High School Teacher 

June 12, 2020

Check your email today for information about summer school! You will need to access your student portal for information about your class. If you don't know how to log into your portal, click here for help. If you forgot your password, click here.

June 8, 2020

You made it to the end of the school year - congratulations! I'm so proud of our graduating seniors. Here are photos from today's graduation event. What a semester, huh?!

I'd like you to reflect on your effort this year. Did you study at least 20 hours each week? Did you set a schedule? Did you stick to it? Did you seek help when you needed it? Did you turn in your work on time? Did you successfully study independently?

I want you to succeed, and I'm here to support that. Remember: The most important element in your success is you. I want all of you to be solidly prepared for college or whatever career you choose after you graduate. 

I am thrilled to have all of you as my students!

June 8, 2020

DAILY HIGH SCHOOL & VERDUGO ACADEMY
DRIVE-THROUGH GRADUATION DETAILS

Dear Daily High School and Verdugo Academy Students and Families,
     Our DRIVE-THROUGH GRADUATION will be taking place on Wednesday,
June 10th starting at 9:00 AM and ending at 11:00 AM.
The parade route will begin on Jackson Street near the entrance of the GUSD parking
lot. Cars will ENTER the GUSD parking lot from Jackson Street and turn left
(going through the balloon arch). After passing through the balloon arch, students
will pull up to the first table and return all GUSD equipment (Chromebooks) and
textbooks. They will then proceed down the parking lot to the next table where they
will receive their diploma from the Principal, Dr. Root, before making
their EXIT from the parking lot on Kenwood Street.
     Please note the following based on the guidelines from the Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health:
· Only one car per family
· Stay in your car for the duration of the parade
· Wear a mask while car windows are down and when approached by a staff
member
· School facilities will be closed
     Student’s graduation packets will be placed in the trunk or passed to you through the
window.
     Thank you once again for all of your support throughout this school year. We have
loved having your child at Allan F. Daily High School or Verdugo Academy. We
wish you and your graduating student much success. We look forward to celebrating
with you on June 10th.

June 4, 2020

If you are leaving Verdugo Academy:

1. Contact Sonia Antezana via email santezana@gusd.net, requesting a check out form and transcript after June 24th. 
2. Email needs to Include the following information:

• Student Name
• Student Date of Birth
• Elementary and middle school students parent phone number,
• High school students' parent or student phone number.
• Student/Parent Email Address
• Information of the school that they will attend next school year

       3.   Parent/Student will receive response thru an email with check out form and/or transcript or report card attachments.

June 3, 2020

SEND IN YOUR WORK!

May 29, 2020

I wish you all had been this motivated all semester! I've been getting lots of work turned in; be patient as I grade it and send your credit slips in.

May 28, 2020

A student mentioned needing to scan work. If you don't have a scanner:
iPhone users, use Notes: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210336
Android users, CamScanner is good. https://mashtips.com/android-scanner-apps/

May 27, 2020

Send in your work, everyone!

May 26, 2020

It's week 10 of the Coronavirus shutdown! Check in here: Week 10 Check In

May 22, 2020

FREE CTE Classes this summer!

Limited Space
Free
5 credits
Intro to Careers in Criminal Justice
Intro to Manufacturing Careers
Intro to careers in Info, Communication, Tech
Intro to Health Care careers

High School Graduation Credits for Career prep or elective. Not A-G.
Deadline MAY 29.

Click here if you're interested.

May 21, 2020

A gentle but firm reminder to most of you: SEND IN YOUR WORK. If you're in an Apex class, LOG IN. Remember: 20 hours per week AT LEAST!

May 20, 2020

So many of you have told me that your sleep has been affected by the pandemic. Has it affected your dreams? For extra credit, read this article: Infecting our dreams: Pandemic sabotages sleep worldwide, take the quiz, and send me an email with your reflection on this article. Let me know if and how the pandemic has affected your sleep/dreams.

