“No matter what the statistics say…there’s always a way.”
- Bernard Siegel
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Academic Performance Index (API) Going Up for Palisades' Schools
"Four of the five public schools in Pacific Palisades improved their Academic Performance Index (API) scores, and Marquez Charter Elementary School made the most significant gains, according to results released on Monday by the California Department of Education.
For the second year in a row, Marquez Elementary led the way among Palisades schools. In 2009, Marquez increased its score by 31 points to 906, and this year, the school improved its mark by 14 points to 920.
API is a state standard that measures every public school's progress from year to year, and it is based on test results from the Standardized Testing and Reporting program (STAR) and the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE).
Students in second through 11th grade take a series of tests in math, English, history and science as part of the STAR program. The CAHSEE is first administered in the 10th grade, and students who do not pass can retake the test in the 11th and 12th grades. API scores range from 200 to 1,000, with the goal that all schools statewide reach 800.
'I'm thrilled,' Principal Phillip Hollis told the Palisadian-Post. 'It shows the hard work we are doing despite the budget cuts.'
After the Los Angeles Unified School District cut the school's funding for general and special education, Marquez parents raised enough money to pay for two teachers, which allowed the school to keep class sizes averaging 25 students.
Hollis also credited his teachers, saying they do an excellent job of providing struggling students with additional help. He pointed to the success of the CATCH (Caring Adults Teaching Children How) program, where adult volunteers from the Palisades community mentor at-risk third, fourth and fifth graders in reading or math. About 35 students and 25 volunteers participated in the program.
This school year, the CATCH program will be expanded to include the second grade, and teachers will continue to focus on technology by having their students use laptops and iPods in the classroom. Hollis hopes these efforts will improve the school's API score even more. "
For a detailed look at the four schools making improvements, see The Palisadian-Post's original article, "Four Palisades Schools Raise API Scores" by Danielle Gillespie, 9/16/2010
For the second year in a row, Marquez Elementary led the way among Palisades schools. In 2009, Marquez increased its score by 31 points to 906, and this year, the school improved its mark by 14 points to 920.
API is a state standard that measures every public school's progress from year to year, and it is based on test results from the Standardized Testing and Reporting program (STAR) and the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE).
Students in second through 11th grade take a series of tests in math, English, history and science as part of the STAR program. The CAHSEE is first administered in the 10th grade, and students who do not pass can retake the test in the 11th and 12th grades. API scores range from 200 to 1,000, with the goal that all schools statewide reach 800.
'I'm thrilled,' Principal Phillip Hollis told the Palisadian-Post. 'It shows the hard work we are doing despite the budget cuts.'
After the Los Angeles Unified School District cut the school's funding for general and special education, Marquez parents raised enough money to pay for two teachers, which allowed the school to keep class sizes averaging 25 students.
Hollis also credited his teachers, saying they do an excellent job of providing struggling students with additional help. He pointed to the success of the CATCH (Caring Adults Teaching Children How) program, where adult volunteers from the Palisades community mentor at-risk third, fourth and fifth graders in reading or math. About 35 students and 25 volunteers participated in the program.
This school year, the CATCH program will be expanded to include the second grade, and teachers will continue to focus on technology by having their students use laptops and iPods in the classroom. Hollis hopes these efforts will improve the school's API score even more. "
For a detailed look at the four schools making improvements, see The Palisadian-Post's original article, "Four Palisades Schools Raise API Scores" by Danielle Gillespie, 9/16/2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Protect Yourself When Filing A Home Insurance Claim
Most people buy homeowners insurance and then go years without filing a claim. When the need arises, they may not know where to start. Here’s good advice from the Insurance Information Institute:
Call your insurance agent. He or she should guide you through the process.
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Save the receipts; you will be reimbursed.
Make a list of the things lost and damaged and take photos if possible.
If you need to move out of the house until repairs are made, save lodging and restaurant receipts. They, too, may be reimbursed. Your insurance company will do the rest. They will provide you with a claims form and will send an insurance adjustor to inspect the damage and prepare an estimate for repairs.
There is one exception to this sequence:
If the damage is the result of vandalism or burglary, call the police. You will need a police report for the claims process.
Call your insurance agent. He or she should guide you through the process.
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Save the receipts; you will be reimbursed.
Make a list of the things lost and damaged and take photos if possible.
If you need to move out of the house until repairs are made, save lodging and restaurant receipts. They, too, may be reimbursed. Your insurance company will do the rest. They will provide you with a claims form and will send an insurance adjustor to inspect the damage and prepare an estimate for repairs.
There is one exception to this sequence:
If the damage is the result of vandalism or burglary, call the police. You will need a police report for the claims process.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Tax Laws Scheduled to Change in 2011...
These changes are scheduled for 2011 unless Congress changes or extends the existing tax laws, which is probable to happen before the end of 2010.
