Dana Point Children Head Back to School
 Vol. 2, Issue 37, September 11-17, 2009
By Andrea Swayne
Dana Point Times
As summer comes to a close, kids return for the first day of school
As first-time Kindergarteners arrived at R.H. Dana Elementary and Palisades Elementary Tuesday morning, the smiling faces of most and the apprehension of some, signaled the beginning of a new adventure for Dana Point’s future graduating class of 2022.
We interviewed a handful of the excited and happy new students—carefully avoiding the inevitable tearful few—and when asked what the most exciting thing about the first day of school was, the resounding answer was, “I got a new backpack!”
The other area public schools, Marco Forster Middle School, Shorecliffs Middle School, Bernice Ayer Middle School, San Juan Hills High School, San Clemente High School and Dana Hills High School all joined in welcoming students for the first day of the 2009/2010 school year.
The new school year brings with it many changes. Most have found the need to replace teachers over the summer following imposed layoffs due to budget cuts. But, despite staffing challenges and budget woes, all area public schools reported improvements to either their campus, educational programs or both.
The DP Times contacted each school to find out what changes students and parents can expect this school year. Here is a recap of what we found:
SCHOOL-BY-SCHOOL ROUNDUP
Compiled by Rachel Hatch, Chris Bashaw and Jacqueline DeMarco
Dana Hills High School
33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point 92629, 949.496.6666, Robert Nye, Principal
Surprisingly Dana Hills did not lose any faculty over the summer, but instead gained nine new teachers. The custodial staff has been working hard all summer to keep the school clean after it hosted summer school this year. A new shade structure was constructed in the quad and several feet of brick have been added to Dana Hills’ “Walk of Fame” Memorial. This year students who excel in the fine arts will have the opportunity to take AP Studio Arts, a new course offered at Dana. The school is also hoping to create a Biotechnology class later on this year. 780 freshmen will be attending in 2009-2010—the largest incoming class Dana has seen in awhile. Total enrollment is roughly 2,940 students.
Marco Forster Middle School
25601 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano 92675, 949.234.5907, Carrie Bertini, Principal
Marco Forster Middle School prides itself in an unwavering commitment to academic achievement and a strong belief that advanced education is the key to success in life. To further meet that end, Marco is pleased to be expanding its “Advancement Via Individual Determination,” or AVID program, to sixth grade this year. The program is designed to teach students who will be the first in their families to attend college the requisite skills necessary to be successful academically. Students who enroll in AVID are able to continue in the program throughout high school where the emphasis shifts to college applications and meeting college entrance requirements.
Shorecliffs Middle School
240 Via Socorro, San Clemente 92672, 949.498.1660, Kenny Moe, Principal
This school year, Shorecliffs will be implementing the nationwide program Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This program encourages students to get along with one another and reach out beyond their circle of friends. Principal Moe is looking forward to seeing this school-wide plan in action and its effect on the students.
As a new rule, all shirts must have sleeves. Girls may no longer wear tank tops because it has become too much of a hassle for staff to have to measure the straps to ensure they are one-inch thick. This year Shorecliffs welcomes back Assistant Principal Kristen Schertzer.
R.H. Dana Elementary
24242 La Cresta Drive, Dana Point 92629, 949.496.5784, Christina Portillo, Principal
The number of faculty is down by one this year, after losing eight teachers but gaining seven. This summer the lines in the parking lots were repainted and the school’s “California Distinguished School” sign was constructed to display at the front of campus.
Palisades Elementary
26462 Via Sacramento, Capistrano Beach 92624, 949.496.5942, Melissa Murray, Principal
Palisades welcomes one new third grade teacher after losing four teachers to reassignment at other district schools. This year will be dedicted to refining the ways in which we will meet our students’ needs. That is where your focus will be in light of the increased class sizes.
Palisades welcomes an incoming Kindergarten class of 80.
Parking lot resurfacing and cement walkways had cracks repaired. Landscaping will be an ongoing project during the year.
San Clemente High School
700 Avenida Pico, 92673, 949.492.4165, George Duarte, Principal
Principal George Duarte is excited to announce the opening of two new life science classrooms for ninth graders on the upper campus. The classrooms—which occupy the area once used by the Montessori School—feature labs and study areas while allowing for biology classes to be taught on the upper campus. The work will be complete by the time school opens.
Additionally, Duarte announced that Alana Brewer is the new yearbook teacher.
Bernice Ayer Middle School
1271 Sarmentoso, San Clemente 92673, 949.366.9607, Holly Feldt, Principal
Big changes at the top, as Holly Feldt takes over as principal and Kristin Orloss is the new vice principal. Founding principal Dr. Cheryl Bohn retired last spring.
San Juan Hills High School 29211 Vista Montana, San Juan Capistrano, 92675,949.234.5900,Tom Ressler, Principal
San Juan Hills added 25 new teachers bringing the total to just over 60 as well as bringing on five new office staff members. The arrival of the new freshman class brings the total student body to about 1,500. Also, for the first time, San Juan Hills will have a junior class. New on campus; Building H, the Harvard Building is open.
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Great that Dana did not have to cut any staff. It is surprising that their Freshman class did not shrink after the opening of San Juan Hills High two years ago. Does this mean that more kids are coming in from the private middle schools or are more kids transferring from other schools?