CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO WATCH

Strong Advisory/SEL system: The school implements peer mediation, reflection circles, restorative practices, Student Success Liaison support, the Gaucho Way with tickets and store, and weekly Hub Time SEL lessons to promote student growth and community.

Family and Community Partnership: Families are engaged through ongoing two-way communication, such as newsletters, portals, conferences, and home visits, as well as through partnerships with local organizations, mentoring, service learning, and community events.

Strong School Culture and Climate: The school fosters a positive environment through assemblies, recognition programs for academics, attendance, and citizenship, spirit days, and morning announcements that reinforce values and shared norms focused on respect, responsibility, and relationships.

Data-Driven Instruction: Teachers regularly analyze formative and summative assessments to adjust instruction and provide tiered supports (RTI/MTSS) for academics and behavior with consistently applied entry and exit criteria.

Student Leadership Opportunities: Students develop leadership skills through various programs, including councils, peer tutoring, mentoring elementary students, club leadership, Student Voice teams, CTE opportunities, after-school sports, drama, band, robotics, and speech presentations.