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District Profile

CASTRO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT PROFILE


The Castro Valley Unified School District is built on a strong foundation of parent support, community involvement, a dedicated staff, and quality instructional programs with high expectations for student achievement based on clear district standards. This has resulted in our students achieving among the highest in the state.  In addition, District schools and staff were recognized in 2008 in a variety of ways:

  • Jensen Ranch, Palomares Elementary, and Stanton Elementary Schools were named California Distinguished Schools.
  • Vannoy Elementary School received Honorable Mention from the Distinguished Schools Committee.
  • Castro Valley Elementary was honored for a second consecutive year with a State Academic Achievement Award for Title 1 schools.
  • Jensen Ranch and Independent Elementary Schools were recognized by the California Business for Educational Excellence Foundation and named to the “Just For Kids Honor Roll”.
  • Creekside Middle School counselor Elaine Anderson was a California Middle School Educator of the Year Nominee.

 
Castro Valley is a district on the move.  The 2008 Accountability Progress Report results continue to show the District’s academic progress.  Of particular note is that all of the reported achievements were attained with nearly 100% of students being assessed.  This year’s report included the following highlights:

  • The District met 38 of 38 federal criteria in the AYP accountability system. The District-wide API score continued to grow--moving from 830 to 843.
  • All eight District-wide numerically significant subgroups showed growth ranging from 8 to 20 points.
  • All schools in the District have API scores above the state goal of 800.  [Exception is Redwood High School which participated in an alternative accountability system (ASAM)].
  • Five schools in the District have API scores over 900.
  • Castro Valley High School has an API of 806 with all numerically significant subgroups showing growth.
  • Castro Valley students’ high achievement is further noted by this year’s seniors achieving an amazing passing rate on the California High School Exit Examination of 96.6%.


 The 2008 STAR results recently released confirm Castro Valley is a district committed to continuous improvement.  Highlights from the state assessments given in May 2008 include:

  • Increased fourth and fifth grade scores in both English Language Arts and Mathematics.
  • Increased number of 8th graders taking Algebra I.
  • A dramatic increase in all Science grade level scores (5th, 8th, and 10th grades), with 81% of 5th graders scoring Proficient or above. In addition to these grade level tests, increases occurred in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  • Increased scores on the State Grades 4 and 7 Writing Assessment.

 
In the 2008-2009 school year the district will continue to pursue its goals of:

  • All students reaching high standards.
  • English proficiency for English language learners.
  • A highly qualified teaching staff.
  • Safe drug free learning environment.
  • All students graduating from high school.


Professional development in both elementary and secondary literacy, elementary and secondary mathematics, K-8 history/social science, and K-12 physical education is planned for the year.  In addition, staff will continue to focus on the methodologies and strategies that enhance student academic success.

Castro Valley High School recently established the Global Rights, Activism, Education and Law Academy (GRAEL).  Students learn from a variety of perspectives about major issues such as globalization, global warming, and social justice.  Working in partnerships with community organizations, students will apply the academic and practical knowledge they have gained to create and implement an action plan to help solve world problems.  GRAEL is one of five academies offered to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.  The other four Career Academy choices are: Business, Art, Engineering, and Health.

A new CVHS Student Union opens in the 2008-2009 school year.  The Student Union will be a place where students can go to get tutoring before, during, and after school.  Credentialed teachers and CSF (Honors) students will be available to assist students who need academic help with their studies.  In addition, the Student Union will also be a place where students can gather to socialize.  Computer games, table tennis, and more will make this an after-school destination.
Good schools contribute to a good community and community support has been outstanding. The passage of three bond measures in seven years is testimony to that support. While the 1998 bond measure emphasized modernizing District schools, and the 2002 focused on new construction; the 2005 bond measure ensures a balanced, $44 million investment benefiting every school by targeting three key areas:

Improve Safety and Security of Schools 

  • Seismic retrofitting of schools and classrooms
  • Classroom and campus-wide security

 
21st Century Instructional Needs

  • Improved library facilities and communications systems
  • New science classrooms/ laboratories for 6th graders
  • Additional classrooms and support

 
Physical Health and Well-Being

  • Replace/refurbish the athletic complex at Castro Valley High School.
  • Upgrade play fields at middle and elementary sites.


Funded largely by the school facility bonds passed in 1998 and 2005, some 26 separate projects were completed in the summer of 2008.  Major projects included:

  • Completion of a brand new Redwood High School facility.
  • Major seismic upgrades and a wide range of improvements at Creekside Middle School.
  • Safety and security upgrades at Marshall and Proctor Schools.
  • Additional infrastructure to support the expanded student enrollment at Independent School.


In addition to community support for the enhancement and expansion of our school facilities, the District has the support of three outstanding foundations, each with a particular emphasis:

  • The Castro Valley Educational Foundation promotes excellence in the education of the students of Castro Valley.
  • The Castro Valley Sports Foundation has been an advocate for a new stadium at CVHS and remains a strong supporter for additional athletic facility improvements.  
  • The Castro Valley Arts Foundation advocates for arts education and provides necessary funding to enhance the operations and equipping of the new Center for the Arts.