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Blair HCA Students take home 1st and 2nd place in National Sports Medicine Competitions!

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Blair HCA Students take home 1st and 2nd place in National Sports Medicine Competitions!

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Matilda Pearce said it was nerve-wracking to get quizzed in front of a crowd. But the 16-year-old from Altadena nevertheless emerged first among 350 high-schoolers competing in the National Sports Medicine Competition in May.

Matilda, a 10th-grader at Blair High School in Pasadena, said stress was part of the fun.

"The hardest questions asked were about palpations, and shoulder anatomy was very hard to remember," she said.

Eight students from Blair High School ranked in the top 25 out of 350 students in their division. About 60 schools sent students to the nationals, which celebrates knowledge of sports medicine and athletic training. The contest is sponsored by the American Academic Competition Institute.

Ninth-grader Naomi Suubi Kirya-Sales earned a second-place ranking right behind Matilda, among students from schools of similar size.

The students had about five months to prepare for the two-part competition, which included practical tests on anatomy and physiology as well as exams to demonstrate knowledge and skills on sports medicine.

Tamar Vega is lead teacher for the Pasadena school's Health Careers Academy. She said students in the four-year program learn by doing, not only tackling college-level textbooks, but also completing internships and helping student athletes on campus.

"I so admire their enthusiasm and the fact they're such hard workers," Vega said. "They get so excited about learning things and they're really into it."

"We are incredibly proud of these students for their dedication and hard work," said Amy McGinnis, principal at Blair High School. "These achievements are a testament to the strong foundation students build at Blair's Health Careers Academy."

The school also placed second as a team for their division in the national standings. The students competed in their knowledge of emergency procedures, first aid, physiology, anatomy, rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises. The regionals were held in March and the nationals in May. Testing was conducted via written exams and video at Cal State Northridge and awards were announced on May 31.

Aside from Pearce and Kirya-Sales, Blair Vikings who finished in the top seven percent of all competitors include Chantal Sakayan; Ginger Sheedy; Zoe Jeronimo; Gabby Sheran; Jasmine Munguia; and Giulia Dye.

The school's stellar showing bodes well for the students, since Vega said there is always a need for medical professionals in sports, from NASCAR to USA Gymnastics, all professional sports and high school programs.

"Athletic trainers and (professionals in sports medicine) are a huge part of sports and become part of the team," she said.

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These Pasadena students know their sports medicine

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Students from Blair High School in Pasadena showed off their knowledge at National Sports Medicine Competition.

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John Muir High School Early College Magnet     Arts Entertainment and Media Academy 

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John Muir High School Early College Magnet     Arts Entertainment and Media Academy 

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Where Creativity and Collaboration and Imagination are developed, nurtured and realized.

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Engineering Week at John Muir High School Early College Magnet

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Future EESAneers, here is a glimpse of our community!

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Future EESAneers, here is a glimpse of our community!

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Learn2Engineer @ John Muir Early College Magnet

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A day in the Life of our 10th grade Principles of Engineering Course

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A day in the Life of our 10th grade Principles of Engineering Course

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LACOE/CalTrans: Bridge Building Project Training

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Que es Linked Learning (Aprendizaje Vinculado)? 

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Que es Linked Learning (Aprendizaje Vinculado)? 

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Empiece por ver este video. Seguro que aclarará las preguntas que pueda tener.

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With an integrated Art and Design college-preparatory curriculum, students receive a solid education and an extensive understanding of their place among the many roles Art and Design play in society.

Grade 9 - CAMAD (Creative Arts Media and Design) introductory course work

Entry level course work allowing student to explore graphic design and visual arts to prepare them for a choice of path in their 10th grade year.

Grade 10 - Studio Art 1 is our VADA foundation course.

Our first semester is rooted in skill building through traditional hands on artmaking techniques with an emphasis on the Elements/Principles of Art/Design. We work at drawing from life, understanding construction of forms, composition, and perspective. Students work with business partner mentors on an integrated project that is presented in a community forum.

Second Semester is a deeper dive into the elements and principles, followed by art history, personal voice exploration, a public group exhibition integrated project, digital painting, and year end showcase.

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Grade 11 - Studio Art 2 intermediate course.

The second year in VADA explores a variety of media and content Storyboarding, Film Editing, gouache illustration, character design, anatomy, digital painting, digital animation, sculpture, bookbinding and personal project/portfolio introductions. Students also research careers, create resumes, participate in mock interviews and are provided with internship opportunities.

Our integrated projects include a short film, presented at community event and a Social Justice Mural Pitch judged by arts partners at a community event.

Grade 12 - Portfolio Development Capstone Course.

VADA seniors work to clarify their voice as an artist. Work is more self directed with guidance from the instructor. A personal Portfolio plan is developed for each student at the start of the year. Personal project proposals are covered as is the business of art as students plan, showcase and sell their work at a community arts fair. Our fall integrated project explores Socio Political themes. Seniors also design and plan year end all grade level art exhibition, design and implement large scale murals on campus and complete a capstone web based portfolio.

