A contingent of educators from the Moraga School District and UC Davis’ Center For Applied Policy in Education recently visited San Benito High School to observe the co-teaching model used in a number of classes, according to SBHS district staff.
The visit was a result of a Superintendents’ Collaborative through UC Davis, which is intended to help districts across the state network and learn from each other.
The guests observed algebra 1, chemistry, geometry, world studies and English 9 classes during their daylong visit. The itinerary also included time for debrief discussions with teachers after some classes along with a question-and-answer session, co-teaching in-service and a group meeting to discuss what was observed.
Moraga Supt. Bruce Burns, Director of Student Services Susan Bishop and principal Joan Danilson were joined by UC Davis representatives Steve Ladd and Tina Murdoch. They visited the San Benito High campus to learn more about effective inclusionary practices.
“It was our honor to share the good work being done by our co-teaching staff and students,” said San Benito Director of Special Education Paulette Cobb, who helped facilitate the walk-through. “It was an inspirational afternoon as we were able to observe some stellar teaching models. Our teachers exhibited professionalism and expertise, and our students were remarkable in each class.”
Cobb added that the visit included time to “discuss our program dynamics, including development, training and growth over the past four years.”
“Our educators displayed excellent pedagogy, and their use of instructional strategies was exemplary as they engaged our students in various content areas,” Superintendent Shawn Tennenbaum said.
Tennenbaum explained the collaboration was derived through the Center For Applied Policy in Education program as a means of bringing district leaders together in an effort to support one another in meeting the needs of students across California.
TK, kindergarten registration
Transitional kindergarten and kindergarten registration opened Feb. 4 for all Hollister School District primary sites, according to a recent announcement from district staff.
Parents should register at their neighborhood school. Required items to bring along are birth certificate, immunization record and proof of address.
Full-day TK is for students who turn age 5 between Sept. 2, 2019 and Jan. 31, 2020.
Full-day Kindergarten is for students who turn 5 by Sept. 1, 2019.
For more information, contact Annabelle Alvarez at (831) 630-6300 ext. 321.
Enrollment at AAA
The Accelerated Achievement Academy, a fourth- through eighth-grade school site, is accepting applications for incoming students for the 2019-20 school term.
All students are invited to apply. Qualifications include:
- fourth- and fifth-graders who earn 3s and 4s on standards-based report cards;
- Middle school students with GPA between 3.0 and 4.0;
- CAASPP scores in the “Meeting or Exceeding Standard” range;
- History of excellent attendance and citizenship with minimal discipline.
Admission is based on completion of an application packet (personal essay, CAASPP scores, discipline and attendance records), student recommendation forms and interview results.
With a rigorous academic curriculum, AAA “is recognized as one of the highest-achieving and progressive schools in California,” according to staff.
“Our students develop strong critical thinking and collaboration skills, communicate well with others and contribute in our community,” AAA states. “Project Based Learning-trained teachers empower students to solve real-world problems and answer complex questions. Student learning is original, researched, reason and publicly shared.”
AAA requires students to complete 15 hours of community service for in fourth and fifth grades and 20 hours in grades 6-8.
Student art on display
After a Feb. 1 opening reception for the San Benito County Art Council’s 11th annual “Art 111 Show” high school art exhibition, artwork by students at San Benito and Anzar high schools is now on display through Feb. 15 at the ARTspace Annex, 217 Fifth St. in Hollister.
