chulavistaschools

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Teacher Raising Funds for Books - Chula Vista Elementary School District

In a very short time, Ms. Bruder secured 49 donations totaling more than $1,800 for new books. The grades 1-2 teacher is well on her way to reaching her goal of $2,500. She could use your help. “With these funds I can purchase a ton of books for my students and our classroom,” Ms. Bruder said. “My goal is to have the books by the first day of school so that any student who needs a book to take home can have one. I’d also like to add to our classroom library and the guided reading program.” For years, Ms. Bruder, like many teachers, has supplemented the books she receives from the District for her classroom. She estimates that she spent at least $300 of her own money last year on books alone. When asked why this drive is so important, Ms. Bruder replied, “I simply want kids to read.

Learn more on the CVESD website!

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CVESD Named California Exemplary District

Chula Vista Elementary School District was recognized by the California Department of Education as San Diego County’s inaugural awardee of the “California Exemplary Districts” honor! The District was chosen because of its high academic growth and performance, as well as practices that have been implemented to achieve increased student and community engagement.

Learn more about the Chula Vista Elementary School District and all of their amazing programs on their website! 

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Chula Vista Elementary School District Offers Covid-19 Resources

Chula Vista Elementary School District is doing all that they can to help students be successful academically, emotionally, and socially at this time of unprecedented changes. Learn more about the services offered in the district and frequently asked questions on the CVESD website!

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Campuses Closed for Remainder of School Year, Student Academic Progress to Continue Via Distance Learning

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As our scheduled Spring Break comes to an end, I want to inform you that Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) facilities and campuses will remained closed for the remainder of the school year unless health officials determine it is safe to reopen. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Governor have each recommended closing school facilities for the remainder of the school year out of concerns and needs for ongoing social distancing. This means that classes will not resume for CVESD students on April 6 in the traditional sense. Instead, our District will embark on a Distance Learning initiative. The first week back from Spring Break will be reserved for teacher planning, preparation, and professional development. Distance learning will commence, to the extent possible, on April 13.

Our instructional team has worked diligently with our teacher leaders and peers from across San Diego County to rapidly develop plans to support students’ academic progress while at home. I ask for your patience and flexibility as we all adapt to new ways of teaching and learning outside of the traditional classroom setting. Our goal now is to ensure a continuity of education to the greatest extent possible, given current conditions. I know this is a difficult period for many.

Please be reassured that the safety of students and staff remains our highest priority. It is important to continue to comply with the Governor’s “Shelter in Place” directive. Our duty as a school district during this period is to carry out the following essential services:

Meal preparation and distribution to students.

Keeping the continuity of learning moving forward.

Our journey will not always be smooth or easy. I look forward to the day when we can meet again in person. Until then, please stay healthy and well. Go through our newsletter in  detail, and  keep informed about our plans for Distance Learning.

Sincerely, Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. Superintendent

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CVESD Launches Hero-themed Attendance Campaign

January 14 in the Chula Vista Elementary School District. That's when the District kicks off a hero-themed Attendance Awareness Campaign in collaboration with the San Diego County Fair and Magic 92.5 FM. “Good attendance helps children do well in school and eventually in the workplace,” said Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. “It is important to establish good habits, such as being present and on time, from the start. We look forward to supporting students and their families in developing and sustaining a culture of good attendance.” Learn more about the attendance campaign on the CVESD website!

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Cook Elementary Earns IB Program Status

Hazel Goes Cook Elementary has received official recognition as an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, the only elementary school in the South County to offer an IB program. To earn the designation as an IB Primary Years Program for elementary schools, Cook completed numerous “candidate” requirements as part of a rigorous process that began five years ago. Principal Gabriela Llamas said she was proud of her staff and students for their hard work in implementing the program. “We wanted to offer our students a more holistic education that will instill in them the skills, knowledge, and outlook that are keys to success in today’s global economy,” Llamas said. “At the same time, we wanted give our teachers the opportunity to be a part of an international network of experts leading the field in education. We are excited about becoming an IB School. With the Primary Years Program, we can develop a foundation for students as they progress to middle and high school International Baccalaureate programs if they so choose.”Student raises her hand during class at Cook Elementary. For close to 50 years, IB programs have gained a reputation for their rigor and high academic standards, for preparing students for life in a globalized 21st century, and for helping to develop citizens who will create a better, more peaceful world. In the South County, Bonita Vista and Castle Park high schools offer an IB diploma program. The Primary Years Program is for students ages 3-12. Students are provided with a rigorous transdisciplinary curriculum that challenges students to deepen their conceptual understanding and knowledge across subject areas. “Students explore topics with global significance and are guided to deepen their learning through collaboration and questioning,” Llamas said. How will Cook students benefit? “At Cook students are taught WHY they should know something and how it connects to other subjects and the world around them,” Llamas said. “It means students often decide the direction of instruction, based on their curiosities and inquiries. It means high quality teaching and learning—challenging instruction and worldwide knowledge.” Students collaborate during class at Cook Elementary.Asked what it means to be “internationally minded,” Llamas explained: “It is a thoughtful, critical perspective that applies to who we are and what we do. It includes how we communicate, our political awareness, cultural understanding, celebrating diversity, global awareness of global issues, and a reflection on how knowledge is constructed and applied. At Cook, we focus on moving students toward becoming people who reflect on the characteristics of the “Learner Profile and their own growth towards these goals.” 

