Authors Janet Tashjian and P.T. Evans rocked the house early Wednesday morning with a summer reading kick off here at Vintage! Students came out to the yard with their classes to see the 5th grade culmination practice and got a wonderful surprise right beforehand.
 
Both authors rallied the crowd and got them excited talking about the importance of reading and writing!
Kids answered questions and books were given away to the crowd.  P.T. Evans shared briefly about his book series, “Emoji Adventures” and “Minecat” which are both illustrated by Ms. Tashjian’s son, Jake. Ms. Tashjian shared about her new book, “Sticker Girl” too!  The kids went wild when Mr. Evans put on his Minecraft and Poop Emoji masks and took photos with the crowd!
 
Mrs. Forbes, our librarian was given bookmarks to give away and the students were invited to go onto the website, www.montagepublishing.com  to read more about the Summer Reading Program and to print up a summer reading log.
 
Ms. Tashjian and Mr. Evans left the crowd  feeling excited about reading and they hope to return to Vintage in the fall to share more about their books!

Fifth grade student, Bethany C. had the honor of receiving the Phyllis Bennett Library Award for 2016 at Vintage. Each year, our librarian Mrs. Forbes has the opportunity to apply for this award for one student. This student is chosen for showing a love of reading and the library.
 
This year the award was given to Bethany because, according to Mrs. Forbes, she showed great improvement in her reading, was reading large volumes quite rapidly, was a stellar Student Librarian, and had a great love and appreciation of the library. Mrs. Forbes quoted Bethany as saying, “I wish I could stay in the library forever!”
 
Bethany received a certificate, a reading pin, and a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble to purchase her own books.  Author Janet Tashjian also autographed and donated one of each of the books in her “My Life As” series.
 
Bethany was surprised to receive her award at the 5th grade culmination practice and was able to share the experience with Vintage students and staff and seven of her family members.
 
The award is given in memory of Phyllis Bennett who served as a Teacher Librarian in LAUSD for 35 years. Mrs. Bennett retired from Patrick Henry Middle School and was remembered as a loving, caring librarian with a huge heart and a great sense of humor. Many thanks to Alan Bennett, her husband, for providing this award each year.

Friday, June 10th, 2016, Vintage witnessed our youngest students culminating from Kindergarten.  Since not all will be attending Vintage in 1st grade,  we hope they enjoyed their first year at school on our Vintage campus and wish them much success. Below is are some photos and a video - could they be any cuter! 

We would also like to mention that outside of the classroom, many of our students came to love and respect Coach Walter Sanchez in the after school program.  For six years he coordinated many after school events including coaching multiple winning sports teams.  We are sure all that know him will wish him much success in his new career as a Coldwell Banker realtor. 

Student and Vintage families, enjoy the lazy days of summer because before you know it, August 16th - 8:15AM will be here!

Members of the 5th Grade Vintage Magnet Student Team Of Reporters and Meteorologists group (STORM) use puppets to present weather related jokes and associated researched details for your entertainment.

 The time has come when Vintage needs to say good bye to students for whom we have seen grow into wonderful young men and ladies.  As you reach for the stars we wish you all the best in middle school and wherever life may take you. Fondly, The Vintage Staff.

Click here to view some photos from our 2016 Culmination.

Principal Nancy Mourao's Speech:
WELCOME
Good morning.  Welcome to Vintage Magnet School’s fifth grade culmination program.  This is our celebration of six years of hard work and dedication on the part of these students to reach this special day.
 
On behalf of the class, I would like to thank some wonderful people who helped make today possible:
 
It is my pleasure to introduce the teachers for this culminating class:
 
 
Mrs. Moorman,                Mrs. Rios            Mrs. Maar
 
Mrs. Hall                 and                     Mr. Moreno
 
Thank you teachers….
 
 
I would also like to thank Jeannie Doidge for her tremendous work in preparing the programs, certificates, and awards.  Thank you Jeannie.
 
