For the first time Arcadia has a counselor, Eric Mordin, at the elementary level this year. At the present time he serves only Highland Oaks and Camino Grove schools.
New principals have been named for three Arcadia elementary schools. Jim Gerhardt has been named to head Holly Avenue. Charles Jarboe requested a transfer from Highland Oaks and was assigned to Camino Grove. Mrs. Suzanne Burton will replace Mr. Jarboe at Highland Oaks.
The Hugo Reid Drive closure will have its final determination April 14. At present it is a one-way street as a result of fatal accidents some years back.
Teachers and parents at Camino Grove and Holly Avenue elementary schools are in communication with the Arcadia Board of Education to restore the School Improvement Program.
Approximately 147 students who have attended Hugo Reid will be transferred to Holly Avenue next year if the proposal is passed by the school board. The transfer and boundary change are designed to alleviate over-crowding at Hugo Reid.
Volunteer aides make the Early Childhood Education program work. the State mandated and funded program aims at giving youngsters from pre-school through the 3rd grade better learning experiences. Camino Grove is the only school in the district with the pilot program.
A report to the Board of Education indicates that the Elementary Childhood Education (ECE) program has not lived up to its expectations. ECE schools in Arcadia are Camino Grove, Longley Way and Holly Avenue.
The need for more volunteer aides is cited by District Librarian Mrs. Julie Dresdner. In the last three years, beginning at Camino Grove, library-media centers have been developed and are in operation at all nine elementary schools.
The Early Childhood Education program in effect at Camino grove School since last fall has been ranked 19th out of 800 in the State. The program provides funds to expand the program from K through 3rd grade. It is the ultimate goal of California State School Superintendent Wilson Riles that all schools will be able to have ECE.
The School Board reversed an earlier decision to order construction of two modular buildings at Holly Avenue School to permit the transfer there of 150 students from Hugo Reid, thus emptying one classroom there for future growth. It may not be possible at this late date to get the necessary work done by September 15.
The Boy's Christian League will not be permitted to distribute literature through the schools unless the Arcadia School Board changes its policy. National organizations such as the Scouts, the YWCA and the YMCA now have this permission.
Article on Egil Hopen, a native of Norway, who came here in 1924 and was responsible for the land planning and engineering for the Baldwin Stocker, The Village, The Oaks and The Highlands areas of Arcadia.
In a surprise move, the School Board voted to accept Federal funds under Title I. The monies will go to Bonita Park Elementary School to reinforce the education of culturally deprived children in reading and math.