May 2017 

IvY ChRONICLE  

 Table of Contents 

Teacher and Staff - 2 Dr. Wesley’s Resignation - 3 

Senior Interviews - 5 Welcome to a New year - 6 

Prom - 7 The End of the year - 8 

Girls’ Softball - 9    

      

              

1 

 

Teachers and Staff Awards 

Lorien Ochsmann 

 

Ivy has a reputation of honoring teachers and staff that have dedicated themselves to the school and to the students. Recently, there was a board meeting in which teachers were recognised for working at Ivy for more than ve years: Shauntae Washington, Nina Scarpelli, Denise Resendez, So a Rogelberg, Riche Suarez, Thomas Danaher, and Desiree quivias. They have dev ed many years to our education and we would like to thank them for that.    

Also honored at the meeting: an individual that has taught our students for six great years. Erin Lanagan, one of our beloved high school teachers, has announced her retirement a er a long career of teaching and mentoring students. We will miss her greatly, but are glad she has reached this milestone. We interviewed Ms. Lanagan to see how her experience at Ivy was. “I learned so much,” she told us, “Every year I’ve learned from her teachers… there’s a l to learn about managing a classroom and reaching the goals you really want to set for [the students].” Ms. Lanagan is loved by many students, and we will miss having her knowledge in the the classroom.  

Elenna Turner, a member of our board, is also leaving a er helped lead our school for a number of years. Finally, Dr. Caroline Wesley was recognized for her years as executive director and is now departing from Ivy a er many years of leadership.  More about Dr. Caroline Wesley’s departure on the ne page.    

2 

 

Dr. Wesley’s Resignation Interview 

Lauren Vanderpool 

 

Dr. Wesley, our current executive director, started at Ivy as a Deputy Executive Director in 2011. She became the Executive Director in 2012, and has tirelessly served our school for a wonder l six years. We have interviewed her to learn about her experience here at Ivy:  Q: What is your favorite memory from your time here?  A: “I have so many favorite memories at Ivy. Some of my favorite memories include celebrating all the successes we have had at Ivy in the last six years: WASC Accreditation, LAUSD Visits, Sports Championships, Awards Assemblies, winning the lawsuit against LAUSD for Prop. 39, E-Conventions, amazing lessons and laughs.”  Q: What are your plans a er Ivy?  A: “My family and I are moving to the Reno area in Nevada. We have worked as a family to make this possible, so we are building a log home and moving to 40 acres to homestead. It is our dream, and we have worked hard to make it a reality. I am applying for jobs, but I am open to be a teacher, principal, director or superintendent. I may just be content riding horses and growing my own food.”  Q: What will you miss most about Ivy?  A: “I will de nitely miss the people. I have loved getting to know the students and seeing how they have grown up. The Seniors are so ready to start their journey into adulthood, and I am proud that I have played a small role in that. The elementary students are precious; the middle schoolers are precocious; and the high schoolers are vivacious! I have loved getting to know and befriend many of the parents, staff, teachers and administrators. I will miss the work, the pranks, the celebrations and the commitment to making Ivy great!”  Q: What was your greatest success for the school?  A: “I am proud to have played in integral role in the work and commitment of Ivy Academia to provide a high quality, rigorous, entrepreneurial education to our students. Some of the highlights during my six-year tenure include: 

▪ Working collaboratively with SSC, ELAC, stakeholders and the Board to be scally solvent and end the scal year with a positive nd balance. 

▪ Improved overall achievement from 846 API to 863 API, decreased drop-out rate to 0% in 2016, increased graduation rate to 100%, increased college acceptance rate, and added four AP course offerings for students 

3 

 

for a t al of nine.  ▪ Mutually developed the rst Collective Bargaining Agreement with UTLA and Ivy Academia with 

principle-based bargaining. Engage with UTLA to address the concerns of the teachers while meeting the needs of the students.   

▪ Provided information and documentation to assure a summary judgement in Ivy Academia’s favor in the Ivy Academia v. LAUSD litigation for a t al of over $7.75 million. 

