Tri-Cities ROP Superintendent's Update
June 2018
hdimg

A Year of Excellence

By Tracie Zerpoli, Superintendent


Last month, Tri-Cities ROP was pleased to present its 25th Annual An Evening of Excellence, a very special event where our students' achievements are recognized and celebrated.  And what great achievements they have had!  (See story that follows below.) 

But the recognition and celebration should not stop there! Our organization, as a whole, has had a year of excellence!  We've seen accomplishments achieved and hefty goals reached.  Highlights include:   


  • Welcomed New Board Member, Dr. Ralph Pacheco (Whittier Union High School District) and an Alternate Board Member, Ms. Lorraine De La O (El Rancho Unified School District)
  • Career Technical Education Incentive Grant ("CTEIG") - Implemented the last year of the grant by updating programs, such as the new Construction Technology Labs, at El Rancho and Pioneer High Schools
  • Tri-Cities ROP Website - Revised and updated
  • Middle School Presentations - Increased number of presentations
  • CAROCP - State Board President Elected Superintendent Tracie Zerpoli
  • Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Program - Received approval by State Department of Public Health
  • Evening of Excellence - 100% participation by all teachers and received nearly $10,000 in donations received
  • Pathway Completion Certificates - were created
  • Annual Counselors' Breakfast - Record attendance this year


I cannot emphasize enough the simple fact that none of this could have happened without contributions from each of you.  Your dedication and work ethic is second to none.  So when you leave for summer and find yourself relaxing on the beach or lying on a hammock under a tree, please remember how much you are valued here at Tri-Cities ROP.  We cannot wait to see what the next school year brings!

Until then,

TRACIE

undefined

undefined

25 Years of Student Success Celebrated

On Monday, May 14th, 67 Tri-Cities ROP students and their families gathered together for the 25th Annual Evening of Excellence student recognition and awards night.  Having so many VIPs in attendance, including distinguished school board members, Superintendents Aguilera-Fort (ERUSD) and Plourde (WUHSD), principals and assistant principals, made the event one that will be remembered and cherished for years to come.  The audience listened closely to the heart-warming essays that were written by seven students, each representing the high schools they have attended.  The essays, penned by these students, earned them an additional cash award and the honor of leading their schoolmates onstage for the awards presentation.  The award-winning essays were written by: Edith Valdez and Julissa Hernandez (California High School), Martina Delgado (El Rancho High School), Evelina Kopt (La Serna High School), Antonette Felder (Pioneer High School), Dana Arias (Santa Fe High School), and Jessica Romero (Whittier High School).  

Additional awards presented include the prestigious PIH Health Scholarship Awards. This year, the PIH Scholarship was awarded to Briana Coquelet, a Certified Nurse Assistant student from California High School, and Jennifer Perez, a Certified Nurse Assistant student from El Rancho High School.  Briana's teacher, Ms. Elizabeth Tabb, and Jennifer's teacher, Ms. Betty Brooks, took the stage and proudly presented their students with the PIH Award of $500 each.  Ms. Tabb stated, "Briana, who is President of HOSA and very active in the Health Academy, is a leader and a wonderful example of a fair and considerate individual.  She is a true and rare treasure."  Briana will be majoring in Health Science at UCI in the Fall.  While presenting Jennifer Perez her award, Ms. Brooks stated, "Jennifer has made herself stand out among her peers by exhibiting an infectious dedication, both academically and clinically, during her training.  It is hoped that this award will help bring her one small step closer to achieving her goal in becoming a health care professional."

Karolina Briones, a Graphic Design student in Mr. Jason Ceballos' class at Whittier High School, was awarded First Place in this year's Evening of Excellence Program Cover Design Contest.  In addition to being awarded a cash prize, Briana earned bragging rights to having designed the cover of this year's event program.  Others who were honored include:

  • Lieutenant Bryan Ellis, a 28-year veteran of the Whittier Police Department, who will be retiring this year.  Lt. Ellis currently serves as Vice President of the Tri-Cities ROP Educational Foundation, the organization that co-hosts the Evening of Excellence annual event.  A former ROP instructor for the Criminal Justice program, Lt. Ellis has volunteered his services and has worked tirelessly to promote our programs for many, many years.  We are going to miss him tremendously when he leaves us in July to join the ranks of the retired.  We thank him for all that he has done for the countless number of students over the years, and wish him the very best in his retirement. 
  • Ms. Elizabeth Tabb, Certified Nurse Assistant Instructor, California High School, has worked for TCROP for 10 years, and has provided exceptional instruction, in both classroom and clinical training, for our students in the Health Academy.
  • Ms. Therese Kennedy, Director of Educational Services, will also be retiring this year.  This announcement came to the surprise of many, who were both saddened to hear the news that she would soon be leaving Tri-Cities ROP, but also happy because all of us who know Therese know she will surely have a long and fun-filled retirement.  Therese's expertise in the curriculum and instruction arena, along with her happy-go-lucky personality and bubbly laugh will be missed by all of us and will make finding a "replacement" nearly impossible.
  • Classified Employee of the Year - Ms. Lupe Guerra, Tri-Cities ROP Budget Analyst is a truly dedicated employee who is passionate about supporting the mission of TCROP.  Her cheerful attitude and diligent work ethic has gained her admiration of all her co-workers.  She consistently strives to do the best work possible and supports learning in the classroom.  
  • Teacher of the Year - Mr. Mike Davis, Lead Teacher, Administration of Justice Academy has made many contributions to the students.  He has been with Tri-Cities ROP for 16 years and is currently the lead teacher for the Academy and holds the rank of Captain at Whittier Police Department.  He exemplifies the attributes essential for a career in public service. 

