John Burroughs High School

Send DATEBOOK items to Burbank Leader, 221 N. Brand Blvd., 2nd Floor, Glendale, CA 91203 or fax to (818) 241-1975. Submissions must be received two weeks before publication. ? TODAY The Associated Student Body officers of John Burroughs High School are planning a 60th anniversary celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the quad of the campus at 1920 W. Clark Ave., Burbank. The community is invited to attend and admission is free. There will be food for sale donated by NYPD Pizza and Santoro?

POWERHOUSE CHOIR TAKES TOP HONORS The Powerhouse choir from John Burroughs High School earned top honors in the country, winning the Show Choir Cup at the FAME Show Choir Nationals in New York. The choir?s performance of ?Who Made Up All The Rules? was named Grand Champion in the competition among show choirs from across the country last month. In addition, Powerhouse ? the school?s advanced mixed choir ? won for Best Show Design for its performance involving costumes from the 18th century, a detailed set and special effects.

A local school nabbing a California Distinguished School Award is always a cause for celebration. But when John Burroughs High School took the prize this month, it was particularly heartening after the rocky path the Burbank Unified School District has taken the last few weeks. The school board rescinded 25 teacher layoff notices at the end of March, but the possibility still exists that the district will have to make its first staff cuts in half a decade. And Jordan Middle School became the target of protests last week after teachers voted to cut seventh-period electives.

BURBANK — John Burroughs High School has secured a coveted California Distinguished School Award from the Department of Education, which every year recognizes the state’s most exemplary public schools. The California Distinguished School Award acknowledges unique accomplishments made by the high school in the 2007-08 academic year. Burroughs was the only campus in the Burbank Unified School District to win the award this year. “More than anything, the award validates the work being done by administrators, faculty students and the community at large,” Principal Emilio Urioste said.

BURBANK BURROUGHS Burbank High School and John Burroughs High School classes of 1949 are planning a combined 60th reunion at Sept. 24 at The Castaway. For more information, contact Ruth Ann ?Nuttelman? Talley at (818) 845-2107 or e-mail ruthann@tbach.com. ? The Burbank High School and John Burroughs High School All Class Reunion Picnic is scheduled for June 20. More details to come. ? BURBANK HIGH SCHOOL Burbank High School Class of 1959 is having its reunion the weekend of May 1, 2 and 3, including a dinner/dance, golf tournament, school and museum tours.

BURBANK — John Burroughs High School has secured a coveted California Distinguished School Award from the Department of Education, which every year recognizes the state’s most exemplary public schools. The California Distinguished School Award acknowledges unique accomplishments made by the high school in the 2007-08 academic year. Burroughs was the only campus in the Burbank Unified School District to win the award this year. “More than anything, the award validates the work being done by administrators, faculty students and the community at large,” Principal Emilio Urioste said.

BURBANK — The sign says George Izay Park, but the sign man won’t have it. “It will always be Olive Park,” said Lon Melton, 62, a Burbank sign maker. “We made a lot of memories there.” Every year, Melton and his family claim their perch across the street from what is now George Izay Park to watch Burbank on Parade. The annual extravaganza of floats, marching bands and exhibits, which debuted in 1945, takes place this year April 25 and runs on Olive Avenue from Keystone to Lomita streets.

The people have spoken on shelter Is Mayor Dave Golonski running for reelection for himself or the people of this town, who need his voice on their behalf? People are saying no to the shelter in Burbank (“Groups battle over shelter,” March 21). A shelter is not just a roof. Along with this shelter, there needs to be responsibility and rehabilitation — something for these people to do. Their behavior is not productive. Our neighborhoods do not want to babysit.

CIVITAN CLUB PLANS ST. PATRICK’S DAY BRUNCH The Burbank Civitan Club will have its 36th annual St. Patrick’s Day Champagne Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 15 at The Castaway, 1250 E. Harvard Road, Burbank. A buffet brunch, including corned beef and cabbage, will be offered. The entertainment will include the song stylings of Sentimental Journey, singing in close harmony reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters, and the young Irish dancers from the O’Connor School of Irish Dance.