EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Fernando Elizondo, Ed.D.

Executive Director’s Message

February 2008

It’s about… race and the achievement gap heading discussions in 2008….

Last year, the term “Latino Tsunami” was coined to describe CALSA’s meteoritic growth and influence in California. As we went through our many activities and events throughout the year the term grew in popularity. 2008 will continue in that same vain with another banner year of activities and expectations running high...

We started the year with a most successful annual leadership dinner where a record 192 CALSA members enjoyed the serenity and beauty of the Tehama Golf Club nestled in the Monterey foothills. The evening was highlighted by the presentation of CALSA’s most prestigious award to Mr. Andy Matsui as the 2008 Distinguished Leadership recipient. The Matsui Foundation annually awards fourteen $40,000.00 college scholarships to seniors in Monterey County. The scholarships are funded through his foundation and will be continued in future years through his estate.

Monterey’s Cannery Row was the setting of our second annual Focus on Results Symposium. Forty-one educators and twenty corporate representatives met in February over a two day period to discuss, learn and refine best instructional practices and curricular strategies affecting Latino children.

An exciting change this year, as our Executive board has amended our By-laws and now will be more directly involved in the operations and activities of our Association...

Interest is gaining for our 2008 Summer Institute slated for July 23-25 at the Hilton Torrey Pines in La Jolla. …This year the focus will be Latino student achievement and school leadership…We expect another record attendance this summer!

University scholarships to graduating seniors will continue into its third year…I’m happy to report we’ve awarded a total of 18 scholarships in the last two years.

We’ll continue “to honor our” at our Annual reception on Thursday November 6 in San Diego.

This year there is renewed focus on issues surrounding the achievement gap...you’ll see and read our support and discussions about race and the achievement gap...

Under the stewardship of Dr. Magdaleno our statewide-recognized administrator mentoring program enters into its fifth year with interviews and selection of a cohort of mentors and protégés.

Definitely, this year is really about another… Latino tsunami………. we welcome each and every one to join the CALSA familia in supporting our mission of advocacy, networking and mentoring.

Adelante……to 2008