Executive Summary School Accountability Report Card, 2005-06

 

For Sonora High School   

 

 Address:

 401 South Palm St., La Habra CA 90631-5735   

 Phone Number:

 (562) 266-2003   

 Principal:

 Rich Peterson   

 Grade Span:

 9-12   

 

This executive summary of the School Accountability Report Card (SARC) is intended to provide parents and community members with a quick snapshot of school accountability. The data presented in this report are reported for the 2005-06 school year, except the School Finances and School Completion data that are reported for the 2004-05 school year. For additional information about the school, parents and community members should review the entire SARC or contact the school principal or the district office.

 

About This School

Sonora High School is a California Distinguished School that has become known throughout the community for promoting the success of all students in an atmosphere of mutual respect and caring. The 2005-2006 student body included over 2028 students from La Habra, La Habra Heights, Fullerton, and surrounding communities.  Sonora provides a balanced program for a diverse student body; and students, staff members, and parents work closely together to strive for excellence in academics, activities, athletics, and service to the community. 

 

Sonora’s educational program emphasizes the development of each student’s maximum academic potential.  This concern drives the setting of high standards, promotion of individual responsibility among staff members and students, insistence on academic honesty, strong student effort, and high expectations regarding homework, attendance, and punctuality.  A continuous review of student outcomes ensures that all students receive vigorous instruction that actively engages them in their learning.  In addition, Sonora has an extremely active student body that engages in a multitude of activities and clubs.

 

Sonora’s excellence is evidenced in the full six-year accreditation received from Western Association of Schools and Colleges in May 2006, with a three-year midterm visit, and four Distinguished School Awards.

 

Mission Statement

 

Sonora High School promotes the success of all students in an atmosphere of mutual respect and caring by the following means:

 

a)                  Educating students to their individual learning potential

b)                  Fostering in each student an acceptance of ethnic and cultural diversity

c)                  Promoting school spirit and school loyalty

d)               Instilling within each student a commitment to the values of community and the American democratic society

 

Sonora High School strives for excellence in academics, activities, athletics, and service by:

a)               Providing academically challenging programs for students with different interests and abilities

b)               Providing a challenging array of curricular, extra-curricular, aesthetic, and athletic programs

c)               Providing the tools to access, evaluate and use information from a variety of technological sources

d)        Equipping students with the skills necessary for a successful transition to college and/or work

 

 

 

Student Enrollment
 

 Group 

 Enrollment 

 Number of Students

2028    

 African American   

1.8 % 

 American Indian or Alaska Native   

0.1 % 

 Asian   

6.8 % 

 Filipino   

1.4 % 

 Hispanic or Latino   

48.2 %  

 Pacific Islander   

0.3 % 

 White (Not Hispanic)   

35.4 % 

 Multiple or No Response   

6.0 % 

 Socioeconomically Disadvantaged   

14.1 % 

 English Learners   

18.0 % 

 Students with Disabilities   

7.0 % 

Teachers
 

 Indicators 

 Teachers 

 Teachers With Full Credential   

77 

 Teachers Without Full Credential   

4 

 Teachers Teaching Outside   
   Subject Area of Competence

0 

 Misassignments of Teachers   
   of English Learners

0 

 Total Teacher Misassignments   

0 


 School Facilities
 

Summary of Most Recent Site Inspection

 

An inspection of site buildings and facilities is conducted quarterly throughout the school year.  The maintenance, upkeep, and repair of the buildings and grounds are checked to verify that everything is clean and in good repair.  The last scheduled inspection was conducted in the late spring.

 

Repairs Needed

 

As of the last site inspection no major or emergency repairs were needed.  Any minor repairs were noted on the inspection summary and are routinely corrected before the next inspection.

 

Corrective Actions Taken or Planned

 

Using the District Deferred Maintenance Five-Year Plan, preventative and routine repairs are handled in a timely manner avoiding most emergency repairs.  The District Service Center responds to site needs as they arise and provides regularly scheduled maintenance in support of the site facilities.  Each year items that are not on the routine maintenance list become topics of discussion with the District Budget Study Committee for recommendations as summer projects to address campus improvements beyond the basic operational needs.

