CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO WATCH

Teaming: Due to our school's size, we use interdisciplinary teams at each grade level, which share a common prep period with administration and counseling to discuss Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) interventions and student supports.

6th Grade FLEX, “hanging” 5th Period: To comply with reduced California Education Code requirements for 6th-grade P.E. instructional minutes, our school aligns with other PAUSD middle schools by replacing this time with music and utilizing a seven-period day that includes a hanging fifth period for interventions, support, and enrichment.

Student Clubs: Every semester, students generate ideas for and launch lunchtime clubs with staff sponsors, culminating in a popular Club Fair that is funded by the PTA and ASB, all of which amplifies student voice and choice and fosters a greater sense of belonging.

SaFE Specialists and “looping” Counselors: Our school provides support and fosters trust through Student and Family Engagement (SaFE) Specialists, who serve as community liaisons in various languages, and "looping" school counselors, who follow grade-level cohorts from 6th to 8th grade, thereby strengthening connections between staff, students, and their families.

Community Connections: Practices such as weekly check-ins, monthly newsletters, coffees, and Zooms, along with Parent Education Book Clubs, are used by site leadership to cultivate awareness, facilitate problem-solving, and allow for questions, resulting in strong, trusting partnerships with families in the JLS community.