April 18, 2013
Dear Parents,
I am very proud to announce that ten of our schools have been named as Honor Roll STAR Schools by the California Business for Education Excellence Foundation. Cameron, Hollencrest, Merced, Merlinda, Monte Vista, Orangewood, San Jose Charter, Vine, Wescove, and WCHS have all been recognized. I was also notified that West Covina Unified School District was named as one of six districts to be named to the District Honor Roll by the California Business for Education Excellence Foundation for the “outstanding success our school district has made in raising academic achievement and closing achievement gaps” for our students. This is the first year CBEE has awarded this designation for districts that have excelled beyond their peers in serving and supporting students over time. This compliments the recognition we received by The Education Trust – West for ranking 4th, of 148 largest unified school districts, in serving traditionally underserved students who are achieving academic success in West Covina.
In addition to this wonderful news, Merced and San Jose Charter have been named Title 1 Achieving Schools. West Covina and Edgewood High Schools have earned recognition as California Distinguished Schools this year.
This recognition confirms my belief that our entire school community has an uncompromising commitment to improve the academic success of all students by taking responsibility for their academic achievement and believing that all students can achieve at high levels. These wonderful awards and recognitions corroborates my own personal observations and experiences visiting classrooms throughout the district; working with and observing teacher leaders as they participate on District committees; Lesson Study and Thinking Maps professional development; and collaborating with our administrators in our WCUSD Professional Learning Community.
Please know that I sincerely appreciate and admire our teachers, support staff, and administrator’s commitment, dedication and willingness to continually grow as educators to ensure that our students get the best education possible and are given every opportunity to succeed in reaching their individual potentials.
I am forever grateful that I have been given the opportunity to join this dynamic team of educators.
Debra Kaplan
