"The Tradition Starts Now!"

Denise Hibbard - Principal

(925) 479-6412

September 4, 2009

Dear Parent/Guardian:

We are pleased to inform you that Dougherty Valley High School (DVHS) receives Federal Title I funding. The funds must supplement a school’s efforts to close the achievement gap between high and low performing students and to assist those students to meet California’s challenging academic standards in English/language arts and math. This includes using the funds to increase parental involvement in the education of their children and improving the quality of instruction by providing professional development opportunities for teachers and other school staff. The funds support instructional strategies and services that are identified on the basis of student need, are scientifically-based, and are proven effective at improving student achievement.

The state requires schools use multiple measures of data to accurately place students into an intervention program. Under Title I regulations, we are required to provide your student with academic support based on their performance within the state STAR Math and ELA test. However, their STAR scores, as well as the additional measures below, place your student in a program which supports your students’ needs.

English California Standards Test Scores from spring 2009
Math California Standards Test Scores from spring 2009
Graduation Credit Status
California High School Exit Exam Completion in Math and English (beginning 10th grade year)
Grade Point Average

Below are the intervention classes taught at DVHS in which students receive five elective credits per semester:

Math NCP: Math NCP is designed to give your student additional math support. Additionally, your student may be enrolled in High School Math, Algebra or Standards Algebra. The State Board of Education recently passed a law stating students must take and pass Algebra in the 8th grade. This message calls upon all schools in the state to provide support for students who are beyond the 8th grade and have not completed the Algebra requirement. This course is taught by Lisa Fisher.
Academic Enrichment: Academic enrichment is designed to give your student the necessary study skills and habits to be successful in their core academic courses. Academic Enrichment is taught by Athena Agustin-Vadney and Ann-Marie Walters.

At Back to School Night on September 16, 2009, staff will distribute and discuss a Parent Compact (see enclosed) that outlines how parents, school staff and students will share the responsibility for improved academic achievement. Back to School Night is an opportunity for you to learn more about the program and to meet the staff who will be monitoring your student. We will discuss the curriculum being used and how it will support your student’s academic progress. Please review and sign the compact with your student and bring it with you to Back to School Night.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 479-6412.

Denise Hibbard
Principal

Dougherty Valley High School Goals

All students have the opportunity to access the full curriculum, extra-curricular activities, and community support.

Actively apply and strengthen strategies that foster respect and value diversity in a safe, clean, and caring environment.

Staff will support students with special needs through collaboration, consistent communication, and professional development for all staff.

Implement consistent practices that provide a welcoming and responsive environment for students, staff, parents, and community

Our Mission

Dougherty Valley High School is an institution of higher education that provides quality learning opportunities to meet the diverse needs of its students, staff and community.

Our Vision

Dougherty Valley High School is a learning community that offers students rigorous curriculum through collaborative teaching. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves in their academics and in extra-curricular activities. Our school community is actively involved and supportive of our students’ social and cultural growth as life-long learners.

Expected School Wide learning Results (ESLR’s)

At Dougherty Valley High School, we believe students will:

Be able to communicate effectively.

Think critically and support ideas through problem solving.

Stand for integrity, honesty, and ethical treatment of all people.

Be partners in the learning process and take responsibility for themselves and their learning.