The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Board reminded the community that Refugio Graduation is set for 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 8, in the Little Theater followed at 4 p.m. by Santa Ynez on the field. The OLA Senior Mass is set for 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 10, at Old Mission Santa Ines.
Bruce Porter kicked things off by explaining the new West Point Society of Los Angeles’ perpetual award, which only a handful of distinguished schools in Southern California are allowed to present to a single faculty nominated junior. This is the first year the award was given at Santa Ynez.
The student is selected, based on the same criteria used to select students for admission to West Point. Selected for the honor is Karl Fredrickson, who was also just elected ASB president by his peers.
The 10 retiring teachers and staff members were honored with plaques. “We can’t say thank you enough,” said superintendent Paul Turnbull, noting that the school’s recent national ranking and the 2.3 million in scholarships graduating students earned this year is due in large part to the work of those now moving on. Collectively, they average a quarter-century of service each.
Barbara Landon, whose goal in life is to give the gift of reading to all children, admonished those present to keep reading as she received her plaque.
Karen Nguyen, assisted by fellow Science Department members Gretchen Smith, Lisa Boyer and Jake Kalkowski, reported on their progress and expected changes. STAR testing for integrated science showed an increase in students (9th/ 11th grades) testing proficient or better from 42%/36% in 2010 to 44%/44% in 2011. Likewise, sophomores taking biology increased their scores from 56% in 2010 to 70% in 2011.
Chemistry students showed mix results. Students in their 9th/11th grades in 2010 had passage rates of 48%/19% compared to 2011 rates of 41%/34% respectively. Given the relatively few number of students at the school and normal variances in functioning level, the department doesn’t view 7% drop significant, unless it becomes the start of a trend.
“There is definitely a big jump in our sophomore scores in biology. Also in our junior chemistry – which is huge because these are the ones who struggle,” said Nguyen, explaining that these students are just getting to a high enough level in math to tackle chemistry.
That there is insufficient lab space for the number of students enrolled continues to be a problem for both students and teachers. Smith noted that Nguyen’s leadership is so good that fewer and fewer students elect to drop the class. Next year, seven sections rather than five will be offered.
The department which experienced a lot of upheaval a few years back is working on creating stability within the department and focusing on making it a program where both low-end students and those wishing science careers can thrive.
Changes include the creation of the Robotics Club; attendance at AP biology and chemistry conferences by Boyer and Nguyen; the organization of a recycling program for the school and a field trip to Sedgwick Nature Reserve for those involved.
“It was a really great trip for the kids. Thank you very much for letting us do that,” said Nguyen.
Changes for the next year include a new AP biology book corresponding to the new curriculum. They will transition honors biology to a pre-AP biology course. And, as previously reported by the Math Department, there will be a new Integrated/Algebra 1 class for students most at risk, in which students will be using new iPads the school purchased.
The new theme for the department, they reported, is sustainability. Promoting recycling schoolwide, reducing the use of plastic, participating in ecosystem and habitat restoration at Sedgwick Preserve, using less chemicals in classes and integrating community businesses and UCSB into their sustainability program are part of the plan. Board concerns that students learn appropriate writing skills for science majors are being addressed, confirmed Nguyen. There hasn’t been a science fair program at the school for a while, and though that is likely to continue, students are working on pretty exciting projects nonetheless. They built a small power-producing windmill, and the chemistry and physics classes were working on a joint venture that was set to be tested on June 6.
“If I could build more projects into the program, I definitely would,” said Nguyen – but she draws a line on projects that amount to busy work.
In other action Tuesday, the board by a 3-2 vote approved a contract with School Facility Consultants, whose job will be to assist the district in maximizing state funding for projects by identifying grants or matching grants the district is eligible to apply for.
The two dissenting votes came out of timing concerns, wishing to until after a decision on whether to seek a bond in the fall is made. But the majority believed it more prudent to have the information on hand when they determine the size of a bond, should they decide to go ahead.
Nicole Evenson explained how the information will be useful even if the school does not place a bond issue on the ballot. For example, she said, there are some grants and matching grants available for window replacement – something the school has to do whether a bond is sought.
Turnbull assured the board that both he and Evenson, the business manager, are very frugal and will not be seeking research on any item the school is not in immediate need of. Evenson reviewed the state of the budget, which is not significantly changed.
Board members will continue ongoing discussions regarding facility use fees. The next school board meetings are scheduled this summer for June 19, July 17 and Aug. 21.