May 19, 2020

Interested in taking dual-enrollment classes over the summer at Glendale Community College? Check this out: 

Hello Students,

We still have some space in the following summer classes: www.glendale.edu/DualClasses. If you are interested, sign up now www.glendale.edu/dual

Apply Online

APPLY TO GCC NOW

You will receive an ID number in 2 hours. If you do not receive your ID number, please email dual@glendale.edu

Submit Required Paperwork

High School Student DIGITAL FORM

SUMMER 2020 ENROLLMENT: Note that Admissions will begin processing applications on May 11, 2020. 

High School Student Digital Forms will be processed in the order they are received. DocuSign will automatically send your paperwork to GCC Admissions after your counselor approves. To check if you have been enrolled, log on to MyGCC www.glendale.edu/mygcc and you can view your enrollment information. We have a surge in enrollment and are trying to enroll everyone as quickly as possible. Please give us 48-72 hours to process your application. 

Are you a high school student? Want to take a college class? Already enrolled in a college class? Join us in iDual Hub to meet with Martha Cuevas, dual enrollment counselor. Learn about how to enroll, student support services and how to be successful in a college class!
May 20, 2020 02:30 PM
May 27, 2020 02:30 PM
Jun 3, 2020 02:30 PM

iDual Hub (ZOOM)

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95656314296

Questions? Need support? 

Virtual GCC Welcome Center

M-F: 10am-12pm & 1-3pm

https://zoom.us/j/95759338991

May 18, 2020

It's week 9 - Yes, 9!! - of the Coronavirus shutdown. Check-in time! Week 9 Check-In

May 15, 2020

Where will you attend college? What are the requirements? Check this event out:

Virtual College Information Panel May 20

May 14, 2020

Seniors: Lebron James, Barack Obama, and many other celebrities will be hosting a graduation event on all of the major TV stations, YouTube, and many others. Check your local listings, but many channels are broadcasting at 8 pm and replaying online at 9 pm. The event will take place this Saturday, May 16th!
2020 Graduation on YouTube

May 13, 2020

In this week's check in, I asked students to tell me something they're looking forward to. Their responses:

May 12, 2020

Students, please let me know if you plan to attend Verdugo Academy in the fall. If so, you MUST show that you're successful at studying independently. That means: Study, learn, communicate with me regularly, and complete your classes. Remember: "The program works best for students who are self-motivated, are avid readers, and who work well independently."

May 11, 2020 

Welcome to week... (checks calendar)... *8* of the Coronavirus shutdown! Students, check in here: Week 8

May 8, 2020

GUSD has support groups for students and families. Click one these links for more info: students, parents and caregivers, high school LGBTQ+ students

Please see this newsletter for mental health support, especially during COVID-19: https://www.gusd.net/cms/lib/CA01000648/Centricity/Domain/4390/MentalHealthNewsletter.2020-04V3.pdf

GUSD has videos on YouTube to help you deal with current issues, meditating, staying active, etc: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvS6enYb9IsgRRiIoJGUIHzyAFE6D5SSW

May 7, 2020

2020 Graduates: Please contact Judy Hlavaty (jhlavaty@gusd.net) with this information ASAP: height, weight, and personal cell phone number.

May 6, 2020

Please check your email daily. If you lost the password, go here: GUSD Lost Password.

May 5, 2020

If you need a Chromebook or are having problems with a Chromebook you got from GUSD:

Visit our technology help desk in the Glendale Unified district office lobby at 223 N. Jackson Street, Glendale, CA, 91206 to check out or replace your Chromebook. The help desk is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Please see this page if you have other questions about Chromebooks: https://www.gusd.net/domain/4404.

