The mission of South Whittier School District is to prepare every student for success in high school and beyond by focusing on the core academic subjects in an effective and integrated curriculum.

We believe:

All students can learn.

Students learn best when they are engaged in challenging and appropriate learning focused on the core academic subjects of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies integrated with physical education and the fine arts.

Quality teachers are the single greatest predictor of student success.

The diversity and uniqueness of each student should be respected.

Students learn best when families value education, and teach their children to accept increasing responsibility for their own learning.

Quality education improves the quality of life for students, their families, and the community now and in the future.



2010-2011 was a busy year for Loma Vista School. Everyone: students, teachers, office staff, custodians, noon duty, instructional aides, special education teachers, PTA parents ALL worked hard to meet our goals, and we did just that.
We increased our API by 33 points! That old African proverb offers a timeless reminder that children will thrive when the whole of society cares enough to provide for them. The African parable says “it takes a village to raise a child.” Our Loma Vista Village offered rigorous lessons, challenged students to stretch their imaginations. We held after school classes in Math and Reading offering support to the students needing a little extra. We offered a menu of after school classes to our GATE students which included the study of art and mythology with a trip to the Getty Villa, Math tessellation, chess, yoga and leadership. The Leadership class led the students to become Mediators who helped the younger students solve their playground problems. We have a tutoring program for our Kindergarten students provided by our 4th and 5th graders called the Lobo Learning Center. Our sixth graders attended Outdoor Science School in Malibu for one week of studying in the outdoor classroom. All these activities kept us on the path to student achievement. Our API is 755; we are aiming for 800 in 2011-2012
 
Parents often ask what they can do to help. Listed below are several important suggestions.
 Talk to your child. The more words he uses naturally in his ordinary conversation, the more words will have meaning for him when he sees them in print.
 Listen to your child. Encourage your child to talk about things he has seen or done.
 Read to your child. Every time you read to him, you are building an appreciation of books and reading.
 Take him on trips. Even a short trip walking or on the bus will excite his curiosity and interest in the world around him. Point out interesting things and give him new words and meaning of words.
 Introduce your child to the library. Let him choose the books that interest him.
 Praise your child’s effort. Be specific and sincere.
 Keep your child well rested. Elementary age children need 10 hours of sleep a night.
 Give your child responsibilities which he is capable of taking. This allows him to earn recognition and get real satisfaction from accomplishments.
 Establish a regular homework routine. Help him to get organized and started. Check in on him from time to time to answer any questions that arise.
 Accept your child for who he is. Do not compare him with his sister, brother or friend. Praise your child for his effort. Effort will lead to achievement.
 Show real interest in school. The parents’ attitude is usually the child’s. You and the teacher are partners in the important job of teaching your child. An interested, relaxed, helpful parent is a most valuable partner.
 
We would like to ensure that a close school-to-home communication is established and maintained. The primary method for the school to communicate with you will be through the “Wednesday Envelope”. Throughout the year, you will receive the school notices every Wednesday, please sign and return the envelope to the school on Thursday. Please look for the envelope every Wednesday.
 
There are several ways you can communicate with the school. All teachers have voicemail and email, and although they are not interrupted during the teaching day, the policy is to return messages as soon as possible. To contact any teacher, office personnel or myself by email use the first name initial, last name @swhittier.k12.ca.us. We look forward to hearing from you. Please keep in mind that parents are a vital part of the educational process. We feel that parents are our partners in the important job of educating the children of this community.
 
Thank you for the honor to serve as your principal. I look forward to building many fond Loma Vista memories with you.
XO
Rosa Pope




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