Ayer Introduction

Gaspar de Portola Middle School: Introduction

Principal: Elizabeth Gillingham
Enrollment : 1,045
Significant Subgroups : 38% eligible for free and reduced lunch; 10% English learners; 46% White; 28% Hispanic/Latino; 13% Black/African American
Grade Configuration: 6-8
Daily Schedule: 8-period day including a 0 period and a 7 th after-school period; 6 th grade core (2 blocks of English paired with 1 block of Social Studies)
Achievement Data: 2005 API of 811; 2004 statewide rank of 9; 2004 similar schools rank of 9

Distinctive Characteristics

Academic Excellence

The school-wide emphasis is on higher-order thinking skills and real-world applications.
Rigorous, grade-level curriculum and instruction are aligned with California standards.
Writing is emphasized across the curriculum.
Extensive after-school tutoring is aligned with the regular program.
The school is an AVID leadership site.
Strong teacher-to-teacher mentoring supports, including professional book clubs and extensive coaching in the classroom.
Library media center adds substantial support to the school and is available early mornings and evenings.
Kick-Back-And-Read (KBAR) is a school-wide literacy program.

Developmental Responsiveness

Six-to-Six Program provides before- and after-school care for students on campus.
All students have adult advocates with whom they can connect.
A wide variety of school clubs and co-curricular activities provides positive social environments for students, including many activities organized by student leadership.
Comprehensive services address students' physical and psychological needs, including a full-time nurse and a therapy dog.
A full counseling program is in place to serve students.
An effective parent communication system informs the whole community of parents.
Mechanisms are in place providing student “voice” in the decision-making process.

Social Equity

Highly diverse student population is valued, respected, supported and celebrated.
Despite high mobility due to the many military families, every student is given opportunities to create friendships and have opportunities for success.
Through programs like the Parents At Lunch (PAL) program, many adults are available on campus to assist with supervision and to offer support to students.
Students are acknowledged and recognized for improvement, achievement and positive social behavior.
Rules are consistently enforced for all students.
School staff members have a wide variety of backgrounds and are linguistically diverse.

Organizational Support

The principal and administrative team employ a philosophy of continuous improvement.
Parents and volunteers provide thousands of hours of on-campus involvement; the PTA raises substantial funds to support necessary academic and extracurricular programs.
Strong links have been established between the school, community and local business organizations.
The district is beginning a program of linked benchmark assessments so that all students will be frequently monitored as they acquire the standards.
Professional development is directly connected to the school's vision.

California League of Middle Schools
6615 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 120, Long Beach, California 90803
Voice: 562/430-3136 or 800/326-1880 . . . FAX: 562/430-5607. . . E-Mail: info@clms.net