As we move into the second semester, it is good to take a few minutes and reflect on a few of the many good things that are happening at our school. While we continue to monitor the economic crisis affecting our State and its effect on education, here at Bonita High School things are going well, and our students and staff are accomplishing great things. Here are some of the events happenings around school.

Welcome back to another outstanding year at Bonita High School. The year is off to a great start with good news to celebrate and new programs to discuss.

Outstanding Academic Performance

Our students demonstrated their academic strength in the state testing program again last year. California schools’ performances are measured on the Academic Performance Index (API) which incorporates data from the STAR testing program as well as from the CAHSEE. Bonita’s API grew by 10 points this year moving the school from a score of 828 in 2008 to a score of 838 in 2009. Only a select handful of high schools score in the 800’s. If you consider the 40 comprehensive public high schools in the area with the boundaries of the mountains on the north, Fontana on the east, Orange County on the south and the 605 Freeway on the west, Bonita scores among the top three schools. I would like to congratulate the students and staff for the outstanding job they did on these tests last year.

Enrollment up Again This Year

As we planned for this year we anticipated that our regular education enrollment would be around 1880 which is down a little from last year. Our actual enrollment is even larger than anticipated with 1992 students enrolled as of mid October. We are fortunate that we still are not seeing the declining enrollment that has hit many of the other schools in the District and through out the area. The increase in enrollment was particularly good news this year because it allowed us to bring back the five Bonita teachers who received layoff notices last spring.

Campus Improvements - Planning for a New Gym

With the passage of Proposition AB last year, planning is now well under way for the construction of a new gymnasium on our campus. Everyone on campus is very excited about the new building which will be built on the lawn area facing D Street with home and visitor seating for approximately 1100 people. Our goal is to finalize plans for submission to the Department of State Architect in January and we hope that construction will begin in January of 2011. The new facility will create additional practices space for volleyball, basketball as well as wrestling. By moving wrestling practice from the Student Union we will also make this space more available to other groups on campus.

In a separate campus improvement project we are planning the installation of a shade structure near the cafeteria. The structure will be 20’ by 40’ and look similar to the structure near the boys’ locker room. Construction was paid for through several beautification fundraisers and the sale of pavers and should take place around Thanksgiving. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this project over the years.

AIM Program Strengthened

As you know we implemented our Academic Intervention and Mentoring Program (AIM) last year. The program provides a study hall for student who had difficulty with grade, standardized tests or citizenship in class as well as an extended lunch for students who are doing well in these areas. This year Ms Halberg, our AIM coordinator has added an orientation program for incoming ninth graders. She has organized nearly a hundred juniors and seniors into Freshman Transition Teams. The teams meet once a month with a small group of freshman and once a month as a large group to provide information on high school and conduct orientation actives for the ninth graders. The goal is to make the ninth graders transition to high school as smooth and successful as possible.

Bob Ketterling

Principal

It has been a great year for us at Bonita, a year in which we have received outstanding support from our parents and the whole community. We are moving through our annual STAR and AP testing programs and headed towards graduation and the end of the year. Here is a little news about things that are happening around school.

Miramonte Five

Recently our school had the opportunity to honor five of our seniors who excel in academics, athletics and as leaders at a banquet sponsored by our league. The students were selected by the staff as exemplifying excellence in a number of areas of student life. Here are our choices for this award with a brief description of where they plan to go after high school. Kaitlin McClure – will attend UCLA and prepare to go to medical school. Thomas Munson – will attend Cornell University and study economics and finance. Kristen Iwanicki – will attend UC Santa Barbara and study psychology and math. Scott McGrath – will attend Brigham Young University. Jeff Gelalich – will attend UCLA on a baseball scholarship and study to be a physical therapist.

New Leagues Forming

What career is best for me?  Where can I research colleges I am interested in?  Do I need a work permit?  Can I get work experience?  What kind of employment is best for me?  How much education is required?  What can I do now towards my career goal?  How much is the college tuition?

Helpful answers can be found in the Career Center.  It is a place to visit throughout your high school experience.  Many things that involve your free activity, deciding upon a career and decisions about continuing your education can be found in the Career Center.  It is your place to get answers about your future.  Some of the services available are:

	College Searches & Applications:  Use the internet and other resources to view different colleges/universities & vocational schools and see their catalogue.  Take various assessment tests to find out the best career for you and what is the best school for that career.
	Financial Aid Applications:  Many of the necessary applications for state & federal student aid applications are available in the Career Center.  You can get information on how to file, when to file, get Web addresses and information about how to get a personal identification number (PIN).
	ROP Schedules & Information:  There are classes that allow you to gain valuable experience in a career and to see what it is like to do a certain job.  Information is available each semester, and class sign-up is always possible.  It is best to sign up in the beginning of the semester.
	Work Permit Applications:  If you are going to work and are under 18, you must have a work permit.  It allows a specific employer to hire a minor and will let you work certain hours.  The hours you work depend on your age, school hours, and the school time.
	Work Experience Program:  Credits can be earned for working if you are in the Work Experience Program.  The amount of credits you can earn depends upon the hours you work, the grade you are in, and if you can attend the class each week.
	ASVAB & Career Assessments:  The Armed Services Vocational Battery is a test given once a year to juniors to help determine, or give you ideas, about the best career choices for you.  You can also take other computer based assessments that will give a guide for your future.
	Internet Set-up:  Many classes require Internet access, and there is so much educational information on the web.  It is a great idea to set up an Internet account at the high school.  With parental approval, an Internet account can be set up for you to do class assignments, complete college & financial aid applications, view colleges, careers and get other education information.

There is a great collection of traditional and non-traditional career materials available to you in the Career Center.  You can research many different careers and professions on the computers.  Get assistance on career planning, and information about college or vocational training.  There are self-assessment tools for you to use.  Get college catalogs, college applications, financial applications, and scholarship information here.  Find out how to prepare for the SAT, ACT, and other college entrance tests.  You can also find out about tutoring resources if you need them.  Come here to get the answers you may need to decide about what to do next.

There is a great deal of help for you to succeed.  Visit the Career Center today.

Career Center Technician:

                Mrs. Marilyn Pollock, Ext. 2065