CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO WATCH
California Schools to Watch is a statewide program implemented by the California League
of Middle Schools, California Department of Education, California Middle Grades Alliance, National Forum, and the California Schools to Watch model schools.
Redesignated: 2023
Designated 2020
Pleasanton Unified School District
Alameda County
Caroline Fields, Principal
4433 Willow Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 426-3012
School Characteristics
Community: suburban. Enrollment: 1,191. Grade Levels: 6-8. School Schedule: The school features eight periods with an optional, early A period every morning except Wednesday to accommodate intervention and lab classes. An access period every Tuesday and Thursday allows reteaching, retesting, and enrichment.
School Demographics
Free/reduced lunch: 6%. Students with disabilities: 10%. English learners: 6%.
Replicable Practices
Teachers meet in PLCs every Wednesday morning to collaborate on essential standards, common formative assessments, data analysis, and best practices.
Career Technical Education options in technology and engineering are supported by Project Lead The Way and other initiatives, making a strong STEAM program in combination with a wide variety of visual and performing arts electives.
The staff recognizes that middle school is a transitional educational and emotional period for students and parents alike; the school therefore forms proactive, rich partnerships with families to support the transition and provides many activities to involve parents.
Positive climate is built intentionally through a character education matrix with PBIS, Red Ribbon Week, Diversity Week, STEAM Student Showcase, Paws Pop-Up Parties, Math Counts, Model UN, Swing Dance, and more.
A site intervention specialist coaches staff in curriculum, lessons, data analysis, common assessments, and learning walks; a site technology specialist supports technology in instruction.
AVID (which includes ELs and RSP), college information ACCESS presentations, study skills nights for parents and students, and PSAT 8/9 practice exams build college-and-career readiness.