Welcome back!
As the new Alta Loma School District’s Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, I am excited to welcome our students and families back to school! Our District is fully committed to supporting your child academically, socially and emotionally. We are looking forward to working with educators, students, families and the community to ensure Alta Loma School District is providing the highest quality and relevant learning programs and experiences for all students TK-8. The Educational Services Department takes pride in providing rigorous educational programs, as well as many services and opportunities that foster continuous student growth and achievement.
In efforts to provide early access and learning opportunities to our younger population, we have expanded TK programs across all elementary sites. TK students will utilize Learning Without Tears, Get Set for School curriculum.
The District continues to implement California State Standards in English language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. Our focus is to ensure all students are well-equipped, and prepared for the next grade level by engaging in rigorous and relevant learning experiences that fosters communication, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills. As students engage in rigorous activities that require them to think critically, they are asked to analyze sources and cite evidence to support their answers. Students will approach challenging tasks that require perseverance, deep problem solving and the need to collaborate. As 21st century communicators, students will need to build diverse literacy skills and justify thinking, both orally and in written form, write across the curriculum, as well as integrate technology into their learning.
In English language arts, grades K-5, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's California JOURNEYS is the core curriculum. In grades 6-8, McGraw Hill's STUDYSYNC is the core curriculum. Both programs are blended and offer print and digital resources, as well as integrated English Language Development standards and lessons.
In math, SAVVAS Envision Math is our core-curriculum and implemented in grades K-5. Big Ideas Math is the core curriculum for grades 6-8. The junior high schools offer accelerated mathematics in grades 7-8 for students who qualify. The materials used for accelerated math grades 7-8 are McGraw Hill Accelerated for 7th grade, and Big Ideas Math Integrated I for 8th grade.
In science, K-8 utilizes Amplify which focuses on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by integrating life science, physical science, and earth science at each grade level. Teachers are trained in shifts in science instruction to ensure successful integration and implementation.
For Social Studies, teachers in grades K- 5 utilize Studies Weekly which is an engaging and visually stimulating curriculum and grades 6-8 utilize the highly interactive and engaging TCI's History Alive program.
All of Alta Loma School District’s TK-8 curriculum is accessible to parents and the public. Each grade level and content area includes an array of resources to enrich students’ learning experiences, including additional support for our at promise students, those with special needs, GATE, and English Learners.
The Educational Services team looks forward to continuing our relationship with parents and the broader community, as it is the key to providing a safe, supportive learning environment for students. It also ensures we are developing productive, responsible citizens and lifelong learners.
Christina Pierce, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent Educational Services