May 4, 2020

Welcome to week... (checks calendar)... *7* of the Coronavirus shutdown! Students, check in here: https://forms.gle/SCjnY1ENHMNQvUgv9

May 1, 2020

If you don't have a printer, it's a challenge to do the APEX practice/journal/lab pages. Here's a tutorial about how to turn them into Google docs: 

April 30, 2020

History students: Lin-Manuel Miranda is teaching US History on May 1 at 9 am (PST): Independent Studies. If you watch it, let me know!

From the YouTube description: This special edition of AP U.S. History class will cover topics on analyzing evidence, using source material, and providing historical context with special guest, Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator and original star of Broadway’s Tony-winning musicals, Hamilton and In the Heights. 

APUSH studnets, you might also be interested in Ken Burns in the Classroom. From teacher Ken Olson: PBS’s new site “Ken Burns in the Classroom” is a fantastic repository for film clips, documents, images, and even lesson plans. For the APUSH exam, I would suggest starting with “The Roosevelts.” This wide ranging documentary covers key concepts in nearly 100 years of American History. Topics like Imperialism, Progressivism and Reform Movements, and changes in Presidential Power are central themes in the collection. My personal favorite is the “Powers of the Presidency” media gallery. It tackles foreign and domestic policy, Progressive and New Deal Era reforms, and the increased power of the President in a coherent and seamless manner.

April 29, 2020

Have you seen my teaching assistant? She made an appearance on today's video meetings. Here she is: Mrs. Buss' teaching assistant.

April 28, 2020

If we have an online appointment, please set your alarm so you don't miss it. Thanks! :)

Please scan your work and send it to me on your meeting day. If you don't have a scanner:
iPhone users, use Notes: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210336
Android users, CamScanner is good. https://mashtips.com/android-scanner-apps/      

April 27, 2020

Welcome to Week 6 of the Coronavirus shutdown! Students, please fill out the Week 6 Check-In.

Regarding grading during the Covid-19 shutdown: "School work is not optional." (From the link: FAQ on Grading During Remote Learning.) 

Remember, every student at Verdugo Academy is on a different path. Nobody starts and completes classes at the same time as any other student. We issue grades and credits when students complete a class, not at the end of the semester. So, you are expected to continue with your coursework to earn credits. Attendance is credited the same way as usual: By turning in coursework and completing classes. 

Scroll down to see my post on March 23rd. You'll see: "WE ARE PREPARED! Each student already has the syllabi needed to complete their classes."

April 23, 2020

Students have asked me, do I have to keep working? Yes. If you'd like credits for the work you've done, you have to finish the class. Dr. Root called students last night with this message:

This is Dr. Root with a few updates and reminders. First of all I want to thank all of the students and their parents who are working hard trying to complete their assignments online, I know it is not easy. I also want to remind parents that you can check on your student's attendance and class progress in the parent portal or by emailing their teachers. Students must complete assignments to earn credit.
This Friday is a non- school day for students and teachers to commemorate the Armenian genocide, students will not be expected to engage with their teachers but if you are behind you can take advantage of the extra time to get caught up.
Graduation this year will be delayed until sometime in the fall at the earliest, but we are putting together an end of the year video to celebrate our 2020 graduates that we will share with everyone. If you are a 2020 graduate please try to participate when called upon.
Thank you and have a good evening. 

April 22, 2020

On our weekly check-in (See April 20, below), I asked students: Being at home all. the. time is fairly boring, you've told me. It's not all bad though, right? Tell me something good that's happened because of the Coronavirus shutdown. Their answers:

April 21, 2020

Three students completed a class today - CONGRATULATIONS!

April 20, 2020

Welcome to Week 5 of the Coronavirus shutdown! Students, please fill out this weekly check-in.

Several students and I had Whereby meetings today - it was so nice to see everyone! One student mentioned that he finished reading a novel and was ready for the Renaissance Test. To do so, log into your Clever account using your student GUSD email and password. The district and I have both posted a link to Renaissance Learning. Just click on the link, then search for your book to take the test.

April 17, 2020

I met with several students online today. My two assistants were ready to say hello - I posted their picture here. It is so enjoyable to catch up with students and say hello to their families!

