The California Department of Education and the California Middle Grades Alliance today announced that seven high-performing California middle schools have been newly designated as model middle grades schools in the 2014-15 Schools to Watch- Taking Center Stage (STW-TCS) program. The announcement also includes recognition of the sustained progress of 14 previously chosen STW-TCS schools, including Culver City Middle School, which will allow them to retain their designation.
STW-TCS middle grades schools are high-performing model schools that demonstrate academic excellence, developmental responsiveness to the needs and interests of young adolescents, social equity, and organizational support. These model schools host visitors from California and around the world who are looking for replicable practices that will help them improve their middle grades schools and close the achievement gap.
The California Department of Education and the California League of Middle Schools are the lead agencies in the STW-TCS program, with the support of the California Middle Grades Alliance, a cross-organizational collaborative dedicated to providing policy assistance and encouragement for California’s 1.5 million middle grades students.
In order to become a STW-TCS model middle school, applicants must have met or exceeded the Academic Performance Index (API) schoolwide growth target for three of the previous five years (2008-09 to 2012-13). School administrators must conduct a self-study evaluation and complete an extensive narrative application. Each site is then reviewed by a team of middle grades experts. In order to retain the designation, each school is re-evaluated every three years.
All of the schools will be formally recognized at the California Middle Grades Alliance annual luncheon February 26, 2015, and during the California League of Schools Conference February 27-March 1, 2015. The schools will have an opportunity to showcase their accomplishments and network with other middle grades educators from around the state. Both events will be held in Sacramento.
G.A.T.E Parent information Night Set for Feb. 19
CCUSD will hold a G.A.T.E Parent Information Night for parents of third- through fifth-grade students. This informational meeting will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19 at Culver City Middle School in the Multi-Purpose Room, 4601 Elenda Street.
The topics discussed will include: qualification for the program, what the program looks like, and future plans for the program. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Diane Randall at (310) 842-4220 ext. 4229. Hope to see you there.
La Ballona Initiates School- Based Mentoring Program
La Ballona Elementary School is the first school in the district to launch a school-based mentoring program in conjunction with Big Brothers / Big Sisters. The program, which could soon be replicated at other CCUSD schools, provides consistent, individualized time and attention to at-risk kids in public elementary and middle schools throughout L.A. County. Volunteers make a one-year commitment and meet with their Little for one hour during lunch, once a week at the child’s school.
Although this program takes place at school, the mentoring program isn’t limited to the classroom. While some Littles talk with their Bigs about class or do homework together, others shoot hoops in the gym or play on the playground. At the end of the day, it’s really about starting a consistent friendship, providing guidance and inspiring students to become what they never dreamed possible. It starts with YOU!
La Ballona is currently recruiting Littles in need of a Big. For more information, please contact the school or visitwww.bbbsla.org.
Time to nominate Teacher, Classified Employee of the Year
In collaboration with the Culver City Education Foundation, CCUSD has revised our annual teacher/classified employee of the year process with the goal of celebrating and recognizing more members of our incredible CCUSD team. Each school site will have their own Teacher and Classified Employee of the year, and those selected at the site will make up the pool to be considered for the CCUSD Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year.
Site recipients (and their guests) will be provided two tickets to attend CCEF’s incredible Tribute to the Stars celebration on Saturday May 2, where all site recipients will be recognized and the district-wide recipients will be announced.
To nominate a teacher or classified employee, please click here to download the nomination form.
CCUSD Launches New Mobile Phone App
The Culver City Unified School District has launched a new mobile app for Apple and Android products designed to keep users connected with all that is happening in Culver City schools.
The app, now available on iTunes or Google Play, enables users to receive push notifications about the latest news and updates from the District as well as access to school phone numbers, lunch menus, sports calendars and much more. Users can customize their notifications and calendars to receive all District news or just news from a single school.
To find out more or to download the app, please click here.