Welcome back, Jaguars to the start of the 2011-2012 school year. I hope you all had a fine vacation and am looking forward with enthusiasm to the new school year.

El Sereno Middle School has completed all the modernization projects to improve and up-grade our school facilities. The following projects have been completed: 1) the entire school has been repaved and lines painted in the PE areas; 2) four science classrooms have been up-graded to promote science instruction, accommodate laboratory experiments and provide safety for students; 3) we added a new shade shelter outside the lunch area to provide our students protections from the rain and heat of the sun; 4) we have completed work to our “state of the art” computer classroom and lab in the old auto shop building (shop 3); we added air conditioning to the student cafeteria; 5) a rod-iron security fence was installed along the upper field perimeter to increase campus safety; 6) we opened the Hilda Solis Dental Clinic and finally 7) we will be adding a new children’s play ground next to Mi Casita parent center to provide day-care for our parents.

This year El Sereno MS was selected by the District and the California League of Middle Schools to be part of the Leadership Matters Schools program. This program with provide additional professional development, and support from the United Way organization to improve our school and student achievement. We will continue with a 7 period day bell schedule to allow students to take elective classes and allow us to implement the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The IB learner profile strives to be inquires knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective students. The IB program is a course of study designed to prepare and teach our students to become ready to complete in a changing world. The curriculum offers instruction in 3 languages (Spanish, French and Mandarin), Math, Science, Physical Education, Humanities, Technology and the Arts.

To continue our efforts and commitment to improve student achievement we are providing a “binder and dividers” to every student and requiring them to bring it to school everyday. All students will be taught AVID strategies and encouraged to use and take Cornell notes in all classes. Jaguars are expected to keep all class work organized in your binders to make study at home more productive. As a result of our collaboration with Computers for Youth, every 6th and 7th grade student will be eligible to receive a free computer to take home and keep improving their technology and academic skills. This includes training for parents to assist their child at home with homework assignments.

Our dedicated teachers have devoted 9 days of Professional Development to prepare for the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year. They have also met with the Wilson High School teachers to develop various teaching strategies to assist in the development of rigorous IB lessons to improve student learning and prepare our students for transition to high school.

Everyone is very excited with the results of our test scores. We have improved in every area. This improvement demonstrates your ability to do better. This year I expect each of you to work even harder to reach your real potential. I look forward to working with you this school year. Let’s make it the best one ever!