Getting the go-ahead for construction of a two-story Career Technical Education facility at Ripon High was among the highlights of accomplishment listed by the Ripon Unified School District during the past year.
Superintendent Ziggy Robeson presented that and others at Wednesday’s school board meeting.
The RUSD report included two elementary sites – Park View and Ripon El. – being honored as California Distinguished Schools, the establishment of a Dual Enrollment program between Ripon High and Modesto Junior College, and the addition of three classrooms at Ripon El. coupled with the inclusion of three portable classrooms and a new parking lot north of campus at RHS, just to name a few.
According to Robeson, this was part of the 40-page Ripon Unified Accomplishment Highlights 2022-2023 report.
She praised the district for its “bilingual importance,” recognizing 47 high schoolers who recently received Seals of Biliteracy by the San Joaquin County Office of Education for their outstanding language proficiency in multiple languages. Another 23 earned Pathways to Biliteracy awards.
“We have increased emphasis on multicultural experiences and culturally responsive teaching practices, fostering an inclusion and diverse learning environment,” Robeson said from the report.
Plans call for the CTE building to be completed in five stages. The work was approved by the Division of State Architect earlier in the school year.
Another RHS project that was done this year was the remodel of the bathrooms at the Ervin Zador Aquatics Center, which, Robeson noted, also enhanced the overall infrastructure of the facility.
The report also highlighted the following:
· A comprehensive professional learning day on Jan. 9 involving all teachers consisted of developing effective math strategies and, for high school teachers, Universal Design for Learning training.
· Astronaut Jose Hernandez came out to RUSD during English Learner family night on Jan. 11 to share his story of being a product of a migrant working family.
· The district’s commitment to the fine arts, spotlighting the music programs – intermediate band strings, concert band, orchestra, mariachi, drumline and choir – at the elementary schools.
· The development of the multi-agency, multi-year training and exercise plan to ensure safety and preparedness throughout RUSD.