Learn more about the Chula Vista Elementary School District!

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Chula Vista Prepares for CVESDTalks

The Chula Vista Elementary School District Speech Contest has changed its name. The event is now titled “CVESDTALKS.” Over the years, we have showcased student’s abilities to give amazing presentations with the focus of developing public speaking skills. In the last two years, CVESD has celebrated student presentations on a TEDx stage. Selected fourth grade through high school students have given their talk to a live audience at TEDxKids@ChulaVista and TEDxChulaVista. Student talks have been viewed over 100,000 times on YouTube and the TED website (TEDxkidsChulaVista.com).

Learn more on our website: https://www.cvesd.org/community/c_v_e_s_d_t_a_l_k_s

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The Visual and Performing Arts are Alive at CVESD!

A student’s family is at the heart of what we do in our schools. Family engagement is a key determinant of student success. Educators know this. In the Chula Vista Elementary School District, our families are more engaged in our schools because of our partnership with the San Diego Youth Symphony and the programs they have nurtured in our neediest schools. When students perform, mother, father, sister, brother and the abuelitos are in the audience. Families are on our campuses, and, for schools, that’s the opening act. Parent attendance is our opportunity to involve them in activities, and let them know how important they are to our academic programs, our school committees—our mission in educating the whole child. We hear from families over and over about their love of VAPA. Arts instruction allows students to foster their creative and critical-thinking skills in keeping with the objectives of the new state standards.

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Special Education at Chula Vista Elementary School District

Students with special needs will not be discriminated against on the basis of sex, handicap, race, color, national origin, or lack of English skills. Reasonable accommodation must be available for student placement. Parents, community members, and others can refer children for possible Special Education services if the child is suspected of having a learning disability or any handicapping condition. Special Education services are considered only after the resources of the regular program have been considered and utilized where appropriate. Decisions regarding program placement and individual educational objectives for students requiring any type of Special Education services are made with the parents' active participation and authorization.

Special Education programs are available for children with identified learning disabilities, which include language disorders. Other disabilities are emotional disorders, orthopedic, visual or hearing impairments, mental retardation, autism, and multi-handicaps. Referral for identification of a child (ages 3-21) who has a special need may come from parents, guardians, school staff, or community agencies.

If eligible for a District program, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed to meet the child's educational needs and will be reviewed annually. Detailed information is available from Pupil Instructional Services at the Education Service and Support Center, (619) 425-9600, ext. 1700.

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Visual and Performing Arts at Chula Vista Union School District

The District’s “Community Opus Project” began in 2010 as an after-school music education program on the high-need west side of Chula Vista. The program soon grew from 2 pilot schools to 6, and then work began with arts organizations on a Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) strategic plan. That strategic plan positioned CVESD well for the significant changes in public education that came down the pike: the implementation of the state’s new funding formula for schools, and the implementation of the new state standards. The Board was primed for a critical funding decision in 2014-15. That’s when the Board announced its commitment to hire full-time music instructors and provide music and arts instruction during the school day for all students. CVESD made an unprecedented $15 million investment in arts instruction, spread over three years. The investment was made possible thanks to the state Legislature’s support of the new Local Control Funding Formula that shifted education spending decisions to the local level; the flexibility provided was key to target additional support to disadvantaged students and by extension all students. Specifically, the $5 million annual allocation was to hire additional teachers—teachers with a focus on Visual and Performing Arts. In turn, this provided our classroom teachers with release time for collaboration. The funding for collaboration while also boosting arts instruction District-wide was praised by our classroom teachers and arts supporters alike as a “win-win.”

Why is VAPA so important?

A student’s family is at the heart of what we do in our schools. Family engagement is a key determinant of student success. Educators know this. In the Chula Vista Elementary School District, our families are more engaged in our schools because of our partnership with the San Diego Youth Symphony and the programs they have nurtured in our neediest schools. When students perform, mother, father, sister, brother and the abuelitos are in the audience. Families are on our campuses, and, for schools, that’s the opening act. Parent attendance is our opportunity to involve them in activities, and let them know how important they are to our academic programs, our school committees—our mission in educating the whole child. We hear from families over and over about their love of VAPA. Arts instruction allows students to foster their creative and critical-thinking skills in keeping with the objectives of the new state standards.

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GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) at Chula Vista Union School District

The District is committed to enhancing the intellectual development of our gifted and talented students by providing opportunities for increased student learning.

Identification ProcessFormal Assessment: Fall of Third Grade

All third graders and new fourth through sixth grade students are tested for possible qualification for GATE. The students are administered the Raven Plus Progressive Matrices by the school psychologist. Students scoring at the 95th percentile or above are referred to the Student Success Team (SST) as candidates for GATE identification.

