As students in the Cypress School District return for the 2012/13 school year, they are being prepared for another year of outstanding educational opportunities to learn and achieve. Each of the schools in the District has been designated a California Distinguished School and provides a focus unique to their educational community to meet the needs of all learners. Cypress School District continues to perform above the state and county level in English Language Arts and Math, as evidenced by state test scores. Below are a few highlights from each of its California Distinguished Schools:
Arnold School uses grade level teaching teams that meet weekly to ensure success for all students. Students receive differentiated instruction throughout the day, with 30 minutes each day set aside for intensive instruction for students not yet meeting grade level standards and for enrichment for GATE and high-achieving students. All Arnold teachers are certified to teach English Learners and provide instruction designed to develop English language fluency in their students.
At King School Title I/Specialist teachers provide professional development to teachers and intensive interventions for students to ensure their success. Two technology labs are available allowing students to use research based, standards focused programs including Study Island and Mind Institute (Jiji) to enhance the instructional program. In addition, Club King, an onsite after-school program, is available offering homework help, nutrition, physical activities, and many enrichment programs all at a very low cost for qualifying families.
Landell School operates on a year-round schedule with a dedicated, highly trained staff committee to teaching excellence. A variety of before and after school enrichment programs are offered to students, including a parent-orchestrated Math Club, music and art classes, Spanish and Chinese language classes, science class, and a student garden club. Staff focuses on individual differences for the success of every child using Cognitively Guided Instruction, Thinking Maps, and SMARTBoards for instruction.
In addition to the above, Landell School is home to the district’s Transitional Kindergarten Program. New to the District this year, the program is designed for students who will turn five years old between November 2, 2012 and December 2, 2012. It is designed to meet the developmental needs of those students who, due to the new kindergarten age requirements, cannot start regular kindergarten until next year. Students who enroll in transitional kindergarten must still complete a year of traditional kindergarten the following school year.
For the 2012/13 school year, Luther School students are meeting on their interim campus at Swain School while their campus is modernized. This year, an accelerated math program for 6th graders will be offered using the 7th grade level math book. Staff is trained in Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) and Thinking Maps are used to support critical thinking skills.
In addition to the above, Luther School is home to the district’s Preppie Kindergarten Program. This program is for those children eligible for kindergarten but whose parents do not believe they are ready for a traditional kindergarten program. At the end of the school year, the student will either spend another year in a traditional kindergarten program or promote directly to first grade, as determined by the school and parents together.
Morris School reopened this year on their newly modernized campus, including a beautiful new technology lab and learning center. Small group instruction is offered for language arts to support student learning, with students grouped according to ability levels and support individual goals. IMPACT, a student leadership committee, was organized to empower students to create a positive school culture, make an impact, and become good role models.
Vessels School has integrated technology across the curriculum, including SMARTBoards in every classroom. The Bulldog Buddies program for 1-6 grades offers students the opportunity to be a special peer mentor to children in the Regional Autism program. Differentiated instruction for high achieving students is offered, along with enrichment activities for all students. Grade level teams meet weekly to discuss student work, achievement, and success for all students.
Each Cypress School District campus has an onsite preschool/daycare program offering affordable before and after school care.