School SNapshot
Valencia envisions a future where our students see themselves as life-long learners who can participate and flourish as productive members of society in this ever-changing world.
Nestled in a tranquil setting where two creeks merge, Valencia School, in the North Zone of Pajaro Valley Unified School District, is bordered by redwood and oak trees. Established in 1929, the school served K-8 students and was called Aptos Union School. The building and grounds today retain most of the original look. Changes over the years include its name, grade level configuration to K-6, a more diverse student population, increased parent participation, and best practices in teaching.
Valencia School serves 550 K-6 students, most from the immediate neighborhood; others bussed from a labor camp and rural hills. The school is rich with diversity: 1) ethnicity (64% White; 28% Hispanic; and 8% Black, Asian, Filipino, Pacific Islander and Native American); 2) socioeconomic (22% qualify for free/reduced lunch); and 3) language (8 languages spoken at the school, 17% of all students are English Learners).
Teaching and learning form the centerpiece of the school's work. Teachers are fully qualified, as required by the "No Child Left Behind" initiative. New teachers have a formal support structure during their first two years of teaching. Experienced teachers support one another and participate in professional growth opportunities, continuously striving to improve curriculum and instruction. A standards-based curriculum follows a seamless continuum throughout the grades and state-adopted instructional materials are available for all students. As a result of quality instruction and an exemplary staff, Valencia earned an Academic Performance Index (API) of 830, representing an increase of 53 points over the past three years. This was all accomplished while maintaining a positive, caring community.
Valencia School provides full access for students with unique learning needs: challenging the gifted, providing sheltered English strategies for English Learners, and accommodating students with physical and learning disabilities as outlined in their Individual Education Plans. The school is fully inclusive. English Learners learn in heterogeneous English immersion classes and receive extensive support as they listen, speak, read, and write in English. Many teachers and support staff are bilingual and provide support to English Learners and their parents. As appropriate, special education students are fully or partially included in general education classes, spending 50% or more of their school day with their peers.
The greater school community (parents and local businesses) actively support the school. A volunteer corps of over 100 parents regularly assist in classrooms, as well as support fundraising and community-building activities. Examples of school/community collaboration include fund development for Spectra Arts, Second Harvest Food Bank, homeless shelters, Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina victims, as well as tree planting at the local state parks and maintaining the school garden. This year, parents serve as technology experts, grant writers, and the school newsletter editor. Parents and staff operate in a shared decision-making mode when planning school budgets and programs. This is exemplified in the work of the School Site Council (SSC), which consists of parents and staff elected by their peers. SSC develops and revises the annual School Plan and determines funding. Parents and staff are represented in the district's North Zone Advisory Council, Home and School Club, Aptos Chamber of Commerce, Santa Cruz County Office of Education projects, and R.F. Monte Foundation.
Valencia School embraces a true spirit of collaboration, caring, and going the extra mile to ensure that all students realize their highest potential. Students are at the heart of all efforts. As individuals, everyone demonstrates much good together, we are GREAT!