All CAMAD students benefit from our business partnerships, a dedicated cohort teaching team, a minimum of 3 field trips per year, multiple guest speakers, a guaranteed internship, work-based-learning opportunities, 2 integrated projects per year, and the support of our whole CAMAD family.

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What does Linked Learning look like in PUSD classrooms?

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What does Linked Learning look like in PUSD classrooms?

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Start by watching this video. It is sure to clarify questions you might have.

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ACI is now accepting applications for all incoming 9th and 10th graders for the 2024/25 school year. This is an exceptional opportunity for students who have a passion for the arts to join Marshall's specialized art academy.

ACI has two tracks to choose from: Dance & Digital Media Arts. Within the tracks you have two years of required coursework to complete in your selected area.

In Digital Media Arts you will enjoy elements of photography, social media branding & marketing, podcasting, photoshop, and illustrator skills. In Dance you will experience production, choreography, guest artists, workshops, and a three-month residency opportunity with Diavolo Architecture In Motion.

Students in ACI enjoy two years of cohorted honors English classes, a field trip every month, ACI DAY where students work with professionals in the field, Job Shadow Day where students head to artistic businesses and organizations all over LA and spend the afternoon learning about specific careers, a 60 hour paid internship their junior year, resume writing workshops, an industry specific New York City trip, and so much more! The opportunities and experiences are rich and always growing.

There are only 60 spots open for our Freshman class and less than 20 open for our Sophomores. Theatre and music kids are highly encouraged to apply.

Please e-mail Mrs. Bilandzija or Ms. Torres if you have any questions.

maker.jessica@pusd.us

torres.maria@pusd.us

Thank you and we hope to see you in ACI soon!

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ACI Dance

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Up on the Airport Tower and in the Press!

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Up on the Airport Tower and in the Press!

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A massive mural created by a Pasadena High School senior is being displayed on the terminal tower at the Hollywood Burbank Airport, where it's expected to remain for three months.

Yenifer Diaz, a senior in Pasadena High Schools Visual Arts and Design Academy, or VADA, was one of three students selected last year to have their art displayed on the airport tower as a 26-foot by 16-foot mural as part of an annual contest run by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, according to the airport and school officials.

The students were challenged to create artwork showcasing their visions of "The Future of Aviation," organizers said. Diaz's entry, which depicts an ecologically conscious airplane soaring in formation with birds, with leaves emanating from its engines, took first place.

Two additional entries were selected from students in the Glendale Unified School District and the Burbank Unified School District.

Seeing her art displayed as a giant banner at the airport felt "surreal," Diaz said.

"To be completely honest, it was very unexpected," she said. "I'm so grateful to have this awesome opportunity and I will take this as a huge milestone in my art career."

Diaz has served as an ambassador for the Creative Arts and Media Design Pathway, or CAMAD, program, as well as taken part in the Pasadena High School Color Guard.

PHS Arts and Design Teacher Alicia Gorecki said Diaz has been a standout student and artist.

"Yenifer is an incredibly talented and intelligent girl. She has been my student since her 10th-grade year in VADA and has consistently stepped up with strong work in class as well as for exhibitions and competitions," she said.

"During her 10th-grade year she was chosen to exhibit in the 'No Boundaries' exhibition for Pasadena Unified and won the Bridging Boundaries Award where her work was professionally framed and hung at City Hall," Gorecki added. "She has also won awards within our academy, most recently in our spring exhibition where she earned second-place best in show for our juniors."

Diaz first became serious about art in the eighth grade, where she said she received encouragement from Washington Middle School art teacher Eric Gothold.

"When looking for a high school, Pasadena High School caught my eye because of CAMAD, especially VADA," she said. "During my time at PHS, I decided that I wanted to pursue art as a career, most favorably in art education. Ms. Gorecki further encouraged me to follow my passion for art. I would love to do the same for the next generation."

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Pasadena High School Student's Artwork Adorns Hollywood Burbank Airport Tower

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A massive mural created by a Pasadena High School senior is being displayed on the terminal tower at the Hollywood Burbank Airport, where it's expected to remain for three months.

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Participation in internships with local business partners that enhance the learning experience and bridge classroom knowledge with real-world practicality.

Learn to create and assess strategic business plans while sharing entrepreneurial aspirations with other students and teachers to craft a plan of action.

On and off campus industry specific college and career workshops and visits.

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Ms. Cynthia Lake

Mr. Andrew Silk

Mr. Steve Solis

Ms. Courtney Scrabeck

Ms. Isabel Cheng

Dr. Patricia Damaze

Ms. Totam Dao

Ms. Marguerita Drew

Ms. Alicia Flores

Mr. Sergio Lopez Lucero

Ms. Consuelo Martinez

Mr. Cuauhtemoc Mauricio

Mr. Bharatchandra Parekh

Dr. Manuel Rustin

Ms. Donna Tucker

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On and off campus industry specific college and career workshops and field studies.

