It’s impossible to read the news recently without feeling a need to help our kids discover healthy pathways to reach their goals in an increasingly complex world.  In high-achieving communities, our students are increasingly aware of their strengths, weaknesses, and ability to compete for admission to the most competitive colleges and universities.  While our school district has forged a stellar national reputation for preparing our students academically, we must be mindful and vigilant about protecting our students with social and emotional supports and helping more students to realize their full potential.

 

Many of our residents are aware that our students routinely account for nearly 2,000 Advanced Placement (AP) exams each year and over 80% of our graduates complete the challenging requirements necessary to gain eligibility to the University of California system.  Most people are less aware of our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) that addresses the needs of all students, including an investment in mental health.

 

The LCAP addresses criteria defined by the California Department of Education (CDE) through the lens of local governance and stakeholder input.  Our plan addresses the needs of special education students, English Language Learners (ELL), first generation college students, low-wealth families, Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students, foster youth, and dives deep into the areas of Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS), and personal well-being.

 

Our Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District is known for academic excellence, rigorous curriculum, robust math and science programs, and a community built by engineers and entrepreneurs.  Those pillars will remain intact and our school system will continue to produce students capable of changing the world in positive and powerful ways. 

 

It is our aspirational goal to increase the breadth of our success through purposeful recruitment of students into engaging programs and courses, targeting interventions, and developing healthy habits and supports for all students.  The road to World Class has no finish line.  I would encourage our parents and community to explore our work with the LCAP and social and emotional supports.  Please share your thoughts and insights with us to help identify the next right answers for PVPUSD.

 

@DonAustin_PVP   @PVPSchools

 

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