Grades 5/6 P.M. Bus Changes

Grades 5/6

The following bus changes take effect immediately (August 31, 2009) and only impact elementary (K-6) P.M. bus runs. Please note the bus stop and the change in buses:

Stop Bus Change
1. Ash and Fourth Streets
From bus 12 to bus 10
2. South Ridge Road
From bus 12 to bus 6
3. Bright Beginnings
From bus 6 to bus 2
4. Pike Run Road
From bus 6 to bus 12

Tutoring to begin

Intermediate and middle school teachers are busy scheduling students for tutoring in all content areas before and after school. The schedules will be flexible as teachers try to meet the needs of students. Individual teacher tutoring schedules will be sent home within the next two weeks. This service for children will hopefully assist in improving academic achievement. In addition, the EAP after school tutoring program for grades 7&8 will begin in the near future. This program is a separate endeavor from the general tutoring program and is limited to math and reading. More information to follow.

Three-In-One

A person new to California may have some difficulty distinguishing the different schools in one building on Trojan Way. Here are some of the diffences in each school that should be noticed: a K-4 elementary school, 5/6 Intermediate Middle School, and a 7/8 Middle School. Each school operates on its' own schedule and is staffed independently. Mr. Sears is principal of the K-4 program while I am instructional leader of the Intermediate Middle School and Middle School. The schools share specialist teachers such as Physical Education, Music, Library, and Art to name of few. K-6 students ride the same buses, but are dismissed from class at different times at the end of the day. K-4 begins dismissal at 3:00 p.m. with parent pickup followed by general dismissal of grades K-6 at 3:06. These are just a few of the operational and physical characteristics of the three schools that may provide clarity for the uninformed. More to follow.

Intermediate Middle School Opens

While many have been focused on the new athletic facility here at California Area School District, the California Intermediate Middle School quietly opened this week. The major changes in how grades 5/6 are educated include teachers teaming, flexible schedule, co-teaching, school social events such as dances, and academic iniatives such as writing and reading across the curriculum. A few "tweeks" to transportation are in process by Mr. Ricco of Brownsville Bus Lines. He has been on site this week to listen to concerns and make appropriate changes. I would personally like to thank parents for their support of this new iniative and look forward to working with your children this year.

Sign up for Mobile E-Alerts

To sign up for mobile e-alerts, go to announcements on the district webpage and click on the Mobile E-Alerts link. Now click on the word document and follow the directions.

Intermediate Middle School Orientation Review

Thank you to all the parents and students who attended the Intermediate Middle School orientation this evening. Your attentiveness and interest in the middle school process was appreciated. We look forward to working with your children this school year.

Homeroom List

Please be advised that middle school students do not have a homeroom, but will report to morning orientation to start the school day. The list for morning orientation rooms will be posted on the school doors on Friday morning.

Intermediate Middle School Orientation

The new California Intermediate Middle School Orientation is Monday, August 24th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Parents and students are welcome to attend.