Creation of a senior portfolio of your work spanning four years in the arts and presenting to a panel of professionals and industry insiders who assess the craftsmanship behind each piece, helping you to determine the next step in your education.

Collaboration with industry professionals and peers to plan, organize, direct, film, edit, produce, distribute  Public Service Announcements, short films, and mini documentaries.

Collaboration with real world clients to produce products that promote their business/ entity

Participation in jazz band, orchestra, choir, drama, dance (optional)

Spring musical productions designing sets and backdrops or managing visual effects and film production.

Theater Tech pathway junior and senior year.

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In the John Muir High School Early College Magnet Arts, Entertainment, and Media (AEM) Academy students will be trained in film and television, video production, graphic design, animation, photography, drawing, painting, printmaking,collage, assemblage, sculpting/ceramics, and other visual and performing arts and media.  Students will fine-tune their creative energy, master self-expression and hone their critical thinking and problem solving skills.  Students are encouraged to explore their natural gifts and artistic passions, turning them into real-world skills through hands-on training such as job shadowing and internships.

Students have opportunities to volunteer alongside top industry professionals and artists at the Senior Film Festival Showcase, the perfect place to mingle with local talent, learn production skills, and get a taste for a career in entertainment, in and out of the spotlight.

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Take a virtual tour of our campus.  We also offer online monthly tours with our Principal Dr. Lawton Gray.  Please sign up at pusd.us/muirtours

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You Can Attend College for FREE while attending high school.  

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You Can Attend College for FREE while attending high school.  

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John Muir High School is home to the only Early College in PUSD.  In collaboration with Pasadena City College (PCC), students engage in a rigorous, four year program, earning up to two years of transferable college credit while in high school.  ABSOLUTELY FREE

Please check out our brochure to find out more about the Early College Program at John Muir High School.

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John Muir High School Early College Magnet, Digital Brochure

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John Muir High School Early College Magnet, Digital Brochure

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We also have an Early College Magnet program.

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We also have an Early College Magnet program.

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Take a virtual tour of our campus.  We also offer online monthly tours with our Principal Dr. Lawton Gray.  Please sign up at pusd.us/muirtours

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You Can Attend College for FREE while attending high school.  

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You Can Attend College for FREE while attending high school.  

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John Muir High School is home to the only Early College in PUSD.  In collaboration with Pasadena City College (PCC), students engage in a rigorous, four year program, earning up to two years of transferable college credit while in high school.  ABSOLUTELY FREE

Please check out our brochure to find out more about the Early College Program at John Muir High School.

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John Muir High School Early College Magnet, Digital Brochure

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John Muir High School Early College Magnet, Digital Brochure

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We also have an Early College Magnet program.

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We also have an Early College Magnet program.

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Take a virtual tour of our campus.  We also offer online monthly tours with our Principal Dr. Lawton Gray III.  Please sign up at pusd.us/muirtours

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You Can Attend College for FREE while attending high school.  

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You Can Attend College for FREE while attending high school.  

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John Muir High School is home to the only Early College in PUSD.  In collaboration with Pasadena City College (PCC), students engage in a rigorous, four year program, earning up to two years of transferable college credit while in high school.  ABSOLUTELY FREE

Please check out our brochure to find out more about the Early College Program at John Muir High School.

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John Muir High School Early College Magnet, Digital Brochure

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John Muir High School Early College Magnet, Digital Brochure

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We also have an Early College Magnet program.

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We also have an Early College Magnet program.

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Throughout their time at PHS Students have the opportunity to job-shadow local government professionals as well as non-profit professionals. Students will have a wide-range of guest speakers including lawyers, executive directors, law enforcement, elected officials. Students have an internship requirement the summer before their senior year with politicians, lawyers, and non-profit organizations.
Field Trip Opportunities in the past have included:
Pasadena Police Department and Courthouse
The Court of Appeals
The Museum of Tolerance
Local Law Schools

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As Freshman students will take foundations of Law 1 which includes the following units:
What is Law Constitutional Law Human Rights Crime in America Corrections and Prison Gangs Trials and Defenses
As Sophomores students will take Public Service 1 which includes the following units:
Social Activism - Civil Rights, Feminism, LGBTQ+ Movement, Disability Rights Movement
Roles in Society- The structure and Function of Non-Profit organizations, Local governments, private business
History and Availability of Government Services in the Pasadena Community
Junior Year is Criminology - Students study the theories behind why crime occurs, how to create programs and policies to prevent the societal factors that increase the prevalence of crime and study famous serial killers
Senior Year students study the electoral process, the foundations and principals of being a civically engaged citizen and work towards implementing a community wide service project or legislative advocacy project.

