I. TAP (Talent Achievement Program)

TRADITION:

Located in a lovely residential neighborhood in the heart of historic Bixby Knolls, Hughes serves a student body representing a diverse cultural heritage and a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds.   It was a Hughes that the Long Beach Unified School District pioneered its junior high GATE program (appropriately named the Talent Achievement Program, or TAP) in the mid-1970's.

For a quarter of a century, TAP has emphasized research, leadership, and higher level thinking skills, encouraging students to individualize projects and exercise multiple intelligences as they integrate diverse learning experiences.   Their success is reflected in award-winning performances in academics, music, art, speech, sports, and leadership roles on campus and in the community.

TAP students also maintain the highest percentage of acceptance into the award winning Poly PACE program of any middle school in the district, and are easily accepted in all programs for high achievers in our local high schools.

Hughes continues to set the standard for educational excellence.   In 1998, Hughes earned distinction as a California Distinguished School , and in 2000, Hughes became a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.  

ACADEMICS:

Academic challenge and success are hallmarks of the TAP experience.   Sixth graders enjoy numerous hands-on lessons, simulations and labs in science, history and math.   In Language Arts, a standards based program is augmented for gifted students with a wide array of extension menu activities and opportunities for independent study.   These activities and the use of gifted learning strategies continue in all content areas in seventh grade while the students prepare eagerly for the Renaissance Faire, a culminating project for history, and in eighth grade each student enters the science fair.   Adding to this, our dedicated and active parent group raises the funds necessary for multiple field trips each year to enhance the students' learning experiences.  

Our math students excel in local, regional, and national competitions.   Hughes Mathletes consistently place near the top in the American Scholastic Mathematics Association Competition, the Continental Mathematics League, Mathfax, MathCounts, Math Olympiads, and Sigma.   From 1986 to 2006 our math students have won first or seconds place in the MathCounts regional competition for the Long Beach Chapter placing Hughes within the top 25 teams in the state.  

Our premiere music program is the most extensive in the district and has been awarded Superior rankings in a vast number of festivals and competitions over the past 17 years.   The Instrumental program has grown to eight performance groups from Beginning Band to a select Chamber Orchestra, and Hughes musicians are often principal players in prestigious honor orchestras throughout southern California.   Our Choral music program is also recognized throughout the state as exemplary.   Consisting of six performing choruses, the department has earned top honors throughout the district; three choirs have received Superior rankings for the past four years.   This distinction places Hughes' Choirs in the top 10% for choral music in the entire United States.

PROFESSIONAL LEADERS:

TAP teachers represent a wide range of experience both in and out of the classroom.   This credentialed staff has provided over 125 years of classroom instruction, most in their respective majors.   Our teachers are involved in continuing education within and beyond the district and are recognized by parents and professional peers and organizations for their personal and professional achievements.  

Many of our teachers are associated with one or more of the following:  

National Council of Teachers of Math (NCTM)

Association of Curriculum and Supervision

California Association for the Gifted (CAG)

California Mathematics Council (CMC)

The El Dorado Poets

National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)

California Council for the Social Studies (CCSS)

National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE)

National Education Association (NEA)

California Teachers Association (CTA)

Teachers Association of Long Beach

National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Our staff is involved in many professional development activities:

Subject-specific institutes and conferences

District curriculum development committees, including content standard development committees

Textbook selection committees

National Faculty

Massachusetts Confratute for Gifted Education

College and university classes and workshops to maintain a reputation for cutting-edge strategies and materials

On-site collaborative workshops to review and revise curriculum, enhance interdisciplinary and cross-grade planning, and extend technology skills through computer training

World History Institute CSULB, CSUDH

II. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)

AVID

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an internationally recognized program designed to prepare students for success in four-year universities.
The AVID Program is designed to help students prepare to enter and to succeed in four-year colleges and universities. Many students with the potential to succeed in post-secondary education need extra academic assistance and encouragement, which the traditional secondary educational methods do not offer. AVID meets the needs of these students by providing academic preparation, study skills for college level work, help in coping with college prep curriculum, motivation for seeking a college education, and career awareness. Upon entering AVID, students enroll in a college prep curriculum.
Who may join AVID?
Students who have the potential and desire to attend a four year college and;

III. SPORTS [Schedules and Scores]

IV. PERFORMING and VISUAL ARTS

NOTE: All concerts are held at Hughes unless otherwise indicated.

Instrumental

 Fall Concert: October 30, 2008; 7:00 p.m, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band

Winter Concert I: December 4, 6:30 p.m., Beginning Band, Symphonic Band

Winter Concert II: December 4, 7:45 p.m., Concert Band, String Orchestra

Winter Concert III: January 22, 2009, 7:00 p.m., Beginning Orchestra & Symphony Orchestra with winds

Ohlendorf Honor Orch/w. HS: TBD at Millikan High School – Ohlendorf Honor Orchestra and High School Orchestra

District Orchestra Festival : February 25, 2009, a.m., Symphony Orchestra – host District Band
Festival:  TBD, a.m., Symphonic Band

Festival Concert I: March 10, 2009, 7:00 p.m., Beginning Orchestra, Beginning Band, String Orchestra, Jazz Band

Festival Concert II: March 12, 2009, 7:00 p.m., Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band

SCSBOA Band Festival: TBD; during school, Concert Band and/or Symphonic Band  
 

SCSBOA Orchestra Festival: TBD, during school String Orchestra and/or Symphony Orchestra to Poly