It's Friday, which means tomorrow is the weekend. One of my students noted, "Saturday now doesn’t really feel like a Saturday it feels just the same as a Monday." I completely understand! For this reason, I suggest making a schedule to do schoolwork M-F, then take the weekend off. It gives meaning to weekends again.

April 16, 2020

Students, would you like to be a part of history?! Be a part of StoryCorps Connect! From their website:

WHAT IS STORYCORPS CONNECT?

Developed in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, StoryCorps Connect is a first-of-its kind platform that enables you to record a StoryCorps interview with a loved one remotely using video conference technology. The audio and a still photo from each interview goes into our archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. Your interview becomes part of American history, and hundreds of years from now, future generations will listen in. We think of StoryCorps as an ever-growing archive of the wisdom of humanity.

----------

If you would like to participate, let me know! I will include this interview as extra credit for history, English, government, or economics.

April 15, 2020

Parents, there is a Facebook Live event on April 22 at 5:00 about teens and stress. Please see this flyer for more information: WHAT, ME WORRY? WHAT’S STRESSING YOUR TEEN AND WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

April 14, 2020

Remember that you're supposed to be studying at least 20 hours per week. This was the requirement before the shutdown, and it's still the requirement. Make sure to email your work to me. The best way to do so is via Google docs.

April 13, 2020

Welcome to Week 4 of the Coronavirus shutdown! Students, your week 4 assignments (in addition to your courses that you're already studying):

1) Read this article on NewsELA: https://newsela.com/assignment/2001782520

2) Head over to our Google Classroom to complete this assignment: Animal Crossing... Wedding?

April 10, 2020

Students, I've been posting extra credit opportunities on NewsELA. Go straight to NewELA to check it out, or visit our Google Classroom. 

April 9, 2020

How are you doing PE right now?! It's not easy, since we're supposed to stay home. Check out my Google Classroom post to discuss this topic: PE during the Coronavirus shutdown. 

April 8, 2020

We had some telemeetings this week. What fun! I've missed seeing everyone. Here's a picture of me in my home classroom: Mrs. Buss working at home.

April 7, 2020

One of the questions on our weekly check-in (see the April 6, 2020 entry below) is: Read the NewsELA article For high school seniors, coronavirus brings a sad ending and unexpected lessons. What will you remember about the COVID-19 shutdown? The responses so far:

April 6, 2020

Welcome to Week 3 of the Coronavirus shutdown! Students, your week 3 assignments (in addition to your courses that you're already studying):

1) Read this article on NewsELA: Bittersweet end to senior year. Take the quiz.

2) Fill out our weekly check-in: Week 3 Check-In

April 3, 2020

Verdugo Academy students are independent learners - they're already good at remote learning! Students were assigned an article on Newsela ("Tips for Students Who are New to Virtual Learning") about working from home. I then asked them for suggestions for students who are new at remote learning so those kids can be successful, too. Here are some of the resposes: 

“Always stay engaged. Being at home means a lot more distractions, but during learning time you need to focus and understand the information you are receiving.”

“A couple tips for students that are new to virtual learning are schedule your work time, study, and stay positive.”

“Always be attentive.  When you’re sitting in front of the laptop, it can be really easy to get bored and go on your phone! When on your phone you are focused on it, so you’re not listening or looking at what the teacher is saying or writing. It’s very important to be attentive especially during this time so you can be successful.”

“I would advise someone to make a schedule for their daily academic routine. It can help to write it down so it can be seen easily. It is also useful to keep track of their progress, so they don't worry about not knowing how much more work they need to do. For me, I write the percentage of completion for my courses on a board and update it daily.”

"Do not white knuckle your way through all the work because you will burn yourself out, then find yourself sitting in front of a screen doing nothing."

"Make sure you are keeping up with the work, getting behind can seriously mess up your scheduling."

