September 16, 2004

SCHOOL SCENEin Almaden Valley

Local schools in the spotlight

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

This week, School Scene puts the spotlight on Guadalupe Elementary School—the only Almaden school in the Union School District—along with three private venues that serve the 95120 community: Almaden Country School, Challenger, and Holy Spirit. Here, principals share their excitement with new students, staff and programs, as well as their outlook for the coming year ahead.

Guadalupe Elementary School
With a new principal, three additional teachers, and the acquisition of over 100 students from Lietz, Athenour, Noddin, and Lone Hill schools, Guadalupe Elementary has opened back up in a flurry of change.

“It’s been a very smooth opening and I’m real excited to be here,” admits Principal Marty Lux. “The kids seem to be fitting in and getting along—we’re actually looking forward to a larger student body. It’s nice to have our playground full and the library in full use. More kids makes it kind of fun.”

Even with an influx of students, class sizes have not increased, due to additional faculty and creative reorganization. Lux plans to explore new methods that will improve student writing scores across all grade levels, while maintaining existing programs as part of their ongoing effort to ensure that every child achieves to their own potential.

“It’s a very high performing school with what I find to be outstanding teachers and very supportive parents,” she says. “My expectations are to first of all, maintain the wonderful things we have going on, along with the positive learning environment that we have at this school.”

Now that back-to-school events are behind them, entertainment book sales are well underway and student council candidates are actively campaigning for the Sept. 24 school election. Meanwhile, faculty, students, and volunteer parents are making final preparations for their annual fundraiser. Unlike the familiar Halloween-themed pumpkin festivals of the past, this year’s Fall Festival and Craft Fair will be held on Oct. 15. And rumor has it that opportunities may exist to sink the new principal in the dunk tank.

It’s gong to be fun—a great community event,” exclaims Lux. “I’m looking forward to seeing everybody out and enjoying all the activities.”

Challenger School
“This is a fantastic year for Challenger,” exclaims Principal Dave Delgado, who begins his 13th year at the McKean Road campus. “When I transferred here, my goal and my dream was to build it from a P-4 school to a full P-8 Challenger campus.”

Four years of construction and 14 new classrooms later, that dream will soon come to fruition, as the school celebrates continued growth in student population and prepares to graduate its first eighth-grade class in 2005—with accompaniment from their newly formed student orchestra.

Delgado also welcomes the addition of specialized teachers to all grade levels, who he says will take the school’s music, art, computer, and P.E. programs to new levels of excellence.

“I expect that Eric Wright, from the San Francisco 49ers, will continue to play a roll in our sports activities, as he did last year,” he adds.

In an effort to create more community awareness, Challenger will host a series of
open houses every Thurs-day in October, from 9 to 11 a.m.

“We are known for academic excellence, but I wish more people knew that there’s a lot more than that,” Delgado says. “I invite any parent to visit our classrooms—seeing the children tells the whole story.”

”Challenger School has finally arrived in Almaden,” he adds. “But success is a jour ney, not a destination, so we will continue to learn, and grow, and strive for excellence.”

Almaden Country School
According to Principal Jean Delwiche, Almaden Country School [ACS] got off to a great start with its pre-K through eighth grade students, including “get acquainted” events such as a lemonade party, lunch-brunch gathering, swim party, and “Family Ties” ice-cream social.

However, teachers started much earlier by attending summer workshops on curriculum development training and differentiated education—part of an ongoing quest to provide a strong focus on learning.

While many schools have been forced to cut back on programs and class time, ACS continues to provide a seven-period day with rigorous academics and a wide variety of enrichment classes.

This week, students in fifth through eighth grades are pairing up with pre-school through first graders, as the Buddy Program gets underway—a wonderful array, according to Delwiche that “provides a rich experience for both younger and older students.”

And thanks to generous donations and volunteer parents, a sparkling Early Childhood playground now adds new color—and smiles to the school landscape.

“It is delightful to hear the laughter as the young children play in this new environment,” exclaims Delwiche. “The spirit of volunteerism and parent involvement is an outstanding plus at ACS!”

Later this month, sixth grade classes will venture off campus for a week of field studies in Yosemite, while seventh graders head to Catalina Island for a week of marine exploration and adventure as part of their science curriculum. Upon returning, they will join their parents for the school’s annual “Fund Run” and Back-to-School Family Dinner on Oct. 8 in to raise funds for classrooms and Parent Service Auxiliary family events.

Although sporting new braces and braving morning announcements with a lisp, Delwiche, after 23 years at ACS, remains determined to “reach for the stars” in an effort to provide contemporary learners, community contributors, and healthy individuals.

“Long past alumni often contact me to say that this was the place where their best memories and foundation for success were made,” she says. “I can’t think of a better place to be!”

Holy Spirit Catholic School
As they begin their fifth year of operation in Almaden, Holy Spirit School, which sits adjacent to the church on Redmond Avenue, welcomes a record 470 students to the classrooms, along with five new teachers: Mary Caputo, Carolyn Doyle, Nicole Lurie, Colette O’Bannion, and Jean Steer.

“These teachers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Holy Spirit School,” says Principal Eileen Beck.

“And this year, Spanish has been added for grades one through eight, as well as a specialized resource teacher in grades one through five, advanced math courses for grades six and seven, and algebra for the advanced eighth graders.”

The staff is also gearing up for the opening of the school’s pre-kindergarten facility, which will be housed in newly remodeled space adjacent to the school—under the direction of 15-year veteran Debbie D’Amico.

“In response to the need for a Pre-K program, the facility will be licensed for 40 preschool children ages 4-5, with two daily sessions,” explains Fr. Brendan McGuire, the relatively new Holy Spirit Parish pastor. “Parents are very excited about this. They have donated some of the equipment and start-up supplies, which is great.”

According to Fr. Brendan, three new endowment funds have also been established, including scholarship, information services (technology, science and library), and maintenance and facilities.

“An endowment with Holy Spirit School is an investment in the future,” he says. “We want to ensure that our students have lifelong academic achievement and success.”

Ongoing fundraising and development efforts will include a new joint school/parish golf tournament at the Coyote
Creek Golf Course, a fall flower bulb, and their third annual “Giving Campaign,” along with a fifth annual auction/dinner fundraiser at the Hayes Mansion on May 7, 2005.

With an impressive combined total of over 18,481 volunteer hours last year, Beck credits their Parent Teacher Group [PTG] with the school’s ongoing success.

“Our PTG is fantastic,” she says. “Not only do they give their time, but they give their talent and treasure to us. We need their support and every year our school community just gets better and better.”