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The Law and Public Service Academy at Pasadena High School is for students looking to make a difference in their communities in a career working for law enforcement, the military, at all levels of government, non-profit organizations and as lawyers.
The Lead Teacher for the Academy is
Lee Simoes
Prior to beginning his teaching career at PHS, Lee served as a Deputy for the LA County sheriffs department for over a decade. He has earned a Masters in Criminal Justice and is Pursuing his Doctorate at UCLA.
Mr. Simoes teaches fundamentals of Law and Criminology
Tiffany Carpenter
Ms. Carpenter has been with the academy for three years. Prior to teaching she worked for the Mayor's office of Los Angeles writing gang prevention policy. Ms. Carpenter has a masters degree from USC and teaches Public Service 1 and 2

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Engineering Course Sequence
Year Long Courses - 2 Semesters

9th   - Introduction to Engineering Design

10th - Principles of Engineering

11th - Digital Electronics

12th - Engineering Design and Development

Environmental Course Sequence

10th - 12th  - Environmental Sciences

11th & 12th - AP Environmental Sciences

Supporting STEM Course Sequence

Math 1

Math 2

Math 3

Advanced Math

AP Calculus

Physics in the Universe

Biotechnology

Biology:  The Living Earth

Chemistry in the Earth Systems

AP Biology, Physics, & Environmental Science

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Mrs. Beverly Rodriguez

Mr. Ryan Flores

Mr. Joseph Auch

Ms. Margaret Gillham

Mr. Owens Ordonez

Mr. Paul McCarty

Mr. Alexander Kim

Ms. Yereny Loera

Mr. Alfredo Resendiz

Ms. Meehan

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Completion of the rigorous Project Lead the Way pre-engineering course sequence which aims to prepare you for college and 21st century careers in aerospace, architecture, product design, and other jobs that call for skills in art, design, science and technology.

Access to industrial sized 3D printers where you can create designs with CAD software along with on and off campus industry specific college and career workshops and visits.

Opportunity to develop skills in mechanical and electrical engineering in the classsroom as well as in competitions.  Students projects include buidling a solar powered boat or robotic machines.

Application of first-hand architectural and engineering experience in a year long volunteer program with the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentor Program where students will work on design projects, take field trips and meet industry professional.

Valuable work experience from local business internships, as well as having the opportunity to become certified in industry standards such as Computer Aided Design (CAD).

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In the John Muir High School Early College Magnet Engineering and Environmental Science Academy (EESA), students learn to use the power of science and mathematics to improve the quality of life on earth.  EESA is an affiliate of the National Academy Foundation which features the Project Lead the Way pre-engineering curriculum.  Students in this academy develop a strong foundation in math, science, and technology.  There are opportunities to engage in challenging, hands-on projects that develop students' ability to identify real-life problems, research and design innovative solutions and evaluate their effectiveness.

This four-year program creates a solid foundation whether you choose to start a career after graduating or continue down the path to achieve a college degree in engineering or enviornmental science.  Student will be future ready by being educated in the foundations of engineering and preparing to pursue opportunities in this growing field.

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AEM Academy Advisory Board Members and Institutions

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AEM Academy Advisory Board Members and Institutions

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The AEM Academy  has formed  partnerships  with local artists, non -profit arts providers, and  institutions of higher learning.
We meet regularly to plan and implement authentic experiences that expose students to the variety of  career and job opportunities the Arts Entertainment and Media industry provides. Students are provided with a variety of work based learning and  internship experiences via our  community partnerships.
Board Members include representatives from:
The Armory Center for the Arts, The Art Center College of Design
Boston Court
The Side Street Project,
Arroyo Seco Films
The Light Bringer Project
The Animation Guild
Pasadena Media
The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise (FIDM)
Pasadena Community College

Students  work to develop their 21st century skills throughout Pasadena and surrounding cities, as interns and volunteers through programs offered through AEM academy partnerships.

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Studio Art student work

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Students investigate studio art processes and techniques utilized in  drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, fashion, product,   environmental design and sculpture

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Career and Technical Student Organization

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Career and Technical Student Organization

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Established in the 2018 school year, this student led organization prepare and seek out opportunities to participate in competitive events statewide and nationally that showcase business and leadership skills.

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There is a credit union on the campus of John Muir HS! It is staffed by B&E Juniors. Are students are solidly prepared for the experience with classroom tools gained in Principles of Finance, Customer Service and Marketing!

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Why do our teachers and staff love working with the academy?

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Why we offer the IB Career Related Program at the Blair Health Careers Academy

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Why we offer the IB Career Related Program at the Blair Health Careers Academy

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How does the Career-Related Programme prepare students for college?

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Learn more about the activities our students engage in.

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Applied Business Practices!

