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California
Distinguished
Schools!
Why Choose
Gravenstein Schools?
The Gravenstein Union School District has had the highest API test scores in Sebastopol/ West Sonoma County for 10 of the last 11 years!
Our district is home to two small, award-winning public schools in the rolling hills near Sebastopol, California. We provide strong academic programs and outstanding creative arts and music instruction in a safe, rural setting.
Hillcrest and Gravenstein Score High in State's API Rankings!
For the second year in a row, Hillcrest Middle School received the highest possible "10" ranking on the state's Similar Schools rating! Hillcrest also received a "10" on the overall statewide ranking--one of only three Sonoma County schools to earn this double distinction.
The state API (Academic Performance Index) summarizes standardized test scores for all students at a school. The Similar Schools rankings compare API scores of schools with similar numbers of English learners and economically disadvantaged students and other similar factors.
Gravenstein Elementary School received an exemplary "9" ranking on both the Similar Schools and the overall statewide lists. According to the state, schools receiving a 9 or 10 ranking are "well above average for schools with similar challenges and opportunities."
Congratulations to our wonderful staff and administrators -- and the exceptional students who attend our schools! You can read more about the Sonoma County rankings here.
Hillcrest Jazz Band Performs at Sacramento Ceremony!
Our Hillcrest Jazz Band was invited to perform at the California Distinguished Schools award ceremony in Sacramento last Friday, and we have some photos available here (scroll down at the linked page).
School Starts August 21, 2013
The Gravenstein district calendar for 2013-14 is now available here.
Hillcrest Earns Exemplary Arts Award!
In addition to Hillcrest Middle School's achievement in earning a 2013 California Distinguished School Award (its fourth since 2000, the most of any Sonoma County school), we learned today that Hillcrest also has been honored with a state Exemplary Arts Award! Hillcrest is the only Sonoma County school, and one of only 13 schools in the entire state, to receive this honor.
According to Tom Torlakson, state Superintendent of Public Instruction, this award "recognizes schools that, in addition to high academic achievement indicated by their Distinguished School qualifications, have committed time and resources to broad-based arts education programs that strengthen students’ creativity and encourage their personal interests."
Congratulations to Hillcrest's wonderful staff and teachers, and to our priceless parent foundations, MPF and GSF, for your outstanding efforts on behalf of our students!
Gravenstein Open House Presentation
If you missed our Gravenstein Open Houses, you can see the informative presentation here
Hillcrest Band & Flag/Letter Team Take First Place at Apple Blossom Parade!
Once again, Hillcrest's students and music teacher Nick Pulley have shown that hard work and inspired teaching pay off.
The Hillcrest band and flag/letter team took first place, and our drum major took second place, at the 2013 Apple Blossom Parade.
Way to go, Hillcrest!
Hillcrest Earns California Distinguished School Honor!
Hillcrest Middle School has earned another California Distinguished School award, its fourth since 2000 -- more than any other Sonoma County school. Hillcrest is one of five county schools, and 218 schools throughout the state, to receive the award in 2013.
Congratulations to our wonderful Hillcrest community -- students, teachers, staff, principal, and parents -- for this well-deserved honor!
Hillcrest is Nominated for a National Blue Ribbon School Award!
Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced today that Hillcrest Middle School is one of only 35 schools in California nominated for a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School Award.
Hillcrest is the only school in Sonoma County (and the only school north of San Francisco) chosen.
“I applaud the principals, teachers, staff, and families whose commitment to learning has led to success in the classroom,” Torlakson said. “Schools nominated for this significant recognition are performing at very high levels...”
Blue Ribbon winners will be announced by the US Dept. of Education, probably in September 2013.
A big thanks to Gravenstein voters for passing Measure M last November, which will provide $6 million to help modernize both of our schools and build a new science classroom and band room at Hillcrest.
We are currently forming a Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee whose purpose is to review and report on expenditures from Measure M. If you would like to serve on the committee, please contact Linda LaMarre at llamarre@grav.k12.ca.us.
Gravenstein Tops West County API Scores--Again!
For the tenth time in the last eleven years, Gravenstein schools earned the highest API (Academic Performance Index) scores in the West County. These API scores are based on the 2012 STAR tests taken by students in grades 2 through 12.
Our district has the highest score among Sonoma County's K-8 districts and the second highest score among all districts.
And for the second year in a row, Hillcrest has the highest ranking of all Sonoma County middle schools. Gravenstein Elementary ranked 9th among approximately 115 elementary schools in the county.
The annual API scores are an important measure of students' mastery of California's rigorous state standards. You can see a comparison of Sonoma County schools here.
Monday Messages!
Can't find the latest copy of Monday Messages buried in your child's backpack? Just click here
New Parent Publications for 2012-13!
You can download our new Parent Handbook, the School-Family Compact, the ENRICH! Handbook, Preschool Handbook and Before/After School Care Handbook (and more!) here.
Gravenstein Says NO!
Despite these tough economic times and a dismal state budget, the Gravenstein school district is proud to say NO!...
- NO teacher or staff layoffs!
- NO reduction in the school year!
- NO increase in class sizes!
- NO school closures!
- NO cuts to our award-winning music program!
- NO cuts to after-school sports!
- NO cuts to our Spanish language classes!
- NO reduction to our acclaimed ENRICH creative arts magnet GATE program!
Sure, we’ve made cuts – but away from the classroom, where they don’t affect the great education our students receive. That’s one reason our enrollment has grown 35% in the last four years, and why students living in 20 of Sonoma County’s 40 school districts choose to attend Gravenstein and Hillcrest schools.
To learn more, contact Superintendent Linda LaMarre at 707.823.7008 or llamarre@grav.k12.ca.us.
Facebook! Follow the Gravenstein District on Facebook! Just click here
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©2013 Gravenstein Union School District
Site Updated June 3, 2013
