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Despite the unprecedented budget reductions that seemed to be the focus for most of last year, we are very proud to report student achievement and parent satisfaction increased throughout the District! By building upon those improvements, the 2009-2010 school year promises to be a very successful year.
Each spring, students in second through eighth grades participate in the STAR testing program to assess mastery of California’s academic standards in language arts, mathematics, science, and social science. This past spring, Cajon Valley students increased in every subject area! We are proud to share students of color, students with disabilities and children from socio-economically disadvantaged families showed marked improvement; thereby helping close the achievement gap that has been a focus for several years. Specific information about student achievement for the District, specific schools, and student subgroups can be found at http://ayp.cde.ca.gov/reports.asp.
In May 2009, parents at each school were asked to share their opinions regarding their students’ experiences in Cajon Valley. Survey results were compared to a similar survey conducted in 2006 and District-wide results showed higher satisfaction in all areas —academic programs, learning environment, and communications. Even though satisfaction has improved, individual school results and specific comments will be thoroughly analyzed in our effort to continuously improve services to students and families. District results from the recent survey may be found at on the District’s homepage. Individual school results are available from your child’s principal.
Thanks to the generous support of Proposition D, the $156.5 million general obligation bond, construction and improvements will continue this year. Major project include electrical system upgrades, completion of Cajon Valley Middle School, construction of a gymnasium for Greenfield Middle School, and upgrades in heating and air conditioning and technology. For specific information regarding project schedules, please access the Prop D bar on the home page.
This is the final year of the District Strategic Plan that provides a common focus for schools and keeps Cajon Valley moving forward. The five on-going goals of the Strategic Plan are:
- Students master skills, gain knowledge and develop personal attributes necessary in a competitive and global society.
- Students achieve success through strategies and resources that address individual needs.
- The District maximizes resources to promote equity and improve instruction.
- Technology is used to advance student learning and increase efficiency.
- The District develops mutually beneficial relationships with parents/guardians and the community to support the educational environment.
The measurable targets identified in the Strategic Plan hold us accountable for continued improvement and success. Information regarding achievement of last year’s targets may be seen in the End-of-Year Strategic Plan Report that was provided to the Governing Board.
Planning for magnet schools will continue this year. Teachers are being trained to implement an International Baccalaureate program at Montgomery Middle School, while an expansion of the elementary fine arts magnet (F.A.M.E.) is underway at Flying Hills Elementary School. Plans to implement a Science, Technology, Engineering and Engineering (STEM) magnet at Emerald Middle School have also begun. Information regarding these programs will be shared throughout the year.
We continue to believe a focused vision, strong accountability and collaboration with parents and the community are keys to success. Although budget reductions have dramatically impacted the District, our commitment to providing quality programs for all students has not changed.
We encourage you to stay involved in your child’s education. Involvement occurs on many levels, but begins with the interactions you have with your child concerning his/her learning. Please visit your child’s school, talk with his/her teachers, and become active in school and District activities.
Together we will continue Cajon Valley on the path to excellence. |