Honor Band:  TBD, Concert with Elementary All-District Orchestra

Millikan Jazz Showcase: April 2009, afterschool, Jazz A & B perform

Solo/Ensemble Festival: April 2009 at Hughes

Command Performance Recital: April 2009  performers selected from Solo/Ensemble Festival

Concert in the Park: May 7, 2009, 5:30 p.m. -.8:00 p.m. All groups play

Band Spring Concert: May 27, 2009, 7:00 p.m., Beginning Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band

Orchestra Spring Concert: June 4, 2009, 7:00 p.m., Beginning Orchestra, String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, full Orchestra

Spring 09: Disneyland Workshop for periods 2/3

For information on the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association, please check out this website: http://www.scsboa.org/

Looking towards the future? Check out Long Beach Poly’s Instrumental Music website: www.lbpolymusic.com/

Chorus

Fall Choral Preview: October, 21, 2008 at 6:30 p.m

.Winter Concert: December 17, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

Highlights from Hits: March 18-19, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

Classics Concert: April 24, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

Concert in the Park: May 7, 2009, 5:30 p.m. -.8:00 p.m.

Spring Choral Concert: June 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

V. ELECTIVES

• Instrumental
• Chorus
• Art
• Family and Consumer Studies
• Wood Shop
• Computer Education
• Spanish
  

VI. CLUBS
Art Club:
Day: Monday/Tuesday Time: 2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Room: 403
Sponsor: Mrs. Thursby
Mission:
Asian-American Club:
Day: Wednesday [Meets until Winter Break] Time: 2:50 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Room: 801
Sponsor: Ms. Lee & Mr. Baek
Mission:
Best Buddies:
Day: Tuesday [Meets until Spring Break] Time: 2:50 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Room: 102A
Sponsor: Ms. Clarke
Mission:
Cheese & Chocolate:
Day: Wednesday Time: 2:50 p.m. -3:30 p.m.
Room: Library
Sponsor: Dr. Taylor
Mission:
Dance Team:
Day: Time:
Room:
Sponsor:
Mission:
DAP [Diversity Appreciation Program]:
Day: Friday [Meets until Spring Break] Time: 2:50pm-3:45pm
Room: Library
Sponsor: Ms. Clarke
Mission: This group is led by various artists and Counselor Clarke.  The first six weeks will be jewelry making with Dr. Taylor, the second six weeks will be knitting with Banana Berry, the third six weeks will be drumming with Jammin Music, and the last 6 weeks will be hip hop dancing with LA Culture Shock. 
ELLAS [Embracing Latina Leadership Alliances]:
Day: Wednesday [Meets until Winter Break] Time: 2:50 p.m. -.3:45 p.m.
Room: B12
Sponsor: Ms. Orellana
Mission:
Filipino-American Fellowship:
Day: Wednesday Time: 2:50 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Room: Library/Hughes Room
Sponsor: Ms. Koga
Mission:
Homework House:
Day: Daily Time: 2:50 p.m.- 3:45 p.m. Room: 201 Sponsor:
Mission:
Khmer Club:
Day: Tuesday [Meets until Winter Break] Time: 2:50 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Room: 102A
Sponsor:
Mission:
Learning for Life Leadership Club:
Day: Thursday [Meets until Winter Break] Time: 2:50 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Room: Library/Hughes Room
Sponsor:
Mission: Students will learn how to improve their character and explore careers.  You will be trained to be a mentor/role model on our campus.  This club is led by Ms. York from Learning for Life. 
YAAF [Young African-American Female]:
Day: Thursday [Meets until Winter Break] Time: 2:50 p.m.- 3:45 p.m.
Room: B6
Sponsor: Ms. Williams
Young Gifted & Talented Black History Club:
Day: Wednesday Time: 2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Room: Auditorium
Sponsor:
Mission: Provides an opportunity for students to learn about African-American History, African-American Colleges, College Requirements, Leadership Skills, and Performance Ability Enhancement.  In addition, students will participate in coordinating the annual Black History Show, community service, fundraisers, elementary school tour, and Knott’s Berry Farm Performance.
Polynesian Club:
Day: Time:
Room:
Sponsor: Mrs. Rasmussen
Mission:

VII. CJSF

Day: Tuesday Time: 2:50 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Room: 204
Sponsor: Ms. Parker and Mrs. Baldwin

Upcoming Events:

For more information please check out this website:
California Scholarship Federation and California Junior Scholarship Federation

VIII. STUDENT COUNCIL

Day: Tuesday/Wednesday Time: 2:50 p.m. -.3:35 p.m.
Room: 302
Sponsor: Mrs. Van Divort & Ms. Harper

IX. WATCH D.O.G.S. (DADS OF GREAT STUDENTS)

The goals of Watch D.O.G.S. is:

• Have a security presence on campus

• Provide a positive and active role-model for students at school

Hughes is looking Dads, Granddads, Step-dads and Uncles to volunteer for duties that may include helping monitor students exiting cars and busses, patrolling halls and outside grounds, supervising and eating lunch with students, listening and reading to students, mentoring students assigned by a teacher, and many more helpful activities. For more information please contact: WATCH D.O.G.S.

X. PROMOTIONAL AWARDS

6th Grade Award Assembly:TBA

7th Grade Award Assembly:TBA

8th Grade Award Assembly: TBA