Thank you Alton Wingfield and Hal Reinitz, our custodian staff who continue to support our teachers and students by preparing the set up of the stage and sound system.  In addition, they work so hard keeping our school a beautiful place.  Whenever I call, they answer!  Thanks!
 
Our after school leader, Walter Sanchez and several of the coaches are here today.  Thanks to them for all the enrichment they bring to many of our our students.  Please stand or wave.  Thanks!
 
In addition, I want to express my appreciation to the parents and families of our students because with your support our students are well prepared to move on to middle school, high school, and college.  Please continue to support your child’s efforts.  Your guidance and interest will make the difference in their future.
 
Parents, I also want to mention how impressed I was with the speeches that you are about to hear from each of the classes. Each student did an outstanding job capturing the essence of what makes Vintage a special place. Listening to them deliver their speeches during rehearsal reassured me that our mission and core values have had a meaningful impact on our students while they have been in our care.  
 
Boys and Girls, the theme you have chosen for your culmination this year is
 
“Reach for the Stars”.
 
Students, as you leave Vintage, remember all that you were taught and continue to feverishly embrace new learning as it is time for you to prepare yourself in Middle School and High School for college and careers.
 
Reach for the stars, as a starting point.  Never underestimate your potential or capabilities.  At Vintage Magnet, we have prepared you for the academic rigor that awaits in middle and high school.  You have learned how to read, write, critique the reasoning of others, debate, share, respond, multiply, divide, add, subtract, analyze, compare and of course FRACTIONS!  DECIMALS!  Use all of your knowledge to make high marks, participate in after school activities, and lead others by your example. 
 
You have already seen the footprints on the moon.  Think of the teachers who guided you and helped you to learn new and challenging ideas. Remember the fun and exciting projects they assigned you and appreciate the high standards they expected of you. 
Vintage Magnet is a very special school.  You have had amazing opportunities that have contributed to your success.  Also remember your classmates, teacher assistants, Principals, Mrs. Stone, Mrs. Forbes, and all the people who make Vintage a special place, and also the special events like NASA Night, Garden Club, Robotics, Making Movies that Matter, Endangered Animal Clubs, Author Visits, Techie Tuesday, to name a few. When you look back on your time here at Vintage, appreciate the unique and valuable experience that you have had. Know that it was truly special.
 
You are like the comets which were once thought to have brought water to Earth thousands of years ago.  Just like these comets brought life, live your life as a beacon of kind words and positive behavior.  I know several of you read the book “Wonder,” this year as did I.  I share the belief that what matters most in life is how you treat others.  Remember to be kind to others.  Use your words and actions to support and encourage others.  Embrace diversity and share kindness with all who come in to your life.
 
Most importantly, find your place in the Solar System.  In seven years, you will graduate from High School.  We have focused our efforts on preparing each of you for college and careers.  Now the hard work begins as you courageously embark on your own adventures as you leave Vintage.
 
Last year, I had the honor of meeting Astronaut Jose Hernandez who spoke at our Principal Institute.  As a young child, he lived half of the year in La Piedad, Mexico and half in the United States.  He worked alongside his family and many other farm workers through the fields of California, harvesting crops and moving from one town to another. 
 
Each November, his father told him to go to school and ask the teacher for 3 months of homework because the family returned to Mexico for the Holidays.  One time, when Jose went to ask for three months of homework, his teacher told Jose that she needed to talk with his father. 
 
The family was excited that the teacher was coming to their home.  They made preparations for a week.  When the teacher met with the father, she explained to him how moving all of the time was affecting the children’s learning.  The father did not agree with the teacher.
 
So the teacher repeated this sentiment many times and finally exasperated with the father’s resolve, she told the father a story about 3 trees.  The trees were planted, watered, and cared for.  But, after 3 months, the trees were moved to another location.  They were watered and cared for, but again after 2 or 3 months the trees were uprooted and replanted again.  The teacher asked the father who was an expert with plants, how these 3 trees’ growth would compare to three trees that were allowed to take root and grow.  He said that the trees that were allowed to take root would grow taller and stronger.
        
