Principal’s Message

We are excited as we look forward to a productive year ahead. Although state and local budget cuts have hit us all hard, we will continue to focus on the positive. We continue to improve our instructional program and continue the transformation to a world class school, one that prepares our students for college and work.

We have recently installed SMART Boards in our classrooms. Teachers have received training and are excited to take advantage of their great potential. Many of our students have already had a glimpse of what they can do.

Please review our uniform policy and help us create a positive learning and working environment. I also encourage you to go over the Student Handbook with your child to better understand the school’s expectations for homework, technology use, behavior and attendance.

One of the strongest indicators of an effective school is parent involvement. With that in mind, I would like to encourage you to get involved. There are many ways to do so. You can join one of our committees like the School Site Council, the Parent-Teacher Organization, or the English Learner Advisory Council. You could also volunteer to come and help out in the classroom or around the school. I am very proud of the fact that this past year our parents volunteered to work in the cafeteria. Instead of sending students to help serve, parents helped which meant that students did not get pulled out of class to help. You have demonstrated that the greatest resources we have are our human resources.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to create a comprehensive and relevant learning culture that involves all students achieving proficiency based on the state standards.

Our support system will include interventions and will empower the learning community creating goals, understanding assessments, and meeting the standards.

Within a school climate of respect, safety, and positive character trait, we will support all students’ learning while strengthening relationships, and providing tools for success.

Curriculum Development

All curriculum development at Johnson Elementary School revolves around the California State Content Standards and Frameworks. Teachers align classroom curriculum to ensure that all students either meet or exceed state proficiency levels.

The writing and implementation of the Twin Rivers Unified School District’s curriculum is an ongoing process. The district’s curriculum guides are updated regularly to align with the state standards, district goals, and the statewide assessment program. Curriculum planning is accomplished through a careful analysis of the state frameworks, district policies, the needs of students, assessment results, and research.

The construction and implementation of the curriculum is an on-going process. Johnson Elementary utilizes various specialized programs to support its curriculum. The Santillana program is a program that is vocabulary rich and grade-level specific. Curriculum is designed for English Language Learners (ELL) and based on each student’s ability level. In addition, thirty minutes a day are set aside specifically for English Language Development instruction.

School Leadership

Leadership at Johnson Elementary School is a responsibility shared between district administration, the principal, instructional staff, students, and parents. Primary leadership duties in the 2006-07 school year were assumed by principal David Nevarez.

The education of children is a joint effort of home and school. Students, parents and teachers meet each trimester to plan, discuss and evaluate student objectives. These objectives enable teachers to adjust their teaching to the unique needs of every class. Staff and parents are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of leadership teams, such as the School Site Council, the English Language Advisory Committee and the Student Study Team.

The Leadership Team is the primary body assigned to developing, refining, and implementing the school plan. This team is responsible for planning and monitoring the effectiveness of the school curriculum.

Parent & Community Involvement

Parents and the community are very supportive of the educational programs in the Twin Rivers Unified School District. The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) plays an active role in the community and at each school site through fundraising and special activities. Parents also have the opportunity to participate in education programs such as English as a Second Language, Parenting, and Computer Education held after school and evenings on campus. Contributions by Doubletree Hotel and the Robertson Center add to the programs available at Johnson Elementary School.