"Make a plan and stick with it. It's hard in the beginning but it will get easier as you go along."

"Check your emails every day."

April 2, 2020

Every single day brings changes, and today is no different! You may have heard that school will remain online for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. For the most accurate information, make sure to check out https://www.gusd.net/. If you're on social media, follow these accounts for up-to-date info: 

Our class Twitter: twitter.com/IndepStudies

GUSD: twitter.com/GlendaleUSD

Superintendent Ekchian: twitter.com/VivianEkchian

April 1, 2020

Good morning! Only 2 students have completed the week 2 assignemnts... now is a good time to get that done!

1) Read this article on NewsELA: https://newsela.com/assignment/2001535794. There is an assignment attached to the article.

2) Fill out our weekly check-in: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCssChc7x7DzqnXykvfLqwMBY1xmSC5aWfFkwhkesNZ3SD-A/viewform?usp=sf_link

March 31, 2020 

Several of you seem to be having trouble logging into our Google classroom. 

1) You must be logged into your GUSD account. 

2) You can use this link: https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/NDE0MTEwOTg1Njha 

3) If that doesn't work, you can click on the waffle on the top right hand of your GUSD email account and look for Google Classroom. Our classroom code is 5fjc3i3. 

4) I sent an email inviation to everyone's GUSD email. 

March 30, 2020

Welcome to Week 2 of the Coronavirus shutdown! Students, your week 2 assignments (in addition to your courses that you're already studying):

1) Read this article on NewsELA: https://newsela.com/assignment/2001535794. There is an assignment attached to the article.

2) Fill out our weekly check-in: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCssChc7x7DzqnXykvfLqwMBY1xmSC5aWfFkwhkesNZ3SD-A/viewform?usp=sf_link

March 27, 2020

Someone asked an excellent question yesterday. They don't have a printer or scanner, so they asked how they can turn in their Apex work. My response: Write the answers on a piece of notebook paper by hand, and take a photo with a cell phone. You'll keep hard copies of your work until a future date.

March 26, 2020

Hello Verdugo Academy Families! 

I hope you're all well. I've received work from several students this week and I'm working on getting assessments online. Please log into your GUSD email account to communicate with me; this is required to take quizzes/tests.

Let's talk about online resources. For math, chemistry, etc., some concepts can be confusing! Don't be afraid to search for Khan Academy videos. For example, here's an introduction to the quadratic equation: Khan Academy: Introduction to Quadratic Equations. Please share helpful videos in our Google classroom! What other resources do you find helpful?

Talk to you soon!

Mrs. Buss

March 25, 2020

I heard from several of you today via email and Remind, and I saw several of you reading the Coronavirus article on NewsELA. I'm so proud of you for being so flexible! I tell everyone I know, my students are motivated and driven to succeed. 

March 24, 2020

Hi All!

I've heard from most of you by now. There's some confusion about what's going on, but that's ok - everyone's a little bit lost. We will transition into this slowly. For now, please check in here: Mrs. Buss' Class Week 1 Check-In (March 23-27). Also, see the links below to join our Google classroom and NewsELA class.

 Stay healthy and STAY HOME!

 Mrs. Buss

March 23, 2020

Verdugo Families,

Please check GUSD.net for the latest information on the COVID-19 closure. We are suspending our in-person meetings until at least May 5th. I sent an email this afternoon with details about how we'll move forward. That said, WE ARE PREPARED! Each student already has the syllabi needed to complete their classes. You are expected to email your work on your meeting day. 

To keep in contact:

Join my Google Classroom.

If you're on Twitter, follow our class account here: https://twitter.com/IndepStudies. 

Join our NewsELA classroom: Mrs. Buss on NewsELA.

Add Remind.

I'll talk to you soon!

Mrs. Buss

Please read and and adhere to the guidelines in this document: Avoiding Plagiarism.

Students, please submit your papers through this link: Turn It In