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|---|---|---|
Jeanette Ozuna |
John Cerna |
Patty Schmella |
K’waláni nam áshanisha skulitpámapa iniit.
Nuestro corazón está
contento porque usted ha entrado a nuestro distrito.
Our heart is happy that you have entered into our district.
Welcome to the Toppenish School District. As your new Superintendent, I am committed to providing an effective and positive learning environment. The staff and I are dedicated to the development of your child’s abilities to their fullest potential. Our commitment is to nurture relationships and improve student learning, by establishing a better teacher, student, and parent learning environment.
We are focused on large-scale improvements to close the achievement gap. Our District Improvement Plan is a document that will direct the work of all administrators and staff. For the 2010 -2011 school year, we have four major focus areas that are essential in reaching our goals: to apply the instructional strategies of learning and teaching, to maximize professional learning communities, to refine the assessment system so all instructional stakeholders use it to improve instruction and student learning, and to establish a district advisory system that focuses on engaging families in student learning.
We offer many learning opportunities for early learning, enrichment, remediation, and credit retrieval. Our district provides approximately 180 three and four year olds with preschool services through our partnerships with the Yakama Nation Head Start and EPIC Head Start. Valley View Elementary offers a dual language curriculum, where students are taught in English and Spanish. This is an important skill in today’s global job market. High school and college graduates who speak two languages have a distinct advantage over other applicants. Other alternative learning opportunities are offered at our EAGLE High School, where students earn credits every five weeks, are afforded smaller class sizes, and have individual learning plans. Our CATS (Computer Academy of Toppenish Schools) provides students with an on-line learning program supported by certified teachers. This program helps to meet the diverse needs of students who wish to continue their education while working or have other commitments that require a flexible schedule or access to education 24/7.
Toppenish School District has been successful in obtaining many grants to provide additional services to our students. In May, we received the Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Program Grant for all four elementary schools. This grant provides all elementary students with nutritional snacks during the school day. We have 21st Century Learning programs that provide students with after-school learning opportunities to extend their learning. GEAR-Up grants provides students with multiple opportunities to enrich their learning through career guidance and experiences including field trips, job shadowing, and internships, that broaden their thinking about college and career possibilities. GEAR UP also provides resources that support in our career and technical education classes.
Our high school is providing preengineering classes, career awareness, job shadows, internships, portfolios, and projects to diversify student learning. Additionally, we offer University of Washington classes on campus, which provide our high school students with accelerated courses and dual credits for high school and college. Toppenish Middle School participates in the NASA Explorer Program, which provided many hands-on activities that have become part of the established curriculum. Additionally, students at our Middle School that maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout high school will receive a tuition and books free college education through the Washington Scholars Program. Other enrichment programs and grants at TMS include 21st Century. Many students attend math and science summer camps at the University of Washington and Washington State University. Networking with Gates Foundation, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Northwest Community Action Center, ESD 105, the City of Toppenish, Heritage University, Washington State University and the University of Washington has given our students many additional learning opportunities. We are grateful for our many valued partnerships!
Toppenish High School continues to excel in state assessments, college preparation courses, and in having graduates enrolled in post-secondary institutions. The Class of 2010 had an 89% graduation rate. Furthermore, 77% of the high school graduates are enrolled in post-secondary institutions. During the school year, many students were recognized for their talents and accomplishments. Our fine arts program was once again recognized for excellence in music and visual arts with three student art pieces winning regional awards and one of the pieces going on to be selected as the best in the state by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. This was the second year in a row that a Toppenish High School student received this honor and only the first time in the 37 year history of the competition that students from the same high school received the award in consecutive years. With the completion of the track this summer, the high school construction project is now completed. It is a state of the art facility that our community can be proud of for many years to come.
As you know all tenth graders must obtain the Certificate of Academic Achievement in order to receive a high school diploma. Our students have many academic needs and your help is vital in achieving their learning goals. If you would like to serve as a volunteer, tutor, mentor, or committee member please connect us at 865-4455. Our desire is to accelerate learning for every child. Your help is always appreciated and will make a difference!
Our schools are the focal point of the community. We encourage you to visit our schools and become involved. We look forward to learning and working together in the coming school year.
John Cerna, Superintendent