CONTEST

The National PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program that provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a pre-selected theme.  Themes are selected from hundreds of ideas submitted by students to the PTA Reflections Program Theme Search.

Students participate in the Reflections Program by submitting entries to a local PTA or PTSA. Entries will be judged at the school level and the winners will be sent along for further competition at the PTA District (San Gabriel Valley) and State Levels.  Prizes will be awarded to the top four LCHS winners in each of the six categories.

Click here for the Official Entry Forms, which includes guidelines and rules for each category.  Be sure to check the guidelines for each category; there are strict size and format specifications which must be followed.  Applications and entries will accepted in the front office from September 19th through 3 PM, November 4th, 2011.  

Please contact PTA Reflections Chair, Christine Chant at Christinechant@aol.com if you should have any questions.

FOUNDERS DAY

Founders Day provides an opportunity to recognize and appreciate those whom, through their efforts and achievements, prove themselves true advocates for our children. Their ongoing dedication and hard work seek no reward, which is the most compelling reason to show them our gratitude. You can nominate a teacher, staff member, or parent, anyone that you feel goes above and beyond the call of duty for our 7/8 Founders Day Award.

Nomination forms are available here through November 18th.

RED RIBBON WEEK

In 1985, Red Ribbon Week was created to honor the memory of the Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who was an 11 year veteran with the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration, known as the DEA. Agent Camarena had been working undercover in Mexico for over four years where he was on the trail of the country's biggest marijuana and cocaine traffickers. In 1985, he was extremely close to unlocking a multi-billion dollar drug pipeline. On February 7, 1985, he was kidnapped, brutally tortured, and murdered by Mexican drug traffickers. His tragic death opened the eyes of many Americans to the dangers of drugs and the international scope of the drug trade.
 
The dramatic events that followed Agent Camarena's disappearance were chronicled in the US national media. The public grieved as they watched Agent Camarena's coffin being carried from a military plane as his young widow and children watched. In Agent Camarena's home town of Calexico, California, the outpouring of support turned in to an organized community response in which citizens donned red ribbons. Shortly after Kiki's death, Congressman Duncan Hunter and Kiki's high school friend Henry Lozano launched "Camarena Clubs". Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor his sacrifice.
 
The following year the California State PTA adopted the Red Ribbon campaign. Then, in 1988 Red Ribbon Week was recognized nationally with President Ronald and First Lady Nancy Reagan serving as the Honorary Chairs. Today, the Red Ribbon Celebration brings millions together to raise awareness regarding the need for alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention, early intervention, and treatment services.

For parents, Red Ribbon Week presents a unique opportunity to talk honestly with their teens about illegal drugs and underage drinking. The Community Prevention Council, started by concerned La Cañada parents, offers many resources to help families tackle this often difficult subject. Please check out their website: http://www.wmadigital.com/cpc/index.htm