June 1998 News Archive
Monday, June 8, 1998
Graduation Ceremonies
Santa Barbara High School District graduations will be conducted on the following dates:
- La Cuesta Continuation High, June 10, 1998, 5:30 pm, Las Positas Park
- Dos Pueblos High School, June 11, 1998, 4:00 p.m., Football Stadium
- San Marcos High School, June 11, 1998, 5:00 p.m., Greek Theater
- Santa Barbara High School, June 11, 1998, 6:00 p.m., Peabody Stadium
Santa Barbara High School will have two special guests participating in the graduation ceremony on June 11th. Waiting to escort the entering Class of 1998 will be two members of the Class of 1941. Larry Platz and Joe Bonnolo missed their graduation ceremony 57 years ago because they were among those called away to military service during World War II. The two Dons, now in their mid-70s, will have a place of honor in the June graduation ceremony.
La Colina Aces Academic Rodeo
On Saturday, May 2, 1998, seven students from La Colina Junior High School participated in the first ever Academic Rodeo at the Santa Barbara County Fair and Expo. The Academic Rodeo was a competition between a several middle-level schools from throughout the County.
The teams were asked questions from a wide range of subject areas such as literature, mathematics, science, history, sports, entertainment, arts, etc. The La Colina team had to complete several rounds of competition to earn the first place award. The team also received a $500 check.
The first place finish advanced the team to the California State Championship Academic Rodeo which will be held in Ventura on August 15.
Team members are: Elizabeth Kelly, Madeleine Jackson, Lindsey Tarman, Meaghan Maurer, Anna Rogers, Adrienne Stephen, and John Gillette. The team advisor is Ted Best, an eighth grade social studies instructor.
Expansion of Summer School
In the past, the elementary summer school program has been limited to 7% of the elementary school population and has focused on students who were at-risk, academically. Recently, the Board approved expanding the elementary summer school program and as a result, approximately 25% of the elementary population will participate in the program. The hours and days of the program will also be extended from four hours per day (during a four-week period) to five hours per day (during a five-week period). The elementary program will include the following components:
- pre-kindergarten for incoming Limited English Proficient students with a focus on English acquisition;
- two programs for current K-2 students: (1) a State-funded program for at-risk students in grades K-2, and (2) an English as a Second Language program approved for K-2 students as a result of the English Acquisition Plan;
- a Junior Academy of Math and Science (JAMS) for students in grades 4-6.
Additionally, four schools will offer two summer school classes funded by the Gevirtz Research Center.
The secondary summer school program is also being expanded at the middle/junior high school level. The following programs will be offered at this level:
- Goleta Valley Junior High and La Colina Junior High: The Junior Academy of Math and Science (JAMS) program will be offered for incoming seventh grade students. This will be the third year that the JAMS Program has been offered at Goleta Valley Junior High and the first year at La Colina Junior High School.
- La Cumbre Middle School: A variety of programs will be offered at La Cumbre for incoming and current students: LINK, Interactive Math Program, Fundamentals of Success, and a Migrant Education program.
- Santa Barbara Junior High: All incoming seventh grade students are eligible for participation in this program which will include the following courses: Environmental Studies, Conflict Resolution, Architecture, and Santa Barbara History. Students will complete service learning projects in each course.
Once again, a comprehensive summer school program will be offered at the high school level. Approximately 2,000 students have preregistered for courses at the three high schools. Summer school bulletins, which include course offerings and descriptions, are available at each school site.
Fighting Back’s Youth Services Specialists
Youth Services Specialists (YSS) work at all junior high/middle schools and high schools in the Santa Barbara High School District. They provide a continuum of alcohol and other drug public awareness, prevention and education, early identification and referral services. We are very fortunate to have an exceptional team of YSS counselors working with our students:
- Jennifer Chew, San Marcos High
- Scott Guttentag, Dos Pueblos High
- Sue Van Horsen, Santa Barbara High
- John Becchio, Santa Barbara Junior High
- Heather Long, Goleta Valley Junior High
- Brian Pearson, La Cumbre Middle
- Heather Vanian, La Colina Junior High
The Youth Service System provides a full spectrum of activities, including:
- alcohol and drug diversion classes;
- educational support groups;
- sober activities and clubs;
- stress management;
- mediation;
- life skills education.