 

Curriculum and Instructional Materials
 

 
 


 
 Core Curriculum Areas

 Pupils Who Lack
Textbooks and
Instructional
Materials

 Reading/Language Arts

0  %  

 Mathematics

0  %  

 Science

0  %  

 History-Social Science

0  %  

 Foreign Language

0  %  

 Health

0  %  

 Science Laboratory Equipment   
   (grades 9-12)

0  %  

School Finances
 

 
 
 
 Level

 Expenditures
Per Pupil
(Unrestricted
Sources Only)

 School Site         

$4,705

 District

$5,192

 State 

$4,743

Student Performance
 

 


 
 
 Subject

 Students Proficient
and Above on
California
Standards Tests

 English-Language Arts   

52

 Mathematics   

21

 Science   

44

 History-Social Science   

47

Academic Progress
 

 
 
 
 Indicator

 
 
 
    Result    

 2006 API Growth Score   
   (from 2006 API Growth Report)

 776

 Statewide Rank   
   (from 2005 API Base Report)   

 8

 2006-07 Program Improvement Status   

NA 

 

School Completion
 

 
 Indicator 

 
 Result 

 Graduation Rate   

94.9

Postsecondary Preparation
 

 
 Measures

 Percent of 
 Graduates 

 Completed a Career Technical 
   Education Program

9.4

 Completed All Courses Required 
   for University of California
   California State University Admission   

53.6

 

    School Accountability Report Card    
  Reported for School Year 2005-06  
Published During 2006-07

 

The School Accountability Report Card (SARC), which is required by law to be published annually, contains information about the condition and performance of each California public school. More information about SARC requirements is available at the California Department of Education (CDE) Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/sa/. For additional information about the school, parents and community members should contact the school principal or the district office. DataQuest, an online data tool at http://data1.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/, contains additional information about this school and comparisons of the school to the district, the county, and the state.


I. About This School

Contact Information
This section provides the school's contact information.

School

District

 School Name

 Sonora High School

 District Name

 Fullerton Joint Union High School District

 Street

 401 South Palm St.

 Phone Number

 (714) 870-2801

 City, State, Zip

 La Habra, CA    90631-5735

 Web Site

 fjuhsd.k12.ca.us

 Phone Number

 (562) 266-2001

 Superintendent

 Dr. George Giokaris

 Principal

 Rich Peterson

 E-mail Address

 

 E-mail Address

 

 ---

 ---


School Description and Mission Statement
This section provides information about the school's goals and programs.

Sonora High School is a California Distinguished School that has become known throughout the community for promoting the success of all students in an atmosphere of mutual respect and caring. The 2004-2005 student body included over 2020 students from La Habra, La Habra Heights, Fullerton, and surrounding communities.  Sonora provides a balanced program for a diverse student body; and students, staff members, and parents work closely together to strive for excellence in academics, activities, athletics, and service to the community. 

 

Sonora’s educational program emphasizes the development of each student’s maximum academic potential.  This concern drives the setting of high standards, promotion of individual responsibility among staff members and students, insistence on academic honesty, strong student effort, and high expectations regarding homework, attendance, and punctuality.  A continuous review of student outcomes ensures that all students receive vigorous instruction that actively engages them in their learning.  In addition, Sonora has an extremely active student body that engages in a multitude of activities and clubs.

 

Sonora’s excellence is evidenced in the full six-year accreditation received from Western Association of Schools and Colleges in May 2006, with a three-year midterm visit, and four Distinguished School Awards.

 

Mission Statement

 

Sonora High School promotes the success of all students in an atmosphere of mutual respect and caring by the following means:

 

a)                  Educating students to their individual learning potential

b)                  Fostering in each student an acceptance of ethnic and cultural diversity

c)                  Promoting school spirit and school loyalty

d)                  Instilling within each student a commitment to the values of community

             and the American democratic society

 

Sonora High School strives for excellence in academics, activities, athletics, and service by:

a)                Providing academically challenging programs for students with different      interests and abilities

b)                Providing a challenging array of curricular, extra-curricular, aesthetic, and athletic programs

c)                Providing the tools to access, evaluate and use information from a variety of technological sources

            d)                Equipping students with the skills necessary for a successful transition to

                        college and/or work


Opportunities for Parental Involvement
This section provides information about opportunities for parents to become involved with school activities.

Parents are given many opportunities throughout the year to support students.  Among these are Back-to-School Night in the fall and Open House in January.  At these events, parents are encouraged to come to the school and meet with teachers and staff members to discuss expectations, concerns, and student progress.

 

The Sonora PTSA (Parent Student Teacher Association) meets monthly and supports many school activities.  Other organizations include the Academic Boosters Club, several athletic booster clubs, the AVID parents’ meetings, School Site Council, Vocational Advisory Boards, and the English Language Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC).  The I.B. program holds grade-level parent nights.  The guidance office meets with every parent and his/her freshman to develop a four-year plan.  In addition, the school offers a Parent Institute for Quality Education to encourage to become involved in the school. 


Student Enrollment by Grade Level
This table displays the number of students enrolled in each grade level at the school.

