Executive Summary School Accountability Report Card, 2005-06
For Peggy Heller Elementary School   

 Address:

 201 Lake View Dr., Atwater CA 95301  

 Phone Number:

 (209) 357-6517   

 Principal:

 Steve Harrison   

 Grade Span:

 K-8   

This executive summary of the School Accountability Report Card (SARC) is intended to provide parents and community members with a quick snapshot of school accountability. The data presented in this report are reported for the 2005-06 school year, except the School Finances and School Completion data that are reported for the 2004-05 school year. For additional information about the school, parents and community members should review the entire SARC or contact the school principal or the district office.

About This School

Peggy Heller School is one of two K-8 schools in the Atwater Elementary School District.  It is the newest school in the District, with doors first opening in August 1995.  

At Peggy Heller School, students, staff, and community members are actively involved in learning.  We have a high quality instructional program, which is continually monitored and improved.  Our staff is dedicated to meeting the needs of students and helping them to meet the California Grade Level Standards.  The team continues to grow professionally through collaboration, reflecting upon their practices, keeping abreast of current educational research, and sharing areas of expertise.

The mission of Peggy Heller School, in partnership with family and community, is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to continue to learn, live a productive life, and contribute to a diverse, rapidly changing society. 

Summary of Most Recent Site Inspection

Peggy Heller is the newest school in the Atwater Elementary School District and, as such, the facility is in pristine condition. The landscape is exquisitely maintained and esthetically pleasing to look at. The front of the campus is beautifully decorated with roses. The interior courtyard is covered with green grass and roses. The exterior paint still appears fresh and new. There are no outstanding work orders on any equipment. Most refrigeration/heating equipment is in excellent operating order. One air conditioning unit is in need of minor repairs. Some interior classrooms need painting. The fire alarm system and security alarm systems are in pristine condition.

Repairs Needed

One classroom has a history of leaks after heavy rains accompanied by strong winds. A minor roof repair is required to repair this problem.

Corrective Actions Taken or Planned

A work order has been submitted for roof repair. Interior painting is scheduled for the 2008 school year. Replacement/repair of air conditioning units that are not operating within reasonable standards will be replaced during the 2010 school year.

School

District

 School Name

 Peggy Heller Elementary

 District Name

 Atwater Elementary

 Street

 201 Lake View Dr.

 Phone Number

 (209) 357-6100

 City, State, Zip

 Atwater, CA    95301

 Web Site

 http://www.aesd.k12.ca.us

 Phone Number

 (209) 357-6517

 Superintendent

 Melinda Hennes

 Principal

 Steve Harrison

 E-mail Address

 mhennes@aesd.edu

 E-mail Address

 Sharrison@aesd.edu

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Peggy Heller School is one of two K-8 schools in the Atwater Elementary School District.  It is the newest school in the District, with doors first opening in August 1995.  

At Peggy Heller School, students, staff, and community members are actively involved in learning.  We have a high quality instructional program, which is continually monitored and improved.  Our staff is dedicated to meeting the needs of students and helping them to meet the California Grade Level Standards.  The team continues to grow professionally through collaboration, reflecting upon their practices, keeping abreast of current educational research, and sharing areas of expertise.

The mission of Peggy Heller School, in partnership with family and community, is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to continue to learn, live a productive life, and contribute to a diverse, rapidly changing society. 

Parents are encouraged to join the PTSA and participate in other school site committees.  Input from parents is always valued and welcomed.

Peggy Heller School has a very active PTSA.  They have raised funds for a variety of projects, including:  sending sixth grade students to Outdoor Education, contributing to the sports program, roofing a storage area, purchasing AR quizzes and books, and giving teachers money for classroom needs. 

Classroom volunteers are welcomed by many teachers.  We have a small number of parents who volunteer in classrooms on a regular basis, but we also encourage parents to attend assemblies and performances.

Our school’s annual plan was created by our School Site Council/English Learner Advisory Committee, which is made up of 50% parents and 50% staff.   This committee oversees the development and implementation of the plan. 

Formal parent conferences are held twice a year, but teachers are always available to conference with parents as needs arise.   

 Grade Level

 Number of Students

 Kindergarten

51 

 Grade 1

47 

 Grade 2

52 

 Grade 3

58 

 Grade 4

59 

 Grade 5

60 

 Grade 6

60 

 Grade 7

90 

 Grade 8

68 

 Total Enrollment

545 

 Group

 Percent of
Total Enrollment

 Group

 Percent of
Total Enrollment

 African American

4.0 

 White (not Hispanic)

