Zamorano Fine Arts Academy

Greetings Zamorano Staff, Students, Parents, and Community Members:

I would like to welcome you back to a new year where exciting things are taking place at Zamorano. This has ben another monumental year for Zamorano Elementary; in the spring of 2011 we gained 17 points on the State's Academic Performance Index(API). Also, we have 70% of our students in grades 3-5 who are proficient or advanced on the spring 2011 California Standards TEst. These students were recently presented with an academic achievement medallion and a certificate of Principal's Honor Roll

Zamorano Fine Arts program encompasses a well-balanced spectrum of artistic experiences alongside a challenging standards-based curriculum. Students are given the opportunity to create their own masterpieces in ceramics, painting, drawing, photography sculpture and graphic arts. Zamorano is proud to have student artwork exhibited throughout our school, community, and local museums. Zamorano values developing well-rounded studetns. In addition to the arts, we offer students the opportunity to work in three different computer labs, art studios, and physical activities with a credentialed Physical Education coach. This holistic approach has allowed Zamorano to continue to increase our student's academic achievement.

Zamorano has an exemplary teaching and support staff that promotes Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) which promote three essential values of our school climate: Respect, Responsibility, and Safety (RRS). Zamorano students respect themselves, others and all property. Zamorano students make appropriate choices and are accountable for the choices they make. Zamorano students keep themselves and others safe. Our teachers collaborate in their Professional Learning Communities every week. Teachers have a range of opportunities to plan, analyze student work, and strengthen their teaching practices so they can have full impact on improving the academic achievement of your children.

We continue to empower our students to make academic growth that is both skills and standards-based with small group differentiated instruction, English Language Development, guided reading. In addition, we incorporate the following online interventions: educational websites, Awards Reading, Compass Learning and Learning Upgrade. Additionally, we offer an After School Reading and Mathematics Program. At our school, we are committed to the success of all of our students; our educational programs and dedication of our phenomenal staff ensure that our students continue to excel academically.

Our parents continue to play a key role in helping to keep our arts alive. Our Parent Teacher Foundation (PTF) raised over 20,000 dollars with our most recent fund raiser. So far, this school year, we have had 80 to 100% participation at our school’s family events. Together, we have had a great Multicultural Family Art Night, Trunk and Treat, Winter Music Program and our first production of our after school drama club with the play, “Character Matters.” At Zamorano we are excited to offer multiple opportunities for parents to meet with our administrative team and collaborate with our school. This year, we have an active English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), Coffee Talk, Somali/African-American Coffee Talk, School Site Council (SSC) and School Site Governance (SSG). If you are interested in volunteering or being part of any of our committees, please contact Chris Bess at the attendance office.

When you are on campus, please take time to meet our two vice principals. Carlos Ramirez is our new vice principal and he is responsible of all the primary support (K-2). Kevin Martin is our vice principal responsible for all the upper grade support (3-5). Also meet our fantastic administrative assistant, Isabel Rochin-Soto. I feel blessed to have such an exceptional leadership team, support and teaching staff, students, and parents. We are a team that has great character, courage and passion. Working together with your support, we will make huge gains!

Each day when I walk onto Zamorano’s campus, I feel strengthened and renewed knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of your children. I believe every student is a masterpiece with a unique and creative design. Here at Zamorano, we are providing wonderful opportunities on a daily basis to assure our children explore creatively to craft their artistic domains.

Thank you for your continued support and trust in me and my staff. I look forward to an exciting 2011-2012 school year. Together, we make a difference.

Sincerely,

Caroline King