the grade level increases.  For example, in 2008-09, the 9^th grade class was 781 students, whereas, in 2009-10, the 10^th grade was 717 students. 

Student Enrollment by Gender

Gender enrollment data indicates that the percentage of males to female students is consistently close to 50-50.

Student Enrollment by Ethnicity

Loara’s mixed ethnicity continues to be a source of cultural exchange.  Currently, 73.4% of the student body is Hispanic/Latino, 10.8% is White, 8.7% is Asian, with 7.1% representing other ethnicities.

The past six years have brought changes in student ethnicity in significant subgroups.  The percentage of Hispanic/Latino students has increased by 12%, while the percentage of white students has decreased by 11% (this is a 50% decrease in the white population).

Student Enrollment by Primary Language

Student enrollment by primary language indicates a steady increase in the percent of Spanish and Vietnamese-speaking students and a decrease in the percent of English speaking students.  Data are based on number of EL and FEP students enrolled by primary language.

	2008-09		2009-10		2010-11		2011-12
	Number	Percent	Number	Percent	Number	Percent	Number	Percent
English	858	31.0%	771	28.5%	743	27.2%	695	25.4%
Spanish	1608	58.2%	1615	59.6%	1659	60.8%	1715	62.6%
Vietnamese	114	4.1%	136	5.0%	142	5.2%	149	5.4%
Filipino	46	1.7%	54	2.0%	59	2.2%	52	1.9%
Other	135	4.7%	133	4.9%	127	4.7%	129	4.7%
Total	2761	100%	2709	100.0%	2730	100.0%	2740	100.0%