If the School Board approves, 1976-77 will be the 9th year that Arcadia has participated in Title I funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Primary usage for these federal funds is on those youngsters who fall below the 50th percentile in achievement tests.
Parents with children in the EMR (Educable Mentally Retarded) program in the Arcadia schools have written letters to the state, county and local school officials outlining the difficulties EMR teachers are having controlling their students without help from aides (lost due to Prop. 13).
The City Council on December 16 by a 3-2 vote decided not to apply for federal funds under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, even though the Council-appointed committee recommended that it apply.
Efforts to put together a working Alumni Association have been given the OK by the School Board. The first meeting will be June 8, 1974. Craig Lucas ('64) is the acting chairman.
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.
Questionnaires have been sent to a sampling of citizens to get input on how the city should spend up to $1,000,000 under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
For the first time ever, there is a proficiency examination, which if passed successfully, would permit a student to leave school at 16. A certificate issued by the State will be legally equivalent to a diploma. The student must also have parental approval.
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.
New State Department of Health regulations require that all children entering first grade after July 1, 1975 have had a health check within the past year. This may be had at designated community health centers free of charge for those in need or otherwise by a family doctor at his regular fee.
Almost $3,000,000 was tentatively awarded three foothill cities from the Federal government under the Public Works and Capital Development and Investment Act of 1976, but Arcadia was not included. Arcadia's request for $2,018.400 was denied.
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.
The City Council with Scott and Saelid dissenting voted to enter into an agreement for 1 year with H.U.D. and request $30,000 under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
The School Board and the Administration have debated optimum class size and decided that in any class where there are more than 32 students, a paid aide should be provided to assist the teacher.
As of July 1, the City of Arcadia was awarded $31,750 in federal grant funds under the Older Americans Act, Title III. Funds will be used to provide I & R, outreach and volunteer services for older residents of Arcadia and Temple City.
$51,942 for a park at 6th and Longden and $90,000 for one at Colorado have been granted by the State Beach, Park, Recreational and Historical Facilities Bond Act of 1974.
Scholastic Aptitude Test scores show Arcadia students taking the test have scored above the national average for several years. The SAT, used by many colleges in admissions, is a measure of verbal and mathematical skills.
By a 3-2 vote, the School Board authorized the Superintendent of Schools to sign an assurance of compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974. This assures non-discrimination against the handicapped.