The 25th Annual Evening of Excellence was truly a memorable night.  We invite you to visit our website and Facebook page to view the video and photos of the event and, while you're on Facebook, please take the time to "Like us!"  We're proud of what we've done collectively over the last 25 years and hope the next 25 years are just as successful and memorable! 

undefined

Superintendent Tracie Zerpoli announces the retirement of two honored ROP employees, Ms. Therese Kennedy, Director of Educational Services, and long-time CNA Instructor Liz Tabb, California High School Health Academy, who is pictured at left.

undefined

2019 Evening of Excellence Plans Already Underway

Yes, it's true!  Just as we closed the chapter of our first 25 years of An Evening of Excellence, the next chapter has already begun!  We hope to surpass this year's fundraising efforts of $10,000, by 5%.  Who's up for the challenge? Do you think we can reach $10,500??  To get started, we have placed a "Spare Change" jar at the ROP office.  If you have a place where you keep your spare change, why not consider dropping it in our jar the next time you stop by the ROP office?  Donations of any dollar amount will be greatly appreciated!  

Is There a Doctor in the House?

Yes, there is!  Mr. Kristen Ross, Sports Medicine and Medical Core Instructor at El Rancho High School, recently received his Doctor of Science degree in Health Science with High Distinction with a Certificate in Leadership and Organization Behavior  from the A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona. We are proud to have yet another teacher/doctor on our team.  This is a great accomplishment and serves as an inspiration to all of us who aspire to be life-long learners.  Congratulations, Dr. Ross!
undefined

Cal High Health Academy Students Pass State Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Exam

A lot of success happening at the Cal High Health Academy!  On Thursday, May 24th, the Cal High Health Academy held its annual Awards Ceremony, where students received awards for citizenship and academic excellence.  The Juniors who met all of the Health Academy requirements received their pins, while the Seniors received their medals.  Ms. Katy Gould Demerjian proudly reported that a total of 42 students passed the State Certified Nursing Assistant exam and received their CNA pins!  Congratulations from all of us at Tri-Cities ROP!  We are so proud of you!

The results of the HOSA Leadership elections were announced.  The following students were elected to the 2018/2019 HOSA Council:

  • Brisa Hernandez, President
  • Logan Cluff, Vice President
  • Brenda Rocha, Secretary
  • Elizabeth Campa, Treasurer
  • Marc Vargas, Publicity
  • Erick Perez, Historian
  • Alejandra Rico, Member
  • Alyssa Villa, Member
  • Ashley Hinojos, Member
  • Carol Agcaoili, Member
  • Ariana Pinon, Member
  • Francheska Rivera, Member
  • Exy Rios, Member

undefined

undefined

Computer Coding Instructor Shares Exciting News

First-time ROP instructor, Ms. Pia Ribbe, shares good news from the Ellen Ochoa Prep Academy in Pico Rivera. On April 18th, Ms. Ribbe was given the awesome opportunity to take her Computer Coding students to a private tour of Google in Irvine.  Needless to say, everyone who took the tour was blown away, and the students are still talking about the experience to this day! 

Ms. Ribbe was recently awarded an Oracle Academy scholarship!  Out of the 500+ applicants, she was selected for this scholarship which allows her to attend the 2018 Computer Science Teachers Association's Annual Conference in Omaha.  She was also awarded a grant to attend the 2018 Education Discovery Forum in Omaha, in conjunction with the CSTA Conference, which is sponsored by the National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center.  We are so proud of you, Ms. Ribbe, and wish you safe travels to this conference in July!  

