October 23, 2007

Dear Parents,

With the mailing of the first quarter report cards I’d also like to update you on some accomplishments made during the first quarter, as well as some challenges we will address during the second quarter.

First the good news; the Buffalo varsity football team is currently undefeated in league play, and the cross-country, volleyball, and soccer teams are in contention for the CIF section playoffs. Our marching band had an excellent field performance at homecoming and was honored with an invitation to perform at Disneyland. Our drama program had many outstanding improvisation, solo and dual acting performances, and is preparing for its holiday production of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The visual arts program received top awards at the county fair and second in California at the Native Daughters’ competition. Our agriculture, automotive and other vocational programs received various awards over the summer. Academically, Amador has improved its Academic Performance Index (API) for the fourth year in a row and received a three year accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). All of these accomplishments contribute to a sense of pride.

While there is much to be proud of, there is also room for improvement. In listening to and observing students, and surveying staff and parents over the past few months, a clear consensus in priorities has emerged. Several steps need to be taken to develop a more positive and purpose climate at Amador High. Many factors contribute to a positive or negative campus climate: the appearance of our facilities and grounds, the degree to which students and staff take care of our campus, attendance and tardiness, the appropriateness of student language and dress, the professionalism of our staff, and the level of aspiration and motivation of our students.

Amador has the potential to be one of the most beautiful campuses in the region. The recent landscaping and exterior painting have provided a good start to beautify the campus and several other projects are planned. Although the degree of littering by students has lessened recently, we will continue to insist that students take pride in their campus and pick up after themselves.

To address the problem of excessive tardiness, a new tardy policy has taken effect this week. The policy is simple; if a student is tardy to class he will be assigned lunch detention on the following day. After four cumulative tardies the student will be assigned Saturday School in addition to lunch detention.

Excessive absenteeism is also a problem at Amador. Last spring our School Board adopted an attendance policy that allows a teacher to factor in a student’s attendance (excused or unexcused) in determining the student’s grade. In the next few weeks our staff will develop an attendance policy that will specify how the student’s grade may change with the corresponding number of absences. When our site policy is finished it will be communicated to students and parents.

The appropriateness of student language and dress is an area in which we ask for your support. Please be aware of what your child wears to school, and if not appropriate please address it. Inappropriate language has no place in a positive school atmosphere. When students use inappropriate language a teacher, the vice-principal or I will attempt to reach you immediately to describe what was said.

Your children deserve the best teachers and staff our school district can provide. Since July, Amador has added six promising new teachers and two new counselors. We are committed to provide the best training and support to our new teachers, as well as focused continuing education to our tenured teachers. Parents may request, and the school will provide, information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers.

Lastly, the level of aspiration and motivation of our students is critical in developing a positive climate. The knowledge, skills, and habits your child develops at Amador will determine his/her options and success beyond high school. Students who set goals and develop a sense of direction not only have a better chance to succeed, but also are better equipped to avoid pitfalls they will face during the high school years. Please talk to your children about their and goals and seek the help of our counselors when appropriate.

Sincerely,



Allan Van Velzen
Principal