Cherrywood

Principal: Sue McBride

Enrollment: 576

Cherrywood students will develop their love of learning, social skills, and community responsibility while meeting or exceeding grade level academic standards.

Our mission statement declares our priorities for our students. Our first priority is to prepare our students academically so they have a solid grasp of the expected skills at

each grade level. But to fully prepare our students to be successful and contributing members of society, we also place a high priority on other skills. We want our students to develop strong social skills that enable them to work well with others, to play together, and to solve problems. We want our students to demonstrate a sense of responsibility to their school and community. And, we want our students to develop an excitement and enthusiasm for learning that will stay with them throughout their lives. Working together we can help our students to achieve these goals.

How do our students learn?
At Cherrywood, students participate in a variety of learning activities designed to give them opportunities to shine in many different ways. We believe in a balanced instructional program and work hard to provide a stimulating and challenging program that includes:

• Use of phonics for beginning reading
• Literature-based and whole language writing experiences
• Integration of subjects across the curriculum
• Use of computers for publishing, skill development, and computer literacy
• Field trip experiences, guest speakers, and special presentations
• Special assistance by program support staff and parent volunteers
• Individual, small group, and large group instruction

What do our students learn?
All students are expected to master the district curriculum standards for their grade level. Berryessa’s lifelong learning standards, which include life skills that students need to acquire (such as being able to communicate effectively), are integrated into units and lessons. In addition, students are expected to:

• Apply what they learn to real situations
• Think analytically and creatively, and be effective problem solvers
• Be Responsible and considerate to the Cherrywood School Community
• Incorporate physical exercise into their education
• Develop an appreciation for music, art, dance, and drama
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as cooperatively as a team member

What is the most special thing about Cherrywood?
According to our parents and students, the most special aspect of Cherrywood is the staff. Cherrywood staff members are:

• Experienced and knowledgeable.
• Responsive to student needs.
• Committed to excellence and high expectations.
• Eager to work closely with parents for student success.
• Committed to continuously enhancing their teaching skills.
• Dedicated to positive teacher-student relationships.

As a staff, we think our parents and community are very special. Parents assist students and teachers in the classroom, go on study trips, help in the office, coordinate fundraisers, serve on the School Site Council (SSC) and Home and School Association, and give of their time and talents in ways too numerous to count. Their contributions provide our students with many activities that would not be possible without their support and involvement.

How will my child benefit from being at Cherrywood?
Students at Cherrywood benefit from the high expectations set for their achievement and conduct, and the emphasis placed on developing appropriate social skills, self-confidence, and a strong sense of self-esteem. If you visit the school, you will find that students are:

• Eager to learn.
• Actively engaged in meaningful learning activities.
• Respectful, responsible, and friendly.
• Able to resolve conflicts peaceably.
• Enriched by the cultural diversity of their peers.

How Is technology being used at Cherrywood?
In Berryessa Union School District, technology is seen as a vital tool for student success in school and in life. Making technology a part of daily learning experiences continues to be a major focus at Cherrywood. Students learn keyboarding and word processing skills during weekly instructional time in the computer lab. Academic programs teach and reinforce skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. The Internet is used in the lab and in classrooms to bring the world’s resources to our students. Students learn ethical use of technology as they learn to use technology as a tool for learning.

What special activities and programs are available for my child at Cherrywood?
While there are many activities that are offered throughout Berryessa schools, there are also many unique aspects to each school. Some of the special activities of greatest interest to Cherrywood students and parents are the following:

• Science Camp for all fifth grade students
• Award-Winning Drum and Bell Corp and Marching Unit
• Organized P.E. Program
• We Love Reading Program
• Student Council
• Intramural Sports
• Instrumental Music and Music for Minors Classroom Music Program
• Inclusion Model for Special Education Students
• Reading Tutors
• Counseling
• Reading Buddies
• ESL and Primary Language Assistant Tutors
• Before and After School Day Care Program
• Homework Club
• Wide Range of Student Recognition Programs (Bear Hugs, Honor Roll, etc.)

How does Cherrywood promote a safe and successful learning environment?
To promote a safe and orderly environment, all staff reinforce school rules with students on a daily basis. The Code of Conduct, which is included in the Student and Parent Handbook, outlines general expectations for behavior as well as specific rules and consequences. The school counselor works with children who need help in developing appropriate social skills and problem solving skills.