April 2002 News Archive
Thursday, April 25, 2002
Adams and Monroe Recognized as California Distinguished Schools
Yesterday, the California Department of Education (CDE) released the names of 247 California Distinguished Schools for the year 2002. Two schools in the Santa Barbara Elementary School District were on the list: Adams Elementary School and Monroe Elementary School. This is the first time that Adams has been identified as a California Distinguished School, which comes on the heels of their recognition last week as a Title I Achieving School. For Monroe, this is the third time in 15 years that the school has been recognized as a California Distinguished School. Monroe was first recognized in 1987, and then again in 1997.
The California School Recognition Program was created in 1985 to communicate and reinforce the priorities of the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Each year the program identifies and honors the state’s most exemplary public schools. California has more than 5,300 public elementary schools. This year, 706 elementary schools submitted applications for this prestigious honor.
According to the CDE, "The criteria for school selection are designed to reflect the consensus of the education community regarding quality education by incorporating the major themes of state and national policies and research related to effective schools. The criteria focus on all areas of the school’s educational program so that those selected are strong, well-rounded community schools." Adams and Monroe demonstrated a commitment to criteria utilized by the state:
- high academic expectations for all students and implementation of state-adopted content and performance standards;
- visionary and collaborative leadership;
- varied teaching strategies that provide challenging learning experiences for all students;
- a strong curriculum in all required subject areas;
- appropriate technology and strong library media services that support learning;
- academically competent and caring teachers and comprehensive professional development that reflects state teaching standards;
- comprehensive guidance and counseling programs at all grade levels;
- multiple learning support services for students who are learning the English language, who are at risk, or who have physical or learning disabilities;
- a safe school culture that supports inclusion of all students and promotes positive character traits;
- programs that foster wellness and healthy behaviors and a well-maintained learning environment.
Adams Elementary School was established in 1954. It is located at 2701 Las Positas Road. Adams serves the needs of over 600 students in grades K-5. The school’s goal is to provide a well-balanced education through a challenging curriculum that is relevant and experienced-based, complies with the California State Standards, and provides a foundation for future academic success. Adams has instituted numerous programs to support this goal, including: GATE magnet self-contained programs (grades 3-5); Newcomers Program for new arrivals (grades 2-5); fully networked 30-station PC computer lab; new site-developed and site-funded science lab; reading and incentive program; additional language and reading support personnel for English Learners; regular art and music instruction (vocal and instrumental; a comprehensive summer school program; strong community partnerships; and comprehensive health, counseling, and family resource services for families.
Monroe Elementary School was built in 1958. It is located at 431 Flora Vista Drive, on the Mesa. The Monroe school community believes that all students can learn and is committed to providing an environment that promotes academic excellence as well as social, emotional, and physical growth. Monroe serves the needs of 530 students, 50% of whom speak Spanish as their first language. The cohesive staff is committed to a learning environment that promotes individual self-worth and academic excellence. Although classrooms are heterogeneously composed, students are grouped throughout the day, especially for innovative programs in math, reading, and language arts, where students’ needs are addressed so that each child can be successful. Among Monroe’s strengths are a site-based GATE program; Performance Based Instruction (PBI) reading/language arts program; art, music, and computers; active parent volunteers; Mastery Math, a performance-based math program for students in grades 2-5; service learning opportunities for students; a program designed to support reading at home with rewards for good effort; and partnerships with community agencies and local businesses.
The 2002 California Distinguished Schools will be recognized by State Superintendent Delaine Eastin and Reed Hastings, California Board of Education president, at an awards ceremony on Friday, May 24 at the Disneyland Hotel.
DPHS Training on Race Relations
On Thursday, April 18, 2002, 80 Dos Pueblos High School students participated in a "Stop The Hate" training, led by the Anti-Defamation League. The training focused on race relations. Beginning at 8:00 a.m., a group of 40 students met in room H-30 and participated in the three-hour training. At 11:30 a.m., a second group of 40 students experienced the same training.