 Grade Level

 Number of Students

 Grade Level

 Number of Students

 Kindergarten

0 

 Grade 8

0 

 Grade 1

0 

 Ungraded Elementary

0 

 Grade 2

0 

 Grade 9

613 

 Grade 3

0 

 Grade 10

434 

 Grade 4

0 

 Grade 11

511 

 Grade 5

0 

 Grade 12

470 

 Grade 6

0 

 Ungraded Secondary

0 

 Grade 7

0 

 Total Enrollment

2028 


Student Enrollment by Group
This table displays the percent of students enrolled at the school who are identified as being in a particular group.

 Group

 Percent of
Total Enrollment

 Group

 Percent of
Total Enrollment

 African American

1.8 

 White (not Hispanic)

35.4 

 American Indian or Alaska Native

0.1 

 Multiple or No Response

6.0 

 Asian

6.8 

 Socioeconomically Disadvantaged

14.1 

 Filipino

1.4 

 English Learners

18.0 

 Hispanic or Latino

48.2 

 Students with Disabilities

7.0 

 Pacific Islander

0.3 

 ---

 ---


Average Class Size and Class Size Distribution (Elementary)
This table displays by grade level the average class size and the number of classrooms that fall into each size category (a range of total students per classroom).
 
  No data are available for this section

Average Class Size and Class Size Distribution (Secondary)
This table displays by subject area the average class size and the number of classrooms that fall into each size category (a range of total students per classroom).

 Subject

 2003-04

 2004-05

 2005-06

 Avg.
Class
Size

Number of
Classrooms

 Avg.
Class
Size

Number of
Classrooms

 Avg.
Class
Size

Number of
Classrooms

 1-20

 21-32

 33+

 1-20

 21-32

 33+

 1-20

 21-32

 33+

 English

 28.0

 31

 14

 28

 27.3

 26

 22

 26

 25.7

 41

 13

 25

 Mathematics

 35.3

 1

 9

 39

 36.8

 2

 1

 38

 34.3

 2

 13

 38

 Science

 33.2

 1

 12

 21

 33.0

 2

 9

 23

 33.2

 

 13

 23

 Social Science

 34.5

 1

 7

 27

 32.6

 1

 15

 23

 33.5

 1

 12

 24


Participation in the Class Size Reduction Program
This table displays the percent of students in kindergarten trough grade 3 who were assigned to a classroom that participated in the Class Size Reduction Program.
 
  No data are available for this section

II. School Climate

School Safety Plan
This section provides information about the school's comprehensive safety plan.

Sonora High School has adopted a comprehensive school safety plan, which is reviewed and approved by the School Site Council annually. The school safety plan includes a review of California Safe Schools Assessment Data, descriptions of available intervention programs, and detailed procedures for: 1) maintaining a safe and orderly school environment;  2) campus access; 3) child abuse reporting; 4) staff notification of potentially dangerous situations; 5) disaster preparedness; 6) dress code policy and enforcement; 7) discipline; 8) maintaining a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free campus; and 9) sexual harassment, crime, and other reporting requirements.  Copies of faculty and student handbooks, disaster preparedness manuals, and District policies and procedures are incorporated in the plan for staff reference and use.  A copy of this comprehensive plan is available for public review in the Principal’s office.  


School Discipline Practices
This section provides information about the school's efforts to create and maintain a positive learning environment, including the school's use of disciplinary strategies.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)

AVID is a secondary support program that has as its mission to prepare student in the academic middle for four-year college eligibility.  The AVID program provides a curriculum that includes study and organizational skills, college and career awareness, writing to learn and oral language skills.

 

Medical Careers Academy

MCA is part of the State partnerships grant program.  The curriculum is designed to have a medical field flavor.  Members of most all departments collaborate on curriculum and experiences for students.  Students are given the opportunities to go out in the community to experience onsite working world environments.

 

International Baccalaureate Program

The IB program is an internationally acclaimed advanced program.  It serves students with diverse interests by offering two tracks.  The IB diploma offers a full curriculum, independent research, community service, and the Theory of Knowledge class.  IB certificates are offered in individual subjects.

 

JROTC

Army JROTC’s mission is to mold future leaders through military experiences.  The team approach is used to enhance communications, develop leadership skills, and graduating responsible citizens who are qualified to be productive members of society.

 

Leadership

The leadership class is designed to promote effective leadership techniques and methods.  The students assist with matters pertinent to student government and the planning of Associated Student Body activities.

 

CIF Sports

The athletic class is designed to provide opportunities for young men and women to participate in interscholastic sports competition.  The program involves seasonal competition schedules and organized, required after-school participation.

Performing Arts

The performing art program includes opportunities for young men and women to participate in art, dance, drama and music. 

