On Saturday students reunited on the campus of Monrovia High School to celebrate the Renaissance program, which just completed its' 10th year on the historic campus. Members of the original class from 2004 as well as members of the other 9 classes joined together to remember the beginnings of the program and to celebrate what it has become.
Jennifer Gates, the current principal at Clifton Middle School, was the 1st Renaissance coordinator back in the 2003-2004 school year. She was present to welcome back many of her former students as well as share her memories of how Renaissance began. The gathering was also fortunate to have many special guests join them including former principals Al Clegg, who suggested the program to Gates, and Darvin Jackson, as well as former MUSD Superintendent Dr. Louise Taylor. Current MHS principal Kirk McGinnis also attended the event. Richard Parkhouse, Director of the California Association of Renaissance Educators, and Dr. Larry Biddle, founder of the Renaissance movement were special guests who shared their thoughts on Renaissance and Monrovia.
As the current Renaissance Coordinator at MHS it was truly an honor to be part of such a great day. Renaissance programs are in place now at MHS, Clifton, Wildrose and Mayflower, and it was just recently announced that the program will be incorporated into Santa Fe Middle School for the coming year. Our mission is to celebrate the ACADEMIC achievement of the young people of Monrovia and continue to build a community partnership with businesses and individuals in this great city to continue to impact the lives of our students in positive ways. It was recently announce that the MHS Renaissance Foundation was formed to allow the community and its members to partner with us in these efforts. The foundation is a nonprofit, 501C3 organization. If you would like to contribute to the efforts please email me at PDols@monroviaschools.net and I can give you more information.