Freshman get the opportunity to see their learning in action! Financial Literacy certificates are earned using the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) curriculum. Second semester, students participate in the Stock Market Game where teams manage a $100K portfolio of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and cash by applying their newly earned financial literacy skills and a little bit of luck! It is the stock market and these are volatile times. *Virtual money/real stock market*

Sophomores are introduced to Marketing concepts through SOCIAL MEDIA. The tools and theory of traditional marketing using Stukent online marketing simulation and Marketing Strategies E-textbook. Marketing is preceded by Customer Service where students are taught communication skills, consumer behavior and related customer experiences. Students gain 21st Century Success Skills related to careers and continuing education in business and parallel industries.

Juniors participate in Virtual Enterprise projects that simulate business ownership in the Entrepreneurship course. The capstone for the business academy is where Seniors craft a business plan that encompasses a business project from idea conception to launch.

All B&E students have the opportunity to earn industry recognized skills certifications in 21st Century Success Skills, Business Communication, Business Concepts, Business Management Computer Technology, Customer Service, Marketing Concepts, Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship and Business Planning.

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A range of business topics are covered in our business program. Textbook (and e-textbook) instruction is supplemented with real world online simulations and projects to engage students in opening a bank account, buying a car, applying for a credit card and buying stock and balancing a stock portfolio. Students start up businesses and perform all related tasks from developing a business plan to hiring staff for their virtual businesses. Speakers from a range of industry help students visualize the world of business through the eyes of owners, employees as well as teen entrepreneurs hosting online e-commerce.

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The wealth of business and entrepreneurial experience, and over 80 combined years teaching experience of our team fuels the integrated projects that help students understand how to bridge soft skills (communication and reflection) and hard skills (algebraic computation and conversion of units of measure) to support and enhance their future application and use in their academic and professional careers.

Our team is passionate about our students and are continuous learners that bring current teaching and learning tools to the classrooms.

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Students in the John Muir High School Early College Magnet Business and Entrepreneurship (BE) Academy receive a well-rounded curriculum which include theoretical foundations of Principles of Finance; Financial Literacy, Customer Service, Business Communication, Hospitality, Marketing Concepts and Social Media Marketing, Business Management and Entrepreneurship. The course sequence and content are designed to strengthen leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, communication, organization, and management skills. Each course of study provides an in-depth analysis of business, financial and corporate trends and strategies in the associated industries. Students decisions post high school are expanded, providing a choice to go on to pursue a higher education or to start a career. BE Academy students will have a comprehensive understanding of the business and financial systems that governs our society.

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Last summer one of our rising seniors, Chanler Saucier, worked with scientists from Caltech to carry out research. The video below shares their research results. Chanler shares from minutes 6-9.

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Adriana Tovalin - Freelance Graphic Artist

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Career Doors Opened through CAMAD education

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Career Doors Opened through CAMAD education

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Arts Education provides students with the creative and collaborative thinking sought after by employers within the arts industry and beyond!

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Learn About our VADA lead Teacher here. 

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Learn About our VADA lead Teacher here. 

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Today we'd like to introduce you to Alicia Gorecki.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don't you give us some details about you and your story.
My story begins when fresh off earning my BFA in painting and printmaking from Minneapolis College of Art and Design, I jumped in an old camper van stacked with my paintings on top, two friends, a dog named Chaos, 800 dollars between us and we moved from the midwest to San Francisco. We arrived and secured jobs as house painters. In San Francisco that meant doing everything but a typical house paint job. 20 plus colors while hanging off of fall sets, gold leaf, molds of architectural details, and trompe l'oeil where all skills and materials that started on the Victorians and made their way into my personal artwork. At the same time, my friends and I managed to convince a landlord to rent us space in a live/work loft in the south of market area of San Francisco. We worked on meeting and exhibiting emerging artists while building up the recycled rubber clothing company we launched. Our neighbors in the building were a new web design firm with lots of connections which lead to my first big sale as an artist.

After two years in the space, we grew restless and were ready for a change. We wanted more space and LA was calling, so we packed up the gallery we had just gotten off the ground and moved it to downtown Los Angeles. We doubled our space and began representing more young artists, I learned web design and produced all the marketing materials for our recycled rubber clothing brand along with the gallery. We dressed local Los Angeles musicians, premiered independent films, hosted performance artists, produced emerging art exhibitions, all while I was continually producing and selling my personal artwork through our gallery. It was during this time taking on interns and training our employees that I realized creating artwork was not my only passion. I discovered here that teaching was in my blood, having been raised by two teachers might have been a clue earlier, but I didn't feel the calling until I was in the middle of doing it. I set out to find a way to do more. We moved the gallery completely online and I got my first teaching job at a college. I was adjunct at first, teaching life drawing, perspective, digital painting, and graphic design courses. I worked with my students to get them out in the community, launched student exhibitions, a collaborative mural which earned me a community service award, and was promoted to assistant program chair. I was able to balance my own exhibitions, in and out of state, participate in art walks and keep a small list of clients who I created commissioned work for.

