“February is the border between winter and spring.” Terri Guillemets It is February 4, 2019! I look forward to all of the wonderful and exciting things that we will do this month. Please look at the information provided to you in the Panther Paw for monthly activities. This month we celebrate Black History, American Heart, and Children’s Dental Health. I want you to take time to review and rediscover what these very special awareness promotions are all about. Share with your friends and family all that you have learned about these three things. On a much more serious note, I would like to take this occasion to recognize the passing of the former Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Michelle King the first African American woman to lead the District. She worked for the LAUSD for 33 years and contributed greatly to many children and their families. She was a true educator and model for the educational community she will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and colleagues. This quote is for all strong women leaders in the field of education, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. (Helen Keller)” Simply stated, let’s work together, I encourage you all to do your best and to be the best person that you can be this month! Respectfully Submitted, Dr. Miranda L. C. Ra’oof

Principal Message: Quote: “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community…Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.” (Cesar E. Chavez, March 31, 1927- April 23, 1993) Dear faculty, staff, and students, Happy April 3, 2018. This week I want to reintroduce you to Cesar E. Chavez who was born near Yuma, Arizona, on March 31, 1927, Cesar E. Chavez employed nonviolent means to bring attention to the plight of farmworkers, and formed both the National Farm Workers Association, which later became United Farm Workers. As a labor leader, Chavez led marches, called for boycotts and went on several hunger strikes. Cesar Chavez died on April 23, 1993, in San Luis, Arizona. Cesar E. Chavez is an American hero. His legacy lives on! (http://www.biography.com/people/cesar-chavez-9245781) Remember Cesar E. Chavez’s example of selflessness and always be Safe, Respectful, and Responsible (SWPBS Motto). Respectfully, Dr. Miranda Ra’oof, Principal

Welcome to Pio Pico Middle School. As principal, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our school. We are proud of our students, teachers, and educational programs. We have a very supportive school community, an outstanding staff, and great students. Our teachers and staff, along with students and parents, have the goal of providing what is best for our students. I am proud to be part of such a positive learning environment.