Azusa Unified's Sierra High Named California Model Continuation School, Cited for Exemplary Academic Program

Sierra High is standing out among the top 6 percent of continuation schools after recently being named a Model Continuation School, a designation it has held since 2005. The honor is awarded by the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA), which will recognize the Azusa Unified school at the 2015 CCEA State Conference in San Francisco on May 1.

Sierra is being recognized for offering a safe and supportive atmosphere that offers the same college preparation courses, known as A-G, as other high schools, while encouraging students to participate in a well-rounded menu of programs such as mural art, writing workshops and intramural sports.

Only 29 schools were chosen as model campuses of the state’s 480 continuation high schools in 2015. The program identifies and recognizes outstanding programs and creates a resource bank of quality programs for school visitations. Model schools keep their designation for three years.

“Continuation high schools play a vital role in the success of a school district. Students come to Sierra to get back on track academically,” Sierra High Principal Mari Bordona said. “This is an honor that validates all the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff in serving our students.”

In line with its mission to provide students a second chance at academic success, Sierra High seeks creative ways to bond with its students and to engage them in the rigors of daily academics, holding students to high standards and pushing them to excel in every aspect of their lives.

Sierra’s Underdog Mural program, administered by art instructor Elaine Stricklin, has been named an Exemplary Program by the CCEA. Student murals are commissioned within the city, with the money raised used to buy art supplies and pay for field trips to local art museums.

“We are taking students who don’t normally get positive reinforcement and presenting them at an event where they are being thanked and congratulated,” Stricklin said. “It brings value to these students and they are eager to get back to class and produce more work.”

Stricklin will speak about the program at the CCEA Conference and offer advice on how continuation schools can set up their own.

The school’s partnership with Azusa Pacific University also brings upper-division college students to the Sierra campus to teach classes on life planning and global management and to conduct popular writing workshops.

Sierra’s efforts have translated into high attendance and graduation rates, at a level consistent with most public high schools. Students respond well to the small class sizes – a teacher ratio of 20:1 – and small student body, fewer than 300 students.

“Azusa Unified is clear that all students learn differently,” said AUSD Board of Education President Yolanda Rodriguez-Peña. “What may work for one student, may not be effective for another. By offering options to our families, we are providing alternative avenues to help our students succeed, regardless of the challenges that may stand in their way.”

Andrew Cabrera exemplifies what Sierra High is doing to provide students with an alternative learning setting where they can thrive. The 18-year-old began attending the continuation school two years ago after troubled stints at Azusa and Gladstone high schools.

“I had problems – I ditched school a lot and was rebellious toward my teachers. I had straight F’s,” he said, adding that he enjoys the small school setting he found at Sierra. “Now I have perfect attendance and I really like my teachers. Everyone here is focused on graduating because this is their last chance.”

Cabrera also has the opportunity to play sports at Sierra throughout the school year. Sierra has joined with other area continuation schools to form the San Gabriel Valley High School League, which includes full sports schedules for flag football, basketball, soccer and softball (where the Sierra team just completed an undefeated season).

“Azusa Unified is committed to providing all of its students a high-quality education,” AUSD Superintendent Linda Kaminski said. “We congratulate Mrs. Bordona and all of her faculty and staff for the continued hard work and success.”