BY LOREEN BERLIN: With the first day of school approaching, Bell Intermediate School was a beehive of activity last week as 7th and 8th graders finalized registration.
The Garden Grove school's 630 students were there deliver emergency and student information, a technology contract, and their parents’ approval in advance of opening day: Aug. 30.
All of that was accomplished at one table in the library, making it a smooth process.
At a second table, students could purchase reasonably-priced and high-quality PE clothing.
BY LOREEN BERLIN: With the first day of school approaching, Bell Intermediate School was a beehive of activity last week as 7th and 8th graders finalized registration.
The Garden Grove school's 630 students were there deliver emergency and student information, a technology contract, and their parents’ approval in advance of opening day: Aug. 30.
All of that was accomplished at one table in the library, making it a smooth process.
At a second table, students could purchase reasonably-priced and high-quality PE clothing.
They could also purchase an ASB card, which gives a discount on their yearbook and admits them to school dances free.
Principal M'Liss Patterson said last week’s activities included turning in registration done through the Parent Portal online.
"On their individual registration day students bring their already filled-in form, which cuts down on standing in line,” she said. “It’s pretty smooth and streamlined. Once it's filled out, it's easy communication between the school and parent and moves pretty fast and it's all in one location."
Parents could also register their students online in the school library during last week’s activities and receive school staff help if needed.
There were 20 student volunteers helping out, with two being from Pacifica High School. Twelve parent volunteers helped, as well.
Students accomplished their required steps at the first three tables and also had an option of speaking with a counselor if they had questions about their schedule.
In addition to regular classes, Bell Intermediate offers electives that include: keyboarding, library science, introduction to art, crafts, painting and drawing, peer tutoring and beginning mixed choir.
"And for 8th grade students only, we offer Spanish and TA (Teacher's Assistant)," said Patterson.
Recognizing the need for good nutrition, the district offers a reasonably-priced breakfast and lunch at the school each day, along with milk. Students purchasing school lunches are offered healthy and nutritional dishes, said Food Services Director Agnes Lally.
The district's statement reads, "We care about what we serve our students and the Food Services Department is committed to providing high quality, nutritious and cost-effective meals to ensure our students receive all the nutrition they need to succeed in school."
The district provides students with meals that include vitamins, minerals and calories they need, offering parents a convenient and affordable way to provide their children with a meal during the day.
Also, the district said it is improving the learning ability and classroom behavior among students who eat school lunches.
"Students who regularly eat breakfast are more attentive in the classroom, attend an average of 1.5 more days of school and have math scores that were 17.5 percent higher than students who don't eat breakfast,” the district website states.
Quoting from former President Harry Truman, upon signing the 1946 National School Lunch Act, “In the long view, no nation is healthier than its children…”
The school year runs through June 15.
