The Creative Academy of Learning, which has taken over Bonita Park Elementary School, is dedicated to helping physically and mentally disabled children.
Although Arcadia teachers and the school board have not yet reached contract agreement for 1983-84, the Arcadia Teachers Association has submitted its proposal for 1984-85.
The school board voted for a reduction of 12 positions. Cause for not rehiring the teachers, all at the elementary level, has to do with the declining enrollment.
Among the many maintenance projects scheduled for the schools during the summer is a project to relocate the District's central library from the Administration Building to Holly Avenue Elementary School.
The Arcadia Unified School District has about 130 new elementary school students this year, prompting district officials to hire 4 new teachers, combine classes and add portable classrooms.
The School Board has approved the appointment of the district's first group of mentor teachers. The 14 teachers, classroom veterans who lend their expertise to new and less experienced teachers, are named.
The city of Arcadia will spend an estimated $108,875 to renovate playing fields at 3 public elementary schools: Hugo Reid, Highland Oaks and Holly Avenue, all used by the city's Recreation Department.
Marsha Burkhalter, a 4th grade teacher at Hugo Reid Elementary School, was nominated by the school's PTA for the organization's national Outstanding Educator Award.
Enrollment in Arcadia public schools has declined steadily for the past five years and the schools are destined to continue losing students for at least the next years. This has already necessitated the closing of two elementary schools and elimination of numerous teachers.
Longley Way cheerleading team beat 130 cheerleaders from the other five Arcadia elementary schools for the Arcadia Recreation Department 1983 Cheerleading Title. See hard copy in Box 51.
Ernie Harrington, principal of Santa Anita Elementary School has retired. He joined the district staff in 1950 as a fourth grade teacher. Santa Anita School will not be opening in the fall.
Article discusses need to close one or more of the Arcadia schools in 1981. A committee has been appointed to study the matter. Likely candidates for closure are Bonita Park, Santa Anita and Holly Avenue elementary schools. The vacated property might be used as a senior citizen center.
John Blanken, newly retired 6th grade teacher from Holly Avenue, enjoyed 21 years at the school after a 20-year stint in the U.S. Navy. Biographical notes included.
Arcadia's Teacher of the Year, Marsha Burkhalter, a sixth grade teacher at Hugo Reid Elementary, is a contender for the 1989 California Teacher of the Year.