All of this was very rewarding, I had small cohorts of students I worked closely with throughout their entire bachelors program, I was able to keep up with my studio work, win some local awards with my own work and help my students launch their careers, but I was working for a for profit college and after ten years at the school, I wanted to step into public education. As I had been a very involved parent of a public school child in Pasadena, I knew the struggles that existed and I also was aware of the strengths. I followed the advice of then Assistant Superintendent of Pasadena High Schools, who was familiar with my volunteerism and my art practice, to look into the Visual Arts and Design Academy (VADA) at Pasadena High School. I was impressed and quickly accepted the lead teacher position, which is where I currently teach. VADA has a long history in Pasadena, having launched in 1995 as the first academy in the district. It set a standard for real-world experience in the arts, community and business partnerships, and project-based/integrated learning. I want to honor the legacy of VADA with my contribution to where it is going now. I have worked with the incredible team of academy faculty and district support to build on the relationships VADA enjoys. We partner with Jackalope Art Fair each fall to provide students the chance to exhibit and sell their work in the community. Every grade level produces two integrated projects each year which focus on topics of technology integration, social and political work, human rights, genocide awareness, and personal histories. We work closely with our business partners LightBringer Projects and Art Center mentors for support and critique along the way. At the end of the year, students curate and install an exhibit at Art Center College. I have also been proud to host interns from VADA and other local Public high schools to create murals on and off campus over the last three summers.

Has it been a smooth road?
There have of course been struggles, most of them stem from my desire to do so much and my inability to say no to creative projects. I am a single mother of a now teenager and have been since he was 2. Finding a balance that allowed me to support my son and keep creating has not been easy, but it has been the everything in keeping me going and keeping me happy.

We'd love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am an artist and a teacher. I am of course proud of the various awards I have won for each, my exhibition history, my volunteerism, the collaborations I have participated in, and the public art I have been able to produce for my city, but I am most proud of the balance I have struck between volunteering in the arts, keeping my own professional artistic practice active, and helping students find their path in the arts. As a high school art teacher, my professional practice sets me and our VADA program apart from other high school arts programs, I am honored to bring that experience into my classroom. I am also proud to say that my students have included my likeness in three of their murals on the Pasadena High School Campus, as a zombie, riding a pegasus charging into an art battle, and most recently as the base of support in a tribute to education at Pasadena High School.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Pasadena is a great city for the arts and it just keeps getting better. There are a number of arts institutions, city wide art nights, art fairs, small and large galleries and the people of Pasadena love the arts. We are close to many commercial and entertainment arts opportunities as well in the surrounding cities. And we have the arts in our public schools!
Contact Info:
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Today we'd like to introduce you to Alicia Gorecki. So, before we jump into specific questions, why don't you give us some details about you and your story. My story begins when fresh off earning my BFA in painting and printmaking from Minneapolis College of Art and Design, I jumped in an old camper van [...]

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Our students benefit from our business partner relationships, through mentors in the classroom, guest speakers, internships, free classes at Art Center, off campus art exhibitions and sales, artist workshops, college and career guidance, and endless inspiration!
Our business partners include
Jackalope Arts Fair
LightBringer Projects
ArtCenter College of Design
and independent artists.

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INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS

Several genocides began, or have a major anniversary, during the month of April. For this reason, many organizations and institutions around the world have set aside April to be a month of genocide awareness and action against genocide.

Leading up to and during the month of April, Pasadena High School, Creative Arts Media and Design (CAMAD) sophomores have been researching, discussing, and engaging in work to raise their own awareness about genocide.

The students' work culminated in an exhibition honoring the people terrorized, ravaged, displaced and those who survived genocide, through portraits and Haikus. The exhibition work highlights Armenia, Rwanda, Darfur, Cambodia, Holodomor, and the Holocaust.

Students are inviting residents to visit the installation and reflect. The Exhibition is on view at the Washington Blvd Gate at the back of the PHS campus.

The exhibition runs from April 15th - April 26th.
> Teachers who lead the work: Alicia Gorecki (Studio Art), Jacob Archuleta (Graphic Design), Natalie Gomez (Chemistry), Ivan Stacey (History), and Mayte Hernandez (English). Alicia Gorecki is the lead teacher for the Visual Arts and Design Academy at Pasadena High School and an active local Visual Artist with a studio practice.

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genocide exhibition by pasadena high school students honors victims of armenia rwanda darfur cambodia holodomor and holocaust

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Genocide Exhibition by Pasadena High Students Honors Victims of Armenia, Rwanda, Darfur, Cambodia, Holodomor, and Holocaust | ColoradoBoulevard.net

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Leading up to and during the month of April, Pasadena High School, Creative Arts Media and Design (CAMAD) sophomores have been researching, discussing, and engaging in work to raise their own awareness about genocide. The students' work culminated in an exhibition honoring the people terrorized, ravaged, displaced and those who survived genocide, through portraits and Haikus.