An analysis of six month prevalence rates over the past seven years indicates that efforts of the Fighting Back collaborative, especially its Youth Service System, have been able to effect a significant decline in alcohol and drug use among the student population. Alcohol consumption, which was higher than the state average in 1991, has declined by nearly half and is now lower than the state average. Marijuana use, which was 51% higher than the state average in 1991, has declined by 42% locally, and is now lower than the state average, which has continued to climb. Of the drugs used by smaller percentages of the student population, most have also declined.
Standards and School Site Performance Plans
At the end of the 1996-1997 school year (June 1997), teachers from both levels worked for three days on developing standards for students in our two Districts. The elementary teachers developed standards in language arts and math and the secondary teachers developed standards in English, math, science, and social studies. During this school year, teachers throughout the District have had the opportunity to review these standards and to give feedback. Additionally, our District’s standards have been compared to the State standards (in those subjects that are available) to ensure that our District’s standards compare favorably. In the past few months, teachers from each school site and at both levels have met on two different days (in February and May). Their work on these two days has focused on student work and has helped set the stage for the next major task which is developing performance standards. Teachers will convene again for several days this summer to continue this effort.
Concurrent with the work being completed by teachers, principals have met several times with a consultant and have studied their role in a standards-based reform effort. The workshops have covered: creating a balanced assessment, the role of assessment in a standards-based district, the principals role in this type of system, and more recently, the development of site-based accountability plans. These plans will include four sections: an analysis of current student performance, targets for student performance, strategies for improving student performance, and beginning in 1998, progress towards meeting the targets.
Crystal Apple Award
Nancy Jonke, Washington Elementary School, was awarded the Crystal Apple Award for being the outstanding elementary Teacher of the Year in Santa Barbara County.
Peabody’s Integrated Pest Management Program
From September 1996 through December 1997, Peabody Charter participated in a "Pest Reduction in Schools" demonstration project. The project, initiated by the Community Environmental Council, was designed to explore ways to reduce risk associated with pest management and inform schools about the principles and practices of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
The first step in the 1 1/2 year project was a needs assessment survey and strategy for pest management. An IPM team was created at Peabody, representing administration, faculty, maintenance, and parents. Six two-hour training sessions followed. The training sessions focused on the key elements of IPM and featured experts in the field from throughout the country. On-site training and technical assistance, particularly during pest emergencies, was provided as needed. The training included pest identification, pest prevention strategies, monitoring and trapping techniques, crack and crevice treatment methods, evaluating appropriate pest control options, and presentations to students and staff.
Peabody was pleased with the IPM methods used to control ants, cockroaches, and weeds. The IPM approach will be applied at other schools in our Elementary District beginning in September 1998.
Beyond Tolerance Proceedings Now Available
The final report of Beyond Tolerance, Moving Ahead Together is now available. Copies of the June 1997 conference proceedings are in the lobby of the District Administration Center and at Goleta Valley Junior High’s office.
WASC Review At Dos Pueblos And San Marcos High Schools
The WASC evaluations were recently completed at both Dos Pueblos High School and San Marcos High School. The review team’s comments were very positive and we are very hopeful of receiving a favorable accreditation rating. We expect that information to be available in June or July.
Roosevelt Elementary Prepares For A New Home
On May 29th, with an overflow crowd in attendance, Roosevelt kicked off their rebuild project with a festive groundbreaking ceremony. Construction begins on June 15 and is expected to be completed by September 1999.
When school begins in September 1998, Roosevelt’s kindergarten and child care classes will be conducted on the Santa Barbara Junior High campus. The children will be occupying rooms that were previously Administration Center offices. Staggered start times will facilitate the movement of young children and their pre-teen colleagues. Grades 1-6 will remain on the existing Roosevelt site.
GVJH’s Carolyn Teraoka-Brady Is County Teacher Of The Year
Carolyn Teraoka-Brady, instrumental and choral music instructor at Goleta Valley Junior High, was named 1999 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year. She was selected from a field of outstanding countywide nominees. Mrs. Teraoka-Brady now joins the list of candidates who will be considered for California Teacher of the Year in the fall. What makes Mrs. Teraoka-Brady an award winning educator? According to GVJHS Principal David Cash: "She is a tireless, dedicated, and passionate teacher. Carolyn has always performed at the highest levels of excellence in her teaching and has been an incredible resource for students, parents, and staff."
That’s four in a row! Carolyn Teraoka-Brady is our Districts’ fourth County Teacher of the Year in as many years (Lissa Lee, SBJH-1995; Pam Holtz, Monroe-1996; Peter Van Duinwyk, SBHS-1997). This is indicative of the high quality of teachers in the Santa Barbara School Districts. Congratulations to Carolyn and her family.