Higher Tax Rates
Beginning in 2011, tax rates that were in effect prior to 2001 return. The top income tax rate goes back to 39.6 percent, and the special low 10 percent bracket is eliminated. Whether this will actually happen will be at the heart of a spirited battle in Congress during 2010.
Estate Tax Revived
For individuals dying after 2010, the federal estate tax returns with a $1,000,000 exemption and a 50 percent maximum rate. Congress is likely to take some action on these rules during 2010.
Increase in Capital Gains and Dividend Tax Rates
The tax rate reductions for long-term capital gains and dividends is scheduled to expire this year.
In 2011, the maximum long-term capital gains tax rate goes back up to 20 percent from 15 percent. A lower 10 percent tax rate is used by individuals who are in the 15 percent tax bracket. Their long-term capital gains had been tax-free since 2008.
In 2011, dividend income (other than capital gain distributions from mutual funds) is taxed as ordinary income at your highest marginal tax rate.
Child Tax Credit
The credit of $1,000 per eligible child reverts to $500 after 2010. After 2010, none of the child tax credit will be refundable to taxpayers unless their earned income is more than $12,550. This is one of the many Bush tax cuts currently scheduled to expire after 2010.
Payroll Tax Credit
Starting in 2011, the partial credit for payroll taxes paid is no longer available.
Section 179 Expense Deduction
The maximum amount of equipment placed in service that businesses can expense drops to $25,000, down from $135,000 in 2010.
College Savings Plans
Beginning in 2011, 529 Plans can no longer be tapped tax-free to pay for a computer or Internet access.
Tax Credit for College Tuition
The Hope credit is again limited to the first two years of college and is capped at $1,800. None of the credit is refundable if it is more than your regular income tax liability.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Temporary increases in the Earned Income Tax Credit for filers with three or more children and the higher income levels for the phaseout of the credit are repealed.
Mortgage Insurance Premiums
The special itemized deduction for mortgage insurance premiums paid on mortgages taken out after 2006 expires on Dec. 31, 2010.
Higher Tax Rates
Beginning in 2011, tax rates that were in effect prior to 2001 return. The top income tax rate goes back to 39.6 percent, and the special low 10 percent bracket is eliminated. Whether this will actually happen will be at the heart of a spirited battle in Congress during 2010.
Estate Tax Revived
For individuals dying after 2010, the federal estate tax returns with a $1,000,000 exemption and a 50 percent maximum rate. Congress is likely to take some action on these rules during 2010.
Increase in Capital Gains and Dividend Tax Rates
The tax rate reductions for long-term capital gains and dividends is scheduled to expire this year.
In 2011, the maximum long-term capital gains tax rate goes back up to 20 percent from 15 percent. A lower 10 percent tax rate is used by individuals who are in the 15 percent tax bracket. Their long-term capital gains had been tax-free since 2008.
In 2011, dividend income (other than capital gain distributions from mutual funds) is taxed as ordinary income at your highest marginal tax rate.
Child Tax Credit
The credit of $1,000 per eligible child reverts to $500 after 2010. After 2010, none of the child tax credit will be refundable to taxpayers unless their earned income is more than $12,550. This is one of the many Bush tax cuts currently scheduled to expire after 2010.
Payroll Tax Credit
Starting in 2011, the partial credit for payroll taxes paid is no longer available.
Section 179 Expense Deduction
The maximum amount of equipment placed in service that businesses can expense drops to $25,000, down from $135,000 in 2010.
College Savings Plans
Beginning in 2011, 529 Plans can no longer be tapped tax-free to pay for a computer or Internet access.
Tax Credit for College Tuition
The Hope credit is again limited to the first two years of college and is capped at $1,800. None of the credit is refundable if it is more than your regular income tax liability.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Temporary increases in the Earned Income Tax Credit for filers with three or more children and the higher income levels for the phaseout of the credit are repealed.
Mortgage Insurance Premiums
The special itemized deduction for mortgage insurance premiums paid on mortgages taken out after 2006 expires on Dec. 31, 2010.
Are Your Side Mirrors Adjusted Correctly?
Side mirrors are there to cover your blind spot while driving and not to see what is in the rear; for that you have the front rear view mirror. Many accidents happen because most people adjust their side mirrors improperly, hence missing the blind spots at the sides of the car.
New Listing: Beautiful Cape-Cod Style House near Pacific Palisades' Village
776 Radcliffe Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA
Remodeled 4-Bedroom Cape Cod-Style Near Village
Remodeled 4-Bedroom Cape Cod-Style Near Village
$1,750,000
For pictures and information of this and other wonderful properties
please go to Michael Edlen's Featured Homes webpage
Improve Your Life With This Easy Step
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| Find many more great tips at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Lifestyle website! |
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