Dos Pueblos designated April 15-19, 2002, as Peace Week. Guest speakers, art projects, and various other activities were also part of the five-day event.
Adams Elementary is Recognized as a California Title I Achieving School
It’s official! Adams Elementary School has been selected as a California Title I Achieving School. Adams is the first school in Santa Barbara County to be recognized in this manner. The school, which receives federal funds under Title I of the Improving America’s School Act, is being honored for its outstanding job in meeting the needs of a diverse population.
Initially, 180 Title I schools were identified by the California Department of Education (CDE) and notified of their eligibility for this recognition. Of those 180 identified schools, 98 submitted proposals and 43 were selected to receive state recognition. Adams Elementary was one of the 43 schools selected for state recognition and the school was also considered for national Title I recognition. In a letter to Superintendent Deborah Flores, CDE’s Assistant Superintendent Title I Coordinator Hanna L. Walker stated, "It is also important to know, that Adams Elementary was one of fifteen finalists considered as a nominee for national recognition. Since California may only nominate five schools for this recognition, the final selection progress was extremely rigorous. Although Adams Elementary was not selected as one of the five nominees, to be one of the finalists is a significant accomplishment."
According to Principal Jo Ann Caines, "Being designated as a Title I Achieving School is a wonderful honor. This recognition by the state says so much about the high standards set by our teachers and staff. It is a joy to work with a team that is creative and innovative in their approach and commitment to improving student achievement."
Principal Caines and other school representatives will attend a California Achieving Schools conference and awards program on April 16-18, 2002, at the Hyatt Regency in Burlingame, CA. Principal Caines has been invited to address the conference administrators. Her presentation is entitled "Improving Achievement Begins At The Top." Additionally, the Santa Barbara School Districts’ Board of Education will honor this achievement at the April 10, 2002 Board meeting, which begins at 7:00 p.m.
Each year, the California Department of Education identifies and honors schools that meet specific criteria (e.g., high Academic Performance Index scores, a poverty indicator of at least 50%, significant growth in student achievement ) and demonstrate certain program attributes (e.g.,curriculum and instruction that supports high academic standards for all students, coordination with other programs, high level of cooperation and commitment by the entire school community).
Adams Elementary School, located at 2701 Las Positas Road, was built in 1954. Currently, the minority population at Adams is 78% of the student body. English Language Learners comprise 47% of the students. Sixty-four percent of the students are below the federal poverty level and the school’s mobility rate is 24%. While the demographics provide unique challenges, the school’s objective of providing a challenging curriculum is achieved through their implementation of various strategies, including:
- GATE magnet self-contained program in grades 3-5;
- Newcomers Program for new arrivals;
- focus on reading and language skills in grades 2-5;
- computer access in the classroom, computer lab, and library media center;
- science lab;
- reading incentive program;
- regular art and music instruction (vocal and instrumental);
- comprehensive after school program;
- schoolwide participation in the Character Counts! program.
The Title I Achieving Schools designation reflects objectives identified in 1996, when a five-year blueprint for action was identified. A concerted staff effort to effect change in the instructional program, has yielded stunning results:
- all grade levels are at or above the 50th percentile in reading;
- the school’s API is an overall 713;
- API growth for all subgroups has grown 69 points, with Hispanic API growth at 87 points and socio-economically disadvantaged students growing 107 points.
Principal JoAnn Caines stated, "Adams students are achieving at high levels, in spite of the demographic realities. We accept our children and their situations as our incentive to close the gap in achievement between minority students of poverty and their more advantaged counterparts, building on their diverse strengths and experiences and taking them to high performance levels. This is the ‘new’ Adams School, one that has attained high academic achievement and one that truly serves its students and families."
[Note: Adams Elementary and Monroe Elementary have been nominated for California Distinguished School recognition. The final selection will be made in the weeks ahead.]
School Calendars
The Board of Education adopted the traditional and extended calendars for 2002-2003. The traditional and extended calendars have been posted on the Districts’ web site: ww.sbsdk12.org The year-round calendar will be posted as soon as it is Board approved in April.
