Portola Valley schools open on an upbeat note this week as they begin to implement the district’s strategic plan, developed during an extensive planning process last year and adopted in June.
“We’re focusing on skills our kids will need to know to be a “global student” in an increasingly complex and interrelated world, says Superintendent Anne Campbell.
“What do we do as school folks to help them evaluate and analyze the data they find from an array of sources and the Internet? How do we help them develop the interpersonal skills to work effectively with others?”
These are some of the challenges as teachers explore and pilot teaching strategies to increase student achievement and engagement in learning.
The strategic plan’s definition of the “global student” is someone who:
• Meets or exceeds California Content Standards and demonstrates mastery of other selected standards.
• Confronts challenges by applying critical thinking, problem-solving, research and communication skills.
• Demonstrates respect, responsibility, service, resilience, creativity, innovation and love of learning.
• Understands and values other cultures and perspectives.
The most dramatic and visible change this fall is the district’s investing $175,000 in technology in support of the “global student” goals.
All teachers’ laptops have been replaced with Apple laptops having the Intel chip, and student computers are OS-10 compatible. Ormondale now has reliable Internet access with its own connection to the Internet through Comcast Broadband. Every teacher has a digital projector, linked to the computer and Internet.
The district’s technology staffing has been reorganized. Thomas Keating, a former college professor and director of education and technology at the Tech Museum in San Jose, is the new educational technology coordinator. Michael Bray, who managed the network the past year as a temporary employee and installed new equipment over the summer, is now the network administrator.
Providing tech support at the schools are Lee Applebaum at Ormondale and Brett Fishman at Corte Madera. The support is provided from noon to 5 p.m., enabling the computer lab to be open for students after school.
Other goals this year include developing and implementing a “Math Mastery Map” for grades 6-8; adopting and implementing new K-6 social studies instructional materials; and developing standards for written language, accompanied by an K-8 instructional program that addresses student-learning style.
In another district change, Karen Lucian, the student information technician last year, is the full-time “administrator coordinator,” a newly created position that combines the job descriptions of administrative assistant and student information system technician.
Following is information on the district’s two schools, where classes started August 28.
ORMONDALE
200 Shawnee Pass
Portola Valley
Phone: 851-1777
Eva Gal, principal
Grades: K-3
Enrollment: 326, up 11 students from last year.
Small classes. The biggest increase in enrollment is in the kindergarten class, which has 84 students, up from the low 70s last year. First grade now has 78 students. There are four classes in all grades and class sizes are close to 20 students each.
New teachers. Joining the first-grade team is Peggy Jacqot, who completed her master’s degree in gifted and talented education at the College of William and Mary. Former art teacher Linda Clark returns to job-share teaching third grade with Jean Turri.
Focus. Ormondale staff is moving toward realizing the district’s goal of teaching the 21st century child in the most effective ways possible, said Principal Eva Gal. The challenge is developing the “global student” with tools and attributes to navigate the complexities of the changing world. Before school started, many Ormondale teachers participated in a three-day workshop with IDEO, a Palo Alto company specializing in the design process. The goal is to enhance teachers’ capacity to design and implement learning experiences that are rigorous and engaging, filled with meaningful content and designed with the learning styles of students in mind.
Programs. Among programs continuing this year: the Pride Assemblies with character education themes, the science fair, Reading Recovery, Morning Club, and Art in Action.
Service Learning. Students and teachers will take part again this year in the district-wide programs that focus on building community.
Harvest time. Ripe tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini are being harvested from the school gardens, which are a focal point for science projects and opportunities for service learning.
Back-to-school barbecue. Families will return to school Friday, September 1, for the annual event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the school’s field and blacktop.
Back-to-school night. Parents and guardians will come to school Thursday, September 7, to meet teachers and learn about classroom programs. The times are: 5:30 p.m. for kindergarten; 6 p.m. for first grade; 7 p.m., assembly for all; and 7:30 p.m. for third grade.
Family Picnic. District families will gather for a picnic Saturday, October 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Flood Park in Menlo Park.
“Turkey Trot.” Save Saturday, November 18. The school’s PTO is sponsoring the second annual Turkey Trot, a 5K and 10K run and walk and a kids’ walk at Ormondale.
Child care. New Horizons School-Age Center, a private organization offering child care for schoolchildren from ages 5 to 13, is located at Ormondale in the portable classroom adjacent to the kindergarten playground. Ajmir Thompkins is the director. For information and fees, call 851-5671.
CORTE MADERA
4575 Alpine Road
Portola Valley
Phone: 851-l777
Joel Willen, principal
Grades: 4-8
Enrollment: 356, about the same as last year.
Class size. Classes will average about 20 students.
Teachers. Kim Hartman, who has worked as a special education teacher and in preschool, will job-share a fifth-grade class with Denise Falzon. Marcie Barton, the district’s technology integration specialist, has moved to fourth grade, taking the place of Elaine Winer, who retired. Wiatt Grant, a professional musician, who worked as a paraprofessional for two years in the district’s special education program, will teach band on a part-time basis. Laurie Bernstein, special education teacher, decided to retire over the summer. Moving into her position is Ruth Lisha, special education teacher at Corte Madera.
They’re back. Counselor Kristen Shima, who came to Corte Madera midyear to fill the vacant counseling position, is back. Emily Cartter, who joined the staff midyear as school secretary, also returned.
Focus. Corte Madera staff is beginning to implement the district’s strategic plan, adopted in June. Math teachers have developed “math mastery maps” to guide teaching and learning math in grades, 6, 7 and 8. Writing will receive emphasis across all the grade levels beginning midyear. Principal Joel Willen and teachers will continue to work on building character in students, helping them to interact positively with each other. “Kindness” is the focus word this year. Teachers will continue to work to make sure students learn the curriculum, set forth in the state standards in all areas
Blooming garden. Corte Madera’s garden project has burst into bloom with pumpkins, squash and towering sunflowers, under the guidance of teacher Shane Cucksey. An Elizabeth garden features plants from Shakespeare’s time. Art students of teacher Brigid Corboy have created mosaic signs for the garden, and stepping stones and decorated pots with poetic lines.
Watch CMS-TV. Students in the TV-video production elective will produce shows over closed-circuit TV, under the guidance of teacher Brigetta Brown.
Overnight field trips. This year’s overnight field trips, approved by the school board, will take fourth-graders to “Gold Country,” sixth-graders to Yosemite, and eighth-graders to Washington, D.C. Fifth-graders will learn about the “Age of Sail” on the “Balcutha,” berthed at the San Francisco harbor.
Information night. Principal Willen is scheduling a high school information night for parents of eighth-graders.
Back-to-school picnic. This annual event is Friday, September 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the upper-grade eating area.
Back-to-school night. Parents are invited to return to school Tuesday, September 12, to learn about school programs and meet teachers.
PORTOLA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Corte Madera School
4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley
Superintendent: Anne Campbell
Call 851-1777. www.pvsd.net.