 

Tutoring

Free after-school academic tutoring is available for student support in all content areas.

 

PAL – Peer Assistance Leadership Program

The PAL program is a youth development program for elementary, intermediate and high school students that teaches life skills, builds resiliency and increases assets in students.

 

Sophomore Counseling (SB813)

This program is designated to provide supplemental academic and vocational counseling to all 10th grade students.

Agri-Science

Agri-science offers students an opportunity to pursue a specialized course of study that organizes core subjects around an agriculture career theme.  Agri-science blends the study of agriculture with life and physical sciences including biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.  Scientific theories are presented in the classroom setting, and the school farm serves as a laboratory for applications in the agricultural setting.  The curriculum combines technical and academic content and prepares students both for entry-level employment in agri-science and for continuing education in two- or four-year colleges and/or universities.


Suspensions and Expulsions
This table displays the rate of suspensions and expulsions (the total number of incidents divided by the total enrollment) at the school and district levels for the most recent three-year period.

 Rate

 School

 District

 2003-04

 2004-05

 2005-06

 2003-04

 2004-05

 2005-06

 Suspensions

167

136

149

1,209

1,279

1,398

Rate of Suspensions

.082

.067

.073

.074

.076

.086

 Expulsions

6

4

0

49

72

28

Rate of Expulsions

.0029

.0020

.0000

.0026

.0043

.0017


III. School Facilities

School Facility Conditions and Improvements
This section provides information about the condition of the school's grounds, buildings, and restrooms, and a description of any planned or recently completed facility improvements.

General

 

The District takes great efforts to ensure that all schools are clean, safe, and functional.  To assist in this effort, the District uses a facility survey instrument to inspect the condition of the buildings and grounds on the campus quarterly.  The results of this survey are available at the principal’s office or at the Business Services office at the District Education Center.

 

School Buildings

 

Sonora High School was built on 42 acres in 1966 and originally planned to house up to 2,000 students.  With recent internal constructions to reconfigure classrooms and technology lab space, the school remains current as a high school plant that fulfills today’s educational needs.  Sonora students are currently housed in an enclosed, air- conditioned environment of 228,000 square feet.  With the passing of the high school bond, construction started in the fall semester of 2003 on a new 15-classroom building housing five science labs and ten new classrooms.  Slight adjustments were made to the educational process as it relates to facilities during this time.  Construction concluded on the new building in time for classes to be held in the new classrooms fall of 2004.  Modernization plans for the parking lot and interior of the original building have started and will continue into the 2004/05 school year.

           

Restrooms are checked and stocked on an hourly basis with close attention paid to all facilities regarding cleanliness and safety.  Each year a minimum of three drills are practiced for the safety of all stakeholders.  The three drills are code 99 (intruder on campus); duck, cover, and evacuate (earthquake); and fire drill. 

 

Cleaning Process and Schedule

 

The District has adopted cleaning standards for all schools in the District.  The principal and assistant principal of instruction/operations work daily with the custodial staff members to develop cleaning schedules to ensure a clean and safe school.

 

Deferred Maintenance Budget

 

The District participates in the State School Deferred Maintenance Program, which provides State matching funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis, to assist school districts with expenditures for major repair or replacement of existing school building components.  Typically this includes roofing, plumbing, heating, air condition, electrical systems, interior or exterior painting, and floor systems.  For the 2005/06 school year, the District budgeted approximately $1,400,000 for the deferred maintenance program, an amount that represents 1 percent of the District’s General Fund Budget.

 

Deferred Maintenance Projects

 

For the 2005/06 school year, the District’s Board of Trustees has approved deferred maintenance projects for Sonora High School that will result in asbestos abatement; replacement of classroom lighting, the public address/intercom/fire alarm systems, electrical wiring panels, vinyl tile, HVAC, plumbing, waste and gas, gymnasium bleachers.  A copy of the District’s complete deferred maintenance plan is available at the Business Services office at the District Education Center.

 

Modernization Projects

 

During the 2005/06 school year, local bond funds (Measure AA) and State matching funds will be used to install new heating, ventilation, and air condition in classrooms, provide wiring for technology; replace lighting in classrooms; install dropped ceilings in classrooms; install insulation in classrooms; and replace all utility mains including gas, water, sewer, and electrical.  The work on this project began in the summer of 2006, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the summer of 2009.  


School Facility Conditions Good Repair Status
This table displays the results of the most recently completed school site inspection to determine the school facility's good repair status.

 Item Inspected

 Facility in
Good Repair

 Repair Needed and
Action Taken or Planned

 Yes

 No

 Gas Leaks

X

 

 

 Mechanical Systems

X

 

 

 Windows/Doors/Gates (interior and exterior)

X