Principal, Tex Acosta
January 7, 2013
Welcome to a new semester! As principal of the school I want to begin by congratulating our students, teachers, and the entire Pacific community for a great 1st semester. We have been working very diligently in the promoting of student achievement and in making Pacific number 1.
As you all well know, Pacific grew 33 points on the statewide API; a growth that represents 4 times the growth target set by the state. This means that Pacific easily met and surpassed the expected goal. In doing so, Pacific passed up yet another high school in the district on the statewide API rankings. Pacific currently boasts the largest API growth over a 2 and 3-year period of any high school in the district. This is a testament to our hard-working teachers and focused students. We thank them and thank our “pirate parents” for their unwavering support as they have significantly contributed to our success.
In an effort to continue providing innovative and rigorous learning for our students, we have some very important events during this semester. First and foremost, our CAHSEE 10th grade bootcamp begins the week of January 7, 2013. This is a bootcamp designed to fortify the skills of our students prior to the CAHSEE exam and in doing so, ensure that our students are given the very best chance of passing the exam on their very first try. Our passing percentages have been on the rise for a few years now and we are confident that this year’s sophomores will do well.
Additionally, our “extended learning opportunities week” will once again operate in the current year. This means that Pacific students will have 1 week of spring break (March 18th through March 22nd) and resume classes on March 25 through March 29th, 2013. Please be aware that student attendance will be mandatory. We will use our school created “pirate notes” and be focused on preparing our students for our CST testing week. We firmly believe that this extra week will make a positive difference for our students and position our school to celebrate student growth in the year to come.
This is also Pacific’s accreditation year and we will undergo a WASC visit on April 21st through April 24th, 2013. I want to thank all the parents and students who have been involved in the process through our WASC focus groups. We still have meeting dates available and welcome your input at our meetings.
Lastly, our “jumpstart program” will once again take effect immediately after CST testing. This will give our students a jumpstart opportunity to preview next year’s curriculum and maximize concept retention for our students. This will be organized by departments and the schedule will be provided to all students in a timely manner.
I want to remind parents to continue your support of our school by staying involved in our school events. I extend you an open invitation to our School Site Council (SSC), English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC), School Advisory Council (SAC), and/or our African-American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC). Your involvement and input is critical to our success. I look forward to working hand-in-hand with you in the interest of our students and their futures.
Highest Regards,
Mr. Acosta
