Successful schools have three things in common:
1. highly qualified teachers
2. safe, clean, and child-centered learning environments
3. egaged, involved, and informed parent communities
Successful schools also believe that:
1. All children can learn when they are in a safe, supportive, and curriculum-rich environment
2. All children deserve to have adults who advocate for their learning needs
3. All children can achieve academic, social, and language goals when provided quality instruction in a consistently supportive setting
Casillas School is a high performing school with nearly 700 students in 7 grades (K-6). In addition to our regular education classrooms, Casillas has two special day classes for students in grades K-6 with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Casillas also provides an all-day kindergarten program. More than 20% of our students are English language learners, a high percentage of whom are in the early and intermediate stages of acquiring English.
Casillas School is on a year-round calendar with quarterly intersession breaks in September, December, and March. Students who are not meeting grade level benchmarks in reading and/or math are invited to attend intersession classes during the first week of each break. In addition, students who are proficient or advanced in grades 4-6 may participate in intersession classes with a project-based focus. Our education partner, National University, provides facilities and the use of computer labs at its South Bay and Spectrum campuses.
Casillas School ranks among the top schools in the Chula Vista Elementary School district for average daily attendance. This is important because when students attend school daily, they perform better academically and socially.
Casillas School has an active and enthusiastic PTA committed to enriching children's experiences and supporting teachers' efforts to maintain highly engaging classrooms. The PTA hosts many events throughout the year aimed at parent education, family fun, and school safety.
We are aiming high this year and have some challenges ahead. One of our biggest challenges is to close achievement gaps between students who are acquiring English and those who are native English speakers. If you are new to Casillas, welcome. If you are a regular just checking in on the principal's latest musings, thank you for all you do to make Casillas a great school. We look forward to a successful and busy 2007-2008 school year.
David Damico
Principal