Flyer Distribution
Following numerous public discussions, consultation with legal counsel, and careful review of the amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Board of Education halted the distribution of flyers to students. This applies to all organizations except the PTA. The approval of flyer distribution to staff will be made by Assistant Superintendents Mike Couch (High School District) or Diana Rigby (Elementary District).
Monroe Elementary Students Embrace the Kindness and Justice Challenge
Monroe Elementary School participated in the The Kindness and Justice Challenge, a national tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, Monroe students documented more than 3,000 acts of kindness from January 14-28. The program encourages students to engage in acts of kindness and responsibility. Judy McDermott coordinated the program at Monroe Elementary.
Carlos Gomez Honored by the Yes I Can! Foundation
The Yes I Can! Foundation selected Carlos Gomez, a Dos Pueblos High School senior, as one of 35 national recipients of their award for outstanding achievement in community service.
Monroe and Adams Nominated to be Distinguished Schools
Seven schools in Santa Barbara County have been selected as California nominees to receive Distinguished School recognition. Adams Elementary School and Monroe Elementary School are on that list. As part of the process, the schools will receive a site visit to validate the contents of their application.
Adams Nominated to be a Title I Achieving School
Adams Elementary was nominated as a Title I Achieving School, the only school in the county to ever receive that honor. Final selection is currently being made by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin.
Coordinated Compliance Review
In late February, a state team visited our Districts as part of a Coordinated Compliance Review (CCR) process. Reviews are completed on a four-year cycle. Most of the results of this review are based on two targeted schools, Cleveland Elementary and Santa Barbara High. The purpose of the review is to determine if districts and schools are using categorical funds properly and complying with all required regulations. The review process provides an important opportunity for self study.
The review team’s findings, received on March 1, apply to all schools in the respective district. The report included commendations and areas for program and reporting improvement. The Elementary District’s results are very good, with the exception of the English Language Learner section of the report. The High School District’s report calls attention to problem areas, particularly the English Language Learner program and gender/equity. The Santa Barbara School Districts will address the areas for improvement identified by the review team.
Meeting Elementary District Budget Challenges
Declining enrollment, special education encroachment, budget cuts at the state level are among several factors forcing local school districts, including Goleta Unified and Carpinteria Unified, to make incredibly painful cuts.
On February 13 and 27, the Board of Education reviewed various options and ultimately agreed to Santa Barbara Elementary District budget cuts that would generate savings of $917,300:
- Relocate LCMS sixth graders to elementary school sites. $564,000
- Eliminate the District Office administrative intern. $17,000
- Financially restructure four District Office positions. $36,825
- Reduce the repair/purchase of new instruments in the Elementary District instrumental music program. $4,000
- Eliminate the Family Service Agency contract. (However, the FSA counseling program will be funded through a combination of FSA funds, District categorical funds, and site categorical funds.) $102,657
- Reduce library staffing by 1.1 FTE. $65,000
- Reduce staff at the Santa Barbara Community Academy. $50,818
- Reduce level of home-to-school transportation. (The objective is to eventually eliminate home-to-school transportation service. Step 1 = cost reductions for September 2002 will be $40,000; Step 2 = study existing transportation routes and school boundaries in order to eliminate the remaining costs.) $40,000
- Reduce District contribution to the GATE program. $10,000
- Eliminate a vacant clerk position at Franklin Elementary School. $27,000
The Santa Barbara Elementary School District has been working closely with site staff and community partners to bring every resource and creative approach to this discussion. Administrators and the Board of Education continue to look for ways to maintain the integrity of programs and services which are in the best interests of children.
Los Marineros Program
The California Partners in Education recognized the Los Marineros Program Partnership as recipients of the California "Partners In Education 2002 Outstanding Partnership Involving Students in Grades K-5." The marine education program works with the Santa Barbara Elementary School District’s 5th grade students to promote an appreciation of the marine environment.