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Murals by our interns!

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INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS

PHS Students will see a vivid and inspiring mural at the beginning of the 2019/2020 school year.

Principal Robert Hernandez challenged the mural interns in the Visual Arts and Design Academy (VADA) of PHS to develop a concept and create a mural emblematic of the aspirations of PHS. Participating in a mural internship is an opportunity provided to every college and career academy student between junior and senior year. Applicants create a resume and application and are then invited to interview for the right-fit position and a course on professionalism. The participating students earn a stipend and are honored at an intern celebration in the Fall.

This year the VADA interns were Jaylin Zavala, Angelique Banks, Gracie Juntrapen, Paloma Castro, Gigi Justo, Leslie Mejia and Stephanie Mejia.

Inspired by mythology and ancient Greek and Roman vase aesthetics, the students designed a mural to fit the diversity and attributes of the PHS student body. In the center of the mural is a three-headed bulldog (the school mascot) version of Cerberus acting as guardian of all things PHS. Each head of the bulldog wears a unique medallion celebrating the characteristics of a Bulldog: a Bulldog is Gentle, a Bulldog has Perseverance and a Bulldog has Strength. A Bulldog has GPS!

The many interests, areas of study and creativity found in PHS students are featured in the figures and symbols circling the mural. The figures all are making their way to the graduation cap, helping each other and supported by Ms. Alicia Gorecki (VADA lead teacher) and Mr. Jacob Archuleta (GCA lead teacher).

This awesome mural can be seen at the PHS campus at 2925 E. Sierra Madre Boulevard. Head to the stairwell between the ground and second floor of the G and H buildings. Note that the campus will be closed during the month of July and reopen in August.
Alicia Gorecki is the lead teacher for the Visual Arts and Design Academy at Pasadena High School and an active local Visual Artist with a studio practice.

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vibrant pasadena high school mural celebrates qualities of a bulldog

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phs visual arts and design academy (vada)

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mythology and ancient greek and roman vase aesthetics

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version of cerberus acting as guardian of all things phs

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Vibrant Pasadena High School Mural Celebrates Qualities of a Bulldog | ColoradoBoulevard.net

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Principal Robert Hernandez challenged the mural interns in the Visual Arts and Design Academy (VADA) of PHS to develop a concept and create a mural emblematic of the aspirations of PHS. Participating in a mural internship is an opportunity provided to every college and career academy student between junior and senior year.

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Suhey Elias- Class of 2018 and current Otis College of Art and Design student.

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Check out our social media for a real view inside the Classroom

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Check out our social media for a real view inside the Classroom

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on FACEBOOK
@phsvada
on instagram
@phs.camad.vada
and
@pasadenahs_gca

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The proof is in the work. Check-out what CAMAD has to offer by visiting our website.

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The proof is in the work. Check-out what CAMAD has to offer by visiting our website.

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See the AMAZING work from our students. Here you will find portfolios from our VADA seniors, integrated projects from our 10th and 11th grade plus a full themed exhibition curated by our students.

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Over the last few weeks each of our CAMAD juniors were challenged to investigate the concept of identity and given the task to create an original poem and short film titled "Where I'm From".

This integrated project brought together the core subjects of English, History and CTE art class (either GCA or VADA).

In English - Students read the poem "Where I'm From" by George Ella Lyon. This poem served as a template for students to write their own original version of their story.

In History - Students explored identity through native american symbols representing various aspects of family and personality.

In our CTE classrooms - Our CAMAD artists refined their poems, gathered images, and assembled a short film to visually represent where they're from. The film includes a narration of the student's voice reading their poem.

As these are deeply personal projects, we are only showcasing a small sample here with student permission.

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Over the last few weeks each of our CAMAD juniors were challenged to investigate the concept of identity and given the task to create an original poem and short film titled "Where I'm From". This integrated project brought together the core subjects of English, History and CTE art class (either GCA or VADA).

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What can you do with computer science? What sorts of careers can this pathway help prepare you for? LOTS! Check out our flyer with more details!

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Make-Believe Opening Movie Scene w/Credits

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Make Believe Opening Scene to A Movie Project Final.

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Make-Believe Opening Movie Scene w/Credits

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Make-Believe Opening Movie Scene w/Credits

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Make Believe Opening Scene to A Movie Project Final.

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Student Blog by Arianna Marquez

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Linked Learning is expanding across the U.S. because it works. Rigorous independent evaluation shows Linked Learning students outperform their peers in a number of ways-and the results are amplified for students of color and English language learners.

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All PUSD Academies are Linked Learning Certified

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All PUSD Academies are Linked Learning Certified

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To learn more about Linked Learning, explore below...