Immediately, his father understood the importance of the family staying in one place and from that point on the family did not change schools ever again.  In school, Jose became interested in space travel and at nights he would often look at the constellations and dream of visiting another planet.  One night, Jose told his father that he would travel to space. 
        
He accomplished this goal, but it took many years.  He graduated from High School and went on to obtain his master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering.  Jose joined the Johnson Space Center, in Houston Texas.  He applied for the Astronaut Candidate Training program for 3 years and was turned down 11 times.  In order to be selected, he learned to speak Russian, obtained his pilot’s license, and became a licensed underwater diver.     
        
Finally, on August 28, 2009 he launched with the Space Shuttle as a mission specialist and his parents and teacher who spoke with his father many years before were there to watch.   Jose Hernandez, Astronaut, Engineer, and son of migrant farm workers reached for the stars.  He accomplished his dream and never gave up.
 
Fifth Graders, this inspirational story can be any of you.  Reach for the stars!   You will succeed because somewhere along the way, a parent or teacher instilled in you the belief that you can. We are proud of you and your accomplishments and look forward to hearing about your success!

A culminating event titled "Mitchell Englander's Youth Short Film Festival" was held at the Valley Performing Arts Center at Cal State University, Northridge on May 19th, 2016.  Participating school in the Making Movies that Matter program (MMtM)  were able to submit a movie for review.  Winning movies were shown and awards were given out.  Although Vintage did not win an award, our students participating in this pilot program had a wonderful experience learning about movie making theory, hardware, and software.  Many of the Vintage's MMtM student participants along with Principal, Mrs. Mourao,  attending this premier event and had a wonderful time.   There were Sponsor Booths, School Exhibits, Music, Refreshments, Attractions, Red Carpet, Step-and-Repeat, and Photo Ops.  A big thank you to Vintage staff, Mrs. Stone and Mrs. Buck who assisted with this program and to our knowledgeable Artist in Residence, Mr. Corey Gates, who taught the MMtM lessons at Vintage.  We would also like to thank Apple Computer for hosting a Movie Making Camp evening for our students and providing movie making equipment.

Want to see some of the Making Movies that Matter student movies from participating schools?  According to Ron Rubin of Councilman Mitchell Englander's office, most of the films have been uploaded to YouTube and can be found by searching Making Movies that Matter. We are continuing to add more content daily. 

Watch Vintage's movie called Alien Invasion below.

Thank you Mr. Diankoff for the photos.

First, we would like to congratulate 4th grader Matthew K. from room 13.  He is Vintage Magnet's  top typist this 2015-2016 school year reaching a level of 29 adjusted words per minute using Mavis Beacons Teaches Typing.  He credits some of his success to practicing at home. 

Over this summer, we encourage students with access to a normal keyboard to practice their touch typing (typing without looking).  Parents have your students go to our VintageMagnet.net website keyboarding links and practice.  Try covering their hands with a dish towel and challenge them to type.  This is a wonderful skill and will benefit them in the years to come.

Vintage playground areas are going to be updated thanks to former Vintage student, Joe Blair, who has chosen as his Eagle Scout project to update some of Vintage's playground areas, especially in the kindergarten area.  He want to thank all of you that came out on Monday, May 16, to Presto Pasta for lunch or dinner.  Twenty percent of those purchases went to help fund his project.  In addition, Joe has a Go Fund me page where you can learn more about his plan for improvements.  Every dollar contributed will be appreciated - no donation to small!

Joe Blair's - Vintage Go Fund Me Link

Thank you for your support!

Mr. List of Sylmar High school (and a Vintage grandparent) invites students to enroll in a free 5-session summer camp on July 11 to 15, 2016 from 9 AM to 1 PM. Enroll now as space is limited.  Mr. List of Sylmar High School Horticulture Program along with Seeds of Hope will hold this summer camp at the St. Simon's Episcopal Church at 623 North Hagar Street., San Fernando, CA 91340.  Each day of this 5-session summer camp will feature exciting gardening lessons, cooking classes, hands-on projects, fun fitness, and delicious, healthy food! 

CLICK HERE TO ENROLL