CST and STS scores are used in conjunction with Raven Plus scores. Parents are notified through the school site whether or not their child qualifies for GATE identification.  Here is a sample of the GATE Referral Form SST Referral Form Grade 3.

There are different ways to meet the needs of GATE students, such as:

Differentiation - Refers to tailoring instruction based on student need.

Flex Grouping - Grouping students on a temporary basis to allow for specific skills to be addressed.

Extended/Enrichment Activities - Robotiks, Photo Clubs, Junior Achievement, etc.

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Considering Online Education?

Today’s technology provides new and unique opportunities for children to succeed.  The EGUSD Virtual Academy provides a personalized education with great flexibility.  While students are expected to make daily academic progress, as in a brick-and-mortar school, the EGUSD Virtual Academy provides the options of when and where learning takes place.  Students learning is directed by an adult at the home, called a learning coach.  Learning coaches and students are guided by an EGUSD teacher.

The EGUSD Virtual Academy provides students in K-8 the opportunity to accelerate at their own pace.

Students and learning coaches track their academic progress online.  From time to time, students may come to an EGUSD brick and mortar school to meet with their teacher or participate in an enrichment or fitness opportunity.

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Academic Program - Elk Grove Virtual Academy

Your child is unique and Elk Grove Virtual Academy (EGVA) celebrates that uniqueness by providing a rich, challenging, and individualized learning experience for each of our students. Our school offers flexibility, support, and enrichment tailored specifically to your child’s needs. Whether you are homeschoolers, budding athletes or actors, homebound, or even just looking for an alternative to the regular classroom experience, EGVA has something for everyone.

Our highly trained, dedicated, certificated teachers oversee and monitor the progress and curriculum and work closely with the Learning Coach, to provide a comprehensive educational experience. In addition to the academic side, we host exciting fieldtrips to farms, PE days, historical sites, art contests, gingerbread building events, and monthly socials to allow our families to develop friendships, support groups, and just have a lot of fun!

Click on the link below to find out more about EGUSD’s virtual program.

Link to the class website

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What is the Dual Language Immersion Program?

The Dual Language Immersion Program is a language-oriented program designed to build fluency in both Spanish and English. Native Spanish and English-speaking children have the opportunity to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in both languages. With more than 2,000 students overall, the District's Dual Language Immersion program is one of the fastest-growing in the District.

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Welcome to the Chula Vista Elementary School District

We believe that each child is an individual of great worth and is entitled to develop to his/her fullest potential. We believe that having respect for self, for fellow human beings, and for the values of our democratic way of life is an important part of each child's development. We believe that education should lead to an enthusiasm for life and love of learning to help make it possible for each child to successfully meet the challenges he/she faces in our rapidly changing society.

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Visual and Performing Arts

The District’s “Community Opus Project” began in 2010 as an after-school music education program on the high-need west side of Chula Vista. The program soon grew from 2 pilot schools to 6, and then work began with arts organizations on a Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) strategic plan. That strategic plan positioned CVESD well for the significant changes in public education that came down the pike: the implementation of the state’s new funding formula for schools, and the implementation of the new state standards. The Board was primed for a critical funding decision in 2014-15. That’s when the Board announced its commitment to hire full-time music instructors and provide music and arts instruction during the school day for all students. CVESD made an unprecedented $15 million investment in arts instruction, spread over three years. The investment was made possible thanks to the state Legislature’s support of the new Local Control Funding Formula that shifted education spending decisions to the local level; the flexibility provided was key to target additional support to disadvantaged students and by extension all students. Specifically, the $5 million annual allocation was to hire additional teachers—teachers with a focus on Visual and Performing Arts. In turn, this provided our classroom teachers with release time for collaboration. The funding for collaboration while also boosting arts instruction District-wide was praised by our classroom teachers and arts supporters alike as a “win-win.”

Why is VAPA so important?

A student’s family is at the heart of what we do in our schools. Family engagement is a key determinant of student success. Educators know this. In the Chula Vista Elementary School District, our families are more engaged in our schools because of our partnership with the San Diego Youth Symphony and the programs they have nurtured in our neediest schools. When students perform, mother, father, sister, brother and the abuelitos are in the audience. Families are on our campuses, and, for schools, that’s the opening act. Parent attendance is our opportunity to involve them in activities, and let them know how important they are to our academic programs, our school committees—our mission in educating the whole child. We hear from families over and over about their love of VAPA. Arts instruction allows students to foster their creative and critical-thinking skills in keeping with the objectives of the new state standards.

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GATE (Gifted and Talented Education)

The District is committed to enhancing the intellectual development of our gifted and talented students by providing opportunities for increased student learning.

There are different ways to meet the needs of GATE students, such as:

Differentiation - Refers to tailoring instruction based on student need.

Flex Grouping - Grouping students on a temporary basis to allow for specific skills to be addressed.

Extended/Enrichment Activities - Robotics, Photo Clubs, Junior Achievement, etc.