On a personal note, Ms. Ribbe is the proud parent of a son who made it through the rigorous application process and was accepted to Troy Tech High School in Fullerton.  It's obvious that the apple of her eye, Brian (Pia's son), didn't fall far from the tree!  

undefined

undefined

CHS Forensic Students Place 2nd in Public Service Challenge

Congratulations are in order for the California High School Forensics Team for placing Second in the First Annual La Habra High School Public Service Challenge at La Habra High School!  Mr. Mike Hinson, prepared the CHS Forensics Team comprised of Victoria Soriano, Sadie Rios, and Hailey Lopez for the event which included the processing of a mock crime scene and the evidence collected.  Mr. Hinson stated that this is a very tough, challenging competition and he was very pleased with his team's performance.  He congratulated all of the participants and hoped that next year other TCROP public service teachers will be able to compete as well. 

undefined

El Rancho EMR Students Inspire Future Dons

Ms. Patricia McCaw's Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) students were front and center at this year's Future Dons Night.  The students set up their gear in the quad and welcomed next year's Freshmen as they and their parents came to get a preview of their future home at The Ranch.  Ms. McCaw's students shared their experiences in ROP classes and demonstrated their CPR skills.

Pioneer High School Digital Design/Digital Publishing Students Bring Home Cash Awards for Contest Entries

Three talented students in Ms. Diana Mendoza's Digital Design/Digital Publishing at Pioneer High School need to make some extra room on their shelves and in their pockets for the awards and cash they received for having submitted winning entries in this year's PIASC RAISE Foundation Contest. The winners were:

  • Shirley Olivares - Won a $500 award for "A Day in the Life of a Hippo" entry
  • Brianeth Garcia - Won a $250 award for "A Day in the Life of Lily the Giraffe" entry
  • Cynthia Peraza - Won a $100 award for "A Day Under the Sea" entry


Shirley Olivares and Ms. Mendoza attended the PIASC RAISE Foundation awards dinner on May 24 at Tamayo Restaurant in Los Angeles.  "It was a really nice evening, stated Ms. Mendoza.  It is always nice to see the kids get rewarded for all of their hard work."

undefined
undefined

Pioneer Art Show Showcases Incredible Student Talent

All of Ms. Mendoza's Digital Design/Digital Publishing students were represented in this year's Pioneer High School Art Show!  Digital Design 1 had a variety of projects on display, including lyric posters, identity packages, CD packages, magazines, and coloring books; while Digital Design 2 students had their children's storybooks display.  Digital Publishing students had their class project, Humans of Pioneer, showcased.  This project required the students to photograph and interview students they didn't know.  We then assembled their photos and quotes in Photoshop.  A book was also created from this project!  The students' work was very well received and many of the attendees had the highest praise for this endeavor.  "I am extremely proud of the work my kids produce and loved having the opportunity to show it off," said Ms. Mendoza. 
undefined

undefined

PHS Professional Dance Students Delight Judges and Crowd at Miss Dance Drill Team International

On Saturday, April 6, two Pioneer High School Professional Dance students participated in the Miss Dance Drill Team International Pageant in Irvine.  Their performances did not disappoint!  Maia Lam received a  scholarship and plaque for attaining High Point Overall in her division; while Ashley Mendoza received a plaque for her Outstanding Performance.  Their teacher, Ms. Christine Avila, was thrilled for both of these students whose passion for dance shines through each of their performances.

undefined

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to all those putting another candle on their birthday cake in June and July:


  • Daniel Barajas (June 6)
  • Faye Munoz (June 8)
  • Valerie Lopez (June 12)
  • Sam Knaak (June 18)
  • Arnie Esquivel (June 28)
  • Jeff Whetstone (July 3)
  • Peter Krause (July 4)
  • Kristen Ross (July 9)
  • Maria Moreno (July 13)
  • Bill Buttinelli (July 15)
  • Therese Kennedy (July 17)
  • Kathy Abell (July 28)

Have a Fun Summer, But...

...remember to mark your calendars for important Back-to-School dates!


  • New Teacher Institute (August 2 - 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) - TCROP Multi-Purpose Room
  • WUHSD New Teacher Power (August 6 & 7 - 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) - WUHSD District Office, Room 221
  • TCROP Back-to-School Fall Inservice (August 8 - 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) - PHS Cafeteria
  • TCROP Fall PLC (August 9 - 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) - TCROP
  • After-School Class Meeting (After-School Teachers only) (August 9 - 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) - TCROP Multi-Purpose Room
  • Work-Based Learning Meeting (Clinical/Internship/Community Classroom Teachers only) (August 9 - 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - TCROP Multi-Purpose Room
  • Freshmen First Day (August 14)
  • First Day of School (August 15)
  • Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) (HOSA/SkillsUSA/DECA/FBLA Advisors only) (August 23 - 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - TCROP Multi-Purpose Room
  • "Read It and Reap" Book Club - (September 4 - 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - TCROP Multi-Purpose Room
undefined

Got Goals?  Need Inspiration to Achieve Them?  Listen to This!

Happy Graduation, Class of 2018!  Be Bold.  Be Brave.  Make the World a Better Place!


Click on the TCROP button to get to Tri-Cities ROP website.  See what you may be missing!  There is a lot of interesting and fun information there!


© Tri-Cities ROP

You are receiving this email because you have opted to receive newsletters from us.

Address:

Tri-Cities ROP, Ben Avon Street, Unit E
Whittier, CA, 90606
United States
Phone: 562-698-9571