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Career Friday Facebook Post

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Pasadena Now Article
Pasadena Independent Article

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Pasadena Independent - Hey SoCal. Change is our intention.

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SoCal Edison: Qualified residents can receive $4K to lease/buy electric car

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All AEM students  begin their 4 year ARTS journey by learning foundational art concepts, process and techniques in digital media. During the sophomore year all AEM students learn about film and tv production so they make an informed choice of which pathway they will follow for the junior and senior year/ capstone class. In addition, Studio Arts, AP Art and Ceramics  electives are available to all students each year.

Muir | AEM - Graphic Design | 663641 | Film and TV Production 1 A&B | 663931 | Graphic Design 2A&B | 6636A7. 6636A8 | Portfolio Development Capstone | 6637A1. 6637A2

Muir | AEM - Film/Video |Graphic Design | 663642 | Film and TV Production 1A&B | 663932 | Film and Video Production 2 A&B | 663933. 663934 | TV Production A&B Capstone | 7639x5. 7639x6

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LPS is located at PHS, Home of the Bulldogs!

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What Art Form is right for you? In CAMAD you can choose from Graphic Communication Arts (GCA) or Visual Arts Design Academy (VADA)

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What Art Form is right for you? In CAMAD you can choose from Graphic Communication Arts (GCA) or Visual Arts Design Academy (VADA)

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Through a combination of academic courses, visual arts and design projects, students obtain real-world skills and hands-on experience that equip students with the creative and collaborative thinking sought after by colleges and employers within the arts industry and beyond!

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Gain real-world skills and hands-on experience to pursue a career in Art and Design.

Through a combination of academic courses, visual arts and design projects, students obtain real-world skills and hands-on experience to pursue an Art and Design career or attend Art and Design college. This four-year program features two specialized disciplines:

CAMAD provides students with the opportunity to create original work, develop client-based projects, and build confidence and knowledge in the creative arts, media and design fields. An extensive course curriculum includes fine arts, graphic design, multimedia design, video editing, screenprinting, digital printing, sculpture, and illustration classes. Students learn everything from introductory computer graphics and fundamental art skills to advanced art and design techniques, allowing them to create a well-rounded portfolio.

With an integrated Art and Design college-preparatory curriculum, students receive a solid education and an extensive understanding of their place among the many roles Art and Design play in society.

Check us out on Instagram: VADA and GCA.

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Academies/Pathway Programs / Creative Arts, Media, and Design (CAMAD)

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Gain real-world skills and hands-on experience to pursue a career in Art and Design. Through a combination of academic courses, visual arts and design projects, students obtain real-world skills and hands-on experience to pursue an Art and Design career or attend Art and Design college.

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Award winning Integrated Projects in the press

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Award winning Integrated Projects in the press

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10th Grade Integrated Project

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Over the last two months Creative Arts Media and Design (CAMAD) Sophomores from both the Visual Art and Design Academy (VADA) and the Graphic Communications Academy (GCA) have worked on their spring integrated project which honors the survivors of the horrific events of 1915. In social studies they researched the Historical Background, in english they read survivor stories and wrote haikus and in their visual art or graphics courses they created portraits, symbols, and illustrated the Armenian alphabet.

The product of their work is on view in an installation that spans more than 60 feet along the gate at the Washington Blvd north entrance to Pasadena High School to honor the survivors. These photos do not do the work justice, you should see it in person, read the haikus, and reflect on the history of these resilient people. The installation will remain up for 2 weeks.

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Creative Arts Media (CAMAD), Visual Arts & Design Academy (VADA) and Graphic Communications Academy (GCA) Honor Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

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Over the last two months Creative Arts Media and Design (CAMAD) Sophomores from both the Visual Art and Design Academy (VADA) and the Graphic Communications Academy (GCA) have worked on their spring integrated project which honors the survivors of the horrific events of 1915.

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CAMAD Can be found on the PHS campus, Home of the Bulldogs!

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HOSA is a student led competition and leadership organization where student have the opportunity to put their health career skills to the test and grow in leadership. Each year, students participate in a regional leadership conference where they have the chance to attend workshops to explore careers and grow skill in the fall. In the spring, students attend the state conference in Sacramento or Long Beach and complete in sports medicine, first aid, public speaking or other contests.

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HCA is housed on the Blair High School campus. Let's go Vikings! HCA students have the opportunity to take IB diploma courses, band/choir, jROTC and other courses that Blair offers in addition to the academy classes. Blair students develop a global perspective through their experiences with the International Baccalaureate Program and our HCA students are part of the program.

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BE Academy can be found on the historic John Muir Early College Magnet campus.  Home of the Mighty Mustangs!

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EESA Academy can be found on the historic John Muir Early College Magnet campus.  Home of the Mighty Mustangs!

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AEM Academy can be found on the historic John Muir High School Early College Magnet campus.  Home of the Mighty Mustangs!