45.1 

 American Indian or Alaska Native

0.4 

 Multiple or No Response

0.2 

 Asian

5.9 

 Socioeconomically Disadvantaged

47.5 

 Filipino

1.3 

 English Learners

18.0 

 Hispanic or Latino

42.6 

 Students with Disabilities

10.0 

 Pacific Islander

0.6 

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 Grade
Level

 2003-04

 2004-05

 2005-06

 Avg.
Class
Size

Number of
Classrooms

 Avg.
Class
Size

Number of
Classrooms

 Avg.
Class
Size

Number of
Classrooms

 1-20

 21-32

 33+

 1-20

 21-32

 33+

 1-20

 21-32

 33+

 K

 20.0

 2

 20.0

 2

 20.0

 1

 1

 19.5

 2

 20.0

 2

 20.0

 3

 2

 19.5

 2

 18.3

 3

 17.5

 2

 3

 19.7

 3

 18.7

 3

 19.3

 3

 4

 30.0

 1

 27.0

 2

 29.5

 2

 5

 27.5

 2

 27.0

 2

 30.0

 2

 6

 30.5

 2

 28.0

 3

 30.0

 2

 K-3

 20.0

 2

 16.0

 1

 18.0

 1

 3-4

 4-8

 26.0

 1

 Other

 Grade Level

 Percent of Students Participating

 2003-04

 2004-05

 2005-06

 K

100%

100%

100%

 1

100%

100%

100%

 2

100%

100%

100%

 3

100%

100%

100%

At Peggy Heller School, we believe meaningful learning must occur in a safe, disciplined, and positive environment.  To achieve such an environment, a set of expectations for student behavior, absences, tardiness, and dress have been established.  Student dress code and consequences for inappropriate behavior are outlined in the student handbook.  These rules are distributed at the beginning of each school year and when a new student enrolls.

Supervision is provided by classroom teachers, campus supervisors, instructional assistants, and the administrative staff.  The campus gates are locked when school starts and unlocked at dismissal, keeping the grounds safe from unwanted visitors.  All visitors must sign in at the office.

The custodial staff does an excellent job of keeping the grounds clean and safe for students.  Playground equipment is inspected by the custodian on a regular basis.  Emergency drills are conducted monthly. 

Student and staff safety is addressed in the School Safety Plan and the Emergency Action Plan.  The School Site Council/Safety Committee meets regularly to discuss concerns and update the School Safety Plan.  

A wide variety of high quality programs support students in the classroom and in the community.  These programs and our excellent staff create a climate which makes learning contagious.  The educational program is well defined and aligned with State grade level standards.  Expectations for student performance and behavior are high.  Students with special needs, such as English Language Learners, Gifted and Talented, Special Education, and Title I, receive specialized services which promote greater school success.  All students in danger of not meeting grade level standards are offered intervention programs, both during and after school hours.

A well-developed academic and social reward system supports the success of students.  Every classroom has developed a set of classroom rules and expectations that follow the school site discipline plan.  Rewards and consequences are awarded to students according to the plan. 

We believe attendance is very important.  Excessive absences and tardiness affects schoolwork.  Irregular attendance or excessive tardies are reported to the School Attendance Review Board.  Students with perfect attendance receive special recognition.

Following are programs and practices that help promote a positive learning environment:

• Extended day classes in reading or math
• Builder’s Club
• GATE Club
• Merit Trips
• Accelerated Reading Award Assemblies
• Character Counts Program
• Perfect Attendance Awards

• Honor Roll
• Buddy Tutors  

 Rate

 School

 District

 2003-04

 2004-05

 2005-06

 2003-04

 2004-05

 2005-06

 Suspensions

.11

.19

.34

.19

.20

.21

 Expulsions

.005

.007

.003

.003

.005

.004

Peggy Heller School is composed of 24 classrooms, a library, auditorium, kitchen, and office complex.  Due to class size reduction in all kindergarten through second grade classes, all classrooms are being used. 

Students are provided a safe, orderly environment in which to learn.  Supervision is provided by classroom teachers, campus supervisors, instructional assistants, and the principal.  Playground equipment is inspected by the custodian on a monthly basis.  Emergency drills are practiced on a regular basis.

The custodian, supported by District maintenance personnel, makes needed repairs and improvements.  The Peggy Heller School Safety Committee/School Site Council meets regularly and discusses safety concerns. 

 Item Inspected

 Facility in
Good Repair

 Repair Needed and
Action Taken or Planned

 Yes

 No

 Gas Leaks

X

 Mechanical Systems

X

REPLACE 2010-2011

 Windows/Doors/Gates (interior and exterior)

X

 Interior Surfaces (walls, floors, and ceilings)

X

PAINT  2008-2009

 Hazardous Materials (interior and exterior)

X

 Structural Damage

X

 Fire Safety

X

 Electrical (interior and exterior)

X

 Pest/Vermin Infestation

X

 Drinking Fountains (inside and outside)

X

 Restrooms

X

 Sewer

X

 Playground/School Grounds

X

 Other - Roofing

X

NEED ROOFING 2010-2011

 Teachers

 School

 District

   2003-04  

   2004-05  

   2005-06  

   2005-06  

 With Full Credential

 26

 27

 24

 223

 Without Full Credential

 0

 0

 0

 4

 Teaching Outside Subject Area of Competence

 0

0 

 0

 0

 Indicator

   2004-05  

   2005-06  

   2006-07  

 Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners

0

 0 

0

 Total Teacher Misassignments

0

0

0

 Vacant Teacher Positions

0

0

0

 Location of Classes

 Percent of Classes In Core Academic Subjects

 Taught by
 NCLB Compliant Teachers

 Taught by
 Non-NCLB Compliant Teachers

 This School 

 100.0

 0.0

 All Schools in District 

 99.0

 1.0

 High-Poverty Schools in District 

 99.0

 1.0

 Low-Poverty Schools in District 

 0.0

 0.0

An adequate number of credentialed substitute teachers are available for the routine operation of the instructional program.  Substitutes are occasionally not available when a high number of substitutes are needed for release time for staff development.  Classes are then covered by other credentialed staff or the teacher is recalled from the staff development activity.  This has not had a significant impact on the operation of the instructional program.