THOUSAND OAKS SCHOOL
1150 VIRGINIA STREET * 644-6368 * KEVIN WOOLDRIDGE, PRINCIPAL

Something new is happening at Thousand Oaks! As of September, 1997, Thousand Oaks will add a school-wide visual arts focus to its curriculum, as well as a new location -- the former Franklin School. Working with the Oakland-based Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA), the school will develop a program that will use visual arts as a medium both for teaching core subjects and for exploring the school's cultural diversity. For example, students might study the work of the great African American artist, Jacob Lawrence, as a means of learning both about the art he practiced and the history of the culture he represented through that art. Students might compare Lawrence's work with that of artists from other cultures, and will certainly try their hands at paintings of their own.

"The possibilities for enhancing instruction are endless," says Principal Kevin Wooldridge. "We have always used our enrichment activities as a means of bringing together our community. The visual arts focus will increase the opportunities for learning and self-expression for students and staff alike."

Thousand Oaks will continue to offer primary language instruction for both English and Spanish speakers. Children will be taught strong, basic skills in their native language. Spanish-speakers who begin the program in kindergarten will graduate from fifth grade fluent in both languages. The program is supported by the school's technology, which includes an extensive collection of bilingual software.

Many Thousand Oaks classrooms will continue to be multi-age. "We believe that both student and teacher performance can be enhanced by having a mix of ages in the same classroom," Principal Kevin Wooldridge explains. "Having that mix supports the child's range of ability and also encourages innovative teaching." All Thousand Oaks teachers have certification or training which qualifies them to teach in bilingual and multi-age environments.

The school continues to reap the rewards of its $300,000 restructuring grant, awarded in 1993. Motivated by a strong belief in individual student assessment beyond the standard report card, Thousand Oaks has pioneered a system of student portfolios. Each student, working with his or her teacher, compiles a portfolio of representative work. Twice a year, at a family-teacher conference, the student is encouraged to examine and critique that work and to set goals for the coming months. "We work to involve all players in the learning process," Principal Wooldridge explains. "An important part of that process is family participation and support."

Full participation is an important school-wide goal. An elected steering committee of parents and staff meets bimonthly. Educational planning takes place Wednesday afternoons at learning community meetings, to which everyone is invited -- the principal, the staff and parents. There are two general community meetings a year open to the community at large. Students let their voice be heard at class meetings and student council.

This spirit of cooperation can be seen in the classrooms and on the playground, too. "All the children get along well together," Principal Wooldridge observes. "Parents send their children to Thousand Oaks knowing that they will be well cared-for, both by their schoolmates and by the staff."

Thousand Oaks' innovative program will soon be mirrored in a wonderful, new environment. A new building, designed by an award-winning architect, is scheduled to be built in three years. Already a state grant has transformed the site, restoring the creek that runs underneath the property. During construction the school population will be housed at Franklin School.

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