▪ Developed 2013 Charter Renewal Petition approved by LAUSD for a ve year term. ▪ Facilitated the 2013 WASC Mid-Term Review and achieved 2016 WASC Accreditation for a six-year term. ▪ Collaborated with Charter School Leaders in California personally and as a part of CCSA, ACSA and CSDC. ▪ Presented at LAUSD School Board meetings on issues of facilities, charter renewal and engaged in dispute 

resolution proceedings regarding co-located school sites. ▪ Applied for and received program and grants nds to support the priorities of the school to include SB 740, 

CSFIP, and NSLP. ▪ Coordinated campus moves ve times. ▪ Launched Curriculum Council to drive the work of common instructional strategies, assessments and data 

analysis with chairpersons and teacher leaders. ▪ Streamlined communication to families via phone calls, emails and website access. ▪ Assured English and Spanish translation for all school documents and conferences. ▪ tablished systems, policies and procedures to assure compliant day-to-day operations. ▪ Fostered positive relationships with LAUSD Charter School Division, landlords, vendors and community 

partners.”  Q: What message do you have for the students and faculty at Ivy Academia?  A: “My hope for Ivy is that it will go to the ne level. I hope that Ivy truly becomes a model for entrepreneurial education in the nation. I hope that every graduate of Ivy is well-prepared for the ture by teachers who challenge and support them. That every student at Ivy know that their teachers care about them and want n hing but great things for them. My job at Ivy is done. I have done what I came to do, and now it is a new opportunity for all of you. Good luck! 

‘Whether or n it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.’ 

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann  Onward and Upward! 

 Caroline E. Neuhaus Wesley, Ed.D.”  Thank you Dr. Wesley for all that you have done for our school. We will miss you so much, and hope that you will enjoy your ne great adventure!  

4 

 

Senior Interviews 

Anisha Job 

 

It’s been a long four years, and it’s almost time for the seniors to graduate! Seniors are getting ready to take the ne step in their lives and start on a new journey in college. Here are two seniors that we interviewed to get some insight on their senior experiences! 

Harel Hen  

1. How long have you been at Ivy? ● Since 3rd grade  

2. What would you say your best part of high school was? 

● Having an amazing time with friends 

3. If you could give advice to ture seniors, what would it be? 

● Do your work and do it on time, you’ll thank me later 

4. What are you planning on majoring in college? 

● Communications or psychology  

5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 

● A police o cer among the ranks of the LAPD. 

6. What has shaped your high school experience? 

● All the activities and the one on one help I g  from my teachers and peers.  

7. What will you miss about high school? 

● The atmosphere of it all. 

Kyra Perez  

1. How long have you been at Ivy? ● 5 years 

2. What would you say your best part of high school was? ● The best part of high school was being surrounded by all 

of my friends I’ve known since 8th grade and even some I’ve known since 7th grade.  

3. What were your favorite classes in high school? ● APUSH and Freshmen PE (because of the hikes) 

4. What are you planning on majoring in college? ● I plan to major in Biochemistry 

5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? ● I hope to be a success l doctor in whatever specialty I 

choose.  6. What has shaped your high school experience? 

● I think the teachers shaped my high school experience the most because they were very hands on and I was able to be put in a comfortable atmosphere where I can easily ask questions and overall get a better education. 

7. What will you miss about high school? ● I’ll mostly miss the teachers and friends I’ve made here. 

I was able to create relationships with the teachers here that most people can’t do at an her school. I’ll also miss the friends I’ve made because I’m the type of person who can’t be alone, you’ll always nd me walking and talking with a friend. I’m better with my friends.  

 

5 

 

Welcome to a New Year 

Mark Ponomaerenko 

As the school year comes to an end, our Seniors and 8th graders b h prepare for something new: 9th                                       

grade, for a new year, and 12th, for a t ally new year in a university, college, or wherever else they decide to go.                                             

Before the time came to say goodbye, we interviewed a few people from each grade to nd out what they are                                         

expecting, what they will miss, and to get some advice for new students. 

