I apologize for not having updated this message more recently.  I would like to address two issues in this update, testing and funding.

 

The schedule for the month of May is mostly testing.  The first two weeks there will be Advanced Placement (AP) Exams.  We anticipate administering 633 tests in 13 AP subjects.  The second two weeks there will be California Standards Tests and High School Exit Exam for those seniors who have not passed the CAHSEE and those students who were absent during CAHSEE testing in March. 

 

I am asking your help in expressing to your children the importance of the CST.  Although these tests do not count for graduation as the CAHSEE does, they do count towards the ranking and reputation of the school.  The CST results determine the Academic Performance Index (API) of the school.  The API along with the results of the CAHSEE, the graduation rate, and test attendance determine our Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), which is the No Child Left Behind measure of our school.  Many of you look for test results on school wevsites or the California Department of Education website when determining which school your children will attend.  The higher those test scores, the more favorably you look upon the school.

 

Our teachers work hard all year to provide your children with standards-based instruction.  If your children are passing their courses, then they should be able to do well on the CST.  Please send your children to school each day of testing.  Please make sure they have a good nights rest and a good breakfast in the morning.  Of course, they should be in class everyday, testing time or not.  Please ask them to take the tests seriously and do their best.  We have already begun to deliver the message here on campus.  We just need your help at home.

 

I am totally uncomfortable asking for money, but as you are aware the state and therefore the school district are in dire financial straits.  The budget development process has been completed and funds have been allocated to purchasing additional teachers, guidance counselors, a nurse, an attendance counselor, teaching assistants for the classroom, a half-time office assistant, and professional development.  Very little was allocated to instructional materials or supplies.  The number of teachers purchased will keep class size to what it is presently.  Even with the purchase of two counselors, the counseling staff will be reduced by one due to the reduction in counselor allocation by the district.  The purchase of nurses time will allow the school to have a nurse for 5 days, instead of 2.  The clerical staff will be cut to a total of 6 for the entire school.  In addition, our athletic programs, music and art are also being cut. 

 

I am asking that you donate whatever you can to the school.  Please make checks out to Venice High School or drop off donations of classroom supplies, copy paper, pens, pencils, printer cartridges or gift cards to business supply stores or Costco or whatever you can.  Thank you in advance for your support. 

 

Lonnie Wallace