As we come to the end of another great year in Center Unified, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents and other community members who have supported the quality educational programs we provide in our district. Budget cuts and staff reductions aside, this has been an excellent year of growth for our students. We applaud them, as well as our classified and certificated staff for keeping Center at the top of the educational curve.
CJUSD Teachers Contribute to Carry on Class Size Reduction
The Center Joint Unified Teachers Association agreed to a temporary work year reduction of two days for the 2010-2011 school year. The savings realized from the teachers association taking two furlough days will be used to restore 8 elementary teachers to be used in continuing the Class Size Reduction (CSR) Program. K-3 classrooms will retain a 22:1 ratio.
Center Joint Unified teachers and staff members go above and beyond to serve the needs of our students. Teachers are focused on continuous improvement and students are achieving at high levels.
Wilson C. Riles Announces the Creation of the GATE Academy
Center Joint Unified School District is excited to announce the creation of a middle school GATE Academy that will exist on the Wilson C. Riles campus beginning in August, 2010. This program will focus on the educational needs of gifted students every day in their English, Math, and Social Studies classes. Through the program, students will be offered an Introduction to Spanish as an elective.
The district, school , and academy teachers are very excited about this new opportunity to work together and give the students what they need in their daily classes to reach their potential and beyond.
Center Elementary Schools Recognized and Awarded with Multiple Honors
Center's elementary students continue to pursue top achievements and academic success, even in the state's budget crisis.
Oak Hill Elementary School has been honored with two prestigious awards this Spring. A 2010 California Distinguished Schools recipient and earning a place on the California Business for Education Excellence Honor Roll (The CBEE Award)
Oak Hill was selected because of their academic excellence and for narrowing achievement gaps. The school has persevered despite state budget cutbacks that have cut deeply into the budgets of local school districts.
Spinelli Elementary School students have also earned and obtained a position on the CBEE Honor Roll, along with receiving the Title 1 Academic Achievement Award. Spinelli is one of 238 schools in California to receive this most prestigious award.
Center Joint Unified students and staff members go above and beyond to serve the needs of our students. Teachers are focused on continuous improvement and students are achieving at high levels.
Center Unified Teacher of the Year
Leslie Macek, a 4th and 5th grade combination teacher, was surprised to hear her name called as the winner of the district Teacher of the Year at the Day of the Teacher celebration. Leslie certainly is deserving of this honor as a dedicated teacher who engages her students in learning. As Spinelli's GATE coordinator Leslie the students in a real "who-dunnit" project involving evidence and clues to solve the perfect crime and apprehend the guilty staff member. Congratulations Mrs. Macek!
Eight additional teachers also were honored at the celebration, which took place at the CHS Theater on Monday, May 3. Clay Smith, 5th grade teacher at Oak Hill. Cynthia Piegaro, 1st grade teacher at Dudley. Toni Brinks, 3rd grade teacher at North County. David French , English teacher at Wilson C. Riles. Rob McInnes, English teacher at Center High School. Greg Davis, Science teacher at McClellan High School, Stephen Osborn, Math teacher at Antelope View Charter School. And Keith Hodges, Math teacher at Global Youth.