PRINCIPAL'S CORNER

Principal's Message:

As you will read in this edition, the academic bar for all of us - teachers and students - is being raised.  Starting next school year, all students must pass the exit exam in order to earn their diploma.  This year for the first time, ALL students must pass PCM I (Algebra I) in order to earn their diploma.  So, because it is the responsibility of the faculty and staff to prepare all students for high school graduation, life at Olympic is changing in some important ways.  Students new to Olympic may not notice the difference, but our veterans do.  The work is a bit more challenging, it takes a little longer to complete courses, and the program is more focused than ever on supporting students for success in the classroom.  Our pledge to students and parents is that we will continue to provide an educational experience and atmosphere which is alternative (read on for what makes Olympic an alternative school) while we provide an education which meets state and district standards.  Students must face the challenge as well - to be prepared to make school a priority, to come to school every day, to enter the classroom with attitudes and behaviors which make learning possible, and to believe that they CAN do it.

Sincerely,

Rinda Bartley, Principal

WASC is Here!  We Need You!

Every few years all high schools and colleges participate in a rigorous evaluation process which is required to maintain accreditation (the ability to grant diplomas to students).  The accrediting organization is called WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).  And it's our turn again!  As part of the review, we will need a group of Olympic and Alliance parents to participate on a Parent Committee which will meet 3-4 times this spring and next year.  This group will look at characteristics of effective schools, and help us to measure ourselves against those characteristics.  If you are interested in serving on this important committee, please call us at 687-0363 or email us at olympico@mdusd.k12.ca.us.  We will contact you to set up our first meeting.  Help us to insure that Olympic is the school we need it to be for our students.

MDUSD Parent Advisory Meeting

The MDUSD Parent Advisory Meeting provides an opportunity for a parent representative from each site to meet with the Superintendent, Asst. Superintendents, and several Board Members once a month to discuss issues concerning their sites.  Parents write the agenda and personnel best suited to address the issues are scheduled to meet with the group. It is a great means of communication between the district and the sites. The meetings are the first Wednesday of the month, 7-9 p.m. Board Room, District Office at 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord. If you are interested in representing Olympic at these meetings, please call Sandy Davis at 687-0363.  Thanks.