Let’s begin with the 8th graders, who will be entering their rst year of high school ne year. Some                                     

students are leaving Ivy in 9th grade, and will have an entirely new experience: a new school, with new teachers,                                       

classes, clubs, and classmates. The rest, who have decided to stay at Ivy, will migrate to the high school campus. They                                         

will have a chance to meet new teachers and classmates, and will also become able to commute between classes                                     

peace lly in larger, and therefore less crowded hallways. When asked about the best part of their year, all the 8th                                       

graders agreed that their teachers and classmates were great, and some said that the small classes were also one of                                       

the best parts of their middle school year. Ironically, the small class sizes are the very reason that some people are                                         

leaving this school ne year. A few Students said that they dislike the small classes because they are unable to meet                                         

many new people. The lack of activities and slightly large amount of homework were also n ed. 

Our Seniors were surprisingly excited about their interviews, and they generally enjoyed their years at Ivy.                               

Like most 8th graders, they like how small and friendly our student body is, and said that their teachers were great,                                         

friendly, and help l. They will undoubtedly remember these years for their entire lives. Some tips for the fresh                                   

freshmen, from our seniors: Don’t stress too much, don’t procrastinate, and get your life gured out. 

 

  

 

 

 

 

6 

 

“Be Our Guest” at Prom 2017 

Anisha Job 

 

Ivy Academia’s prom took place on Saturday, May 13th at the Castaway Restaurant in Burbank, with the 

theme of Beauty and the Beast. The seniors enjoyed their last dance, and it was great to see everyone dressed up in 

formal attire. Some of the staff also attended prom and had an amazing time. The whole banquet room was decorated 

in the Beauty and the Beast theme and color scheme, with shades of blue, red, and gold. The ph obo h created 

entertainment and allowed everyone at prom to take home ph os as a keepsake. The DJ was also one of the biggest 

parts of the night, and allowed everyone to have a great time on the dance oor. Peter Martinez and Melissa Varvaro 

were v ed prom king and queen. The night began with our fabulous meal, and was followed by dancing and n. 

Prom was de nitely a memorable night for all the seniors who attended and a great way to end their senior year! 

Thank you to all for “being our guest” at Ivy Academia’s Prom 2017!  

 

   

7 

 

The End of the Year 

Dayanirra Guillen 

 

We have nally reached the end of the year, which was quite exciting! This year was ll of hardships, 

unforgettable memories, and many n- lled events. Ivy Idol was a great success due to the people who 

auditioned and did a marvelous job on stage. The teachers had n hing but great, constructive feedback for 

this year. It is de nitely one for the books and thank lly, the Yearbook Committee was able to do that for us. 

Sports teams had a whole l of n experiencing new teams and new captains. Testing was a tiring week, but 

it did help prepare every student for the SAT and SBAC tests. SENIORS! Aren't you relieved that you guys don't 

have to stress anymore!! Welcome to your week of n hing but n. Exit interviews, junior/senior picnic day, 

beach day, breakfast, and lastly, GRAD NIGHT. Congratulations to every senior who worked their butt off this 

year. It's an absolute pleasure to have seen you grow and become passionate in what you love.  

   

8 

 

Girls Softball Makes it to Playoffs 

Hannah Wiedmann 

 This year Ivy Academia’s girls’ so ball team had an amazing season and ended it off by making it to 

playoffs. The Head Coach of the so ball team, Mr. Dombroski, kept the girls m ivated to play their 

best at every game and had them practice just as hard. All the hard work paid off at the games throughout the season 

by leading them to a season score of 7-7, and getting the girls to playoffs. They loved playing against all the her 

teams,and learned so much about so ball throughout the season. They can’t wait to play again ne year! A er the 

season ended, Coach Dombroski and the team captains said how proud they were of the team as a whole and 

complimented each player on how talented they all are. Ivy’s so ball team plans on making it again to the playoffs 

ne year, in hopes to getting even rther. They’re also looking forward to playing scrimmages during practice with 

the up and coming baseball team, which will be taking place as of ne semester. 

 

 

  

 

9