Dennis Wilson - Principal

Cerritos Elementary 13600 E. 183rd St. Cerritos, California 90703 Telephone: (562) 926-1315 FAX: (562) 404-4635

At Cerritos Elementary School we have a "Main Thing" that guides our every decision and our every act. Our "Main Thing" is to prepare students for a productive life in the twenty-first century. We believe citizens of the future must be life-long learners able to work and interact in a diverse society. Our goals for students are to master grade level content standards, use critical thinking and problem solving strategies, develop communication skills, and demonstrate positive and democratic social interactions. By providing a rigorous academic and caring environment, we strive to help students realize their full academic potential, develop positive self-concepts, and gain enthusiasm for learning. We encourage all students to develop responsibility for their own behavior and a concern for others. Our goals are aligned with the goals of the ABC Unified School District (ABCUSD). We invite our community to help plan and participate in implementing programs to prepare students for a healthy and successful future.

Cerritos Elementary School (CES) is home to 607 diverse students in kindergarten through sixth grade and serves the easternmost neighborhoods of the ABC Unified School District (ABCUSD). Our school community holds high expectations for the quality of education we provide our students, for student academic achievement and behavior, and for parents in support of all students and the school. As a consequence, our student body is comprised of highly motivated and very capable students who consistently strive to meet and exceed the expectations of their parents and teachers.

In the 2008-2009 school year, CES achieved an Academic Performance Index (API) growth score of 958, its highest API score ever. As a result, we have become one of the most attractive "Schools of Choice" in the region.

At CES we are dedicated to our common belief that all children will learn to master the California Content Standards at every grade level. More than 30% of the students in grades

3-6 are identified and placed in our Gifted and Talented Education program (GATE). These students are "clustered" in every classroom and are provided a challenging, differentiated curriculum appropriate to their needs. In addition to high quality standards-based instruction, CES provides academic support for at-risk students and language support for English Language Learners (ELL). Ready Study Go!, an after-school homework assistance and tutorial program is offered five days a week.

With the generous support of our families, community and the school district, we are able to provide Extended Day Care, Computer Club, valet drop-off, band practice, and student supervision before the school day begins. During the school day many volunteers help out in classrooms, teacher workrooms, and in the office. Parent volunteers teach the Junior Achievement program in grades K-6. The Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) supports school-wide enrichment activities including a performing arts program, field trips, Meet the Masters, and Science on the Go. Further support is provided by our Cerritos Elementary educational Foundation (CEEF) which also hosts our annual Pancake Breakfast in October and our Spring Family Science Night and Silent Auction. After school, 120 of our K-6 students participate four days a week in learning Mandarin Chinese. Other extra-curricular programs such as Young Rembrandts Art Program, Chess Club, Spanish Explorers, and Spotlight Theater are offered throughout the year.

A description of Cerritos Elementary School would not be complete without mention of the unique aura of the school. Visitors to the school begin to feel it as soon as they enter the office and are warmly welcomed by the office staff. Our classrooms are purposeful places, humming with the sounds of students learning and achieving at remarkably high levels. Our playgrounds are full of children happily playing with each other, totally oblivious to their diversity. As one looks around the campus he will see parent volunteers and staff interacting together and with the children in ways evocative of mutual respect, friendship and sincere care. Everywhere, one sees evidence of a school community that is truly in harmony learning, playing, and working together.