By JILL SOUTHERN
As the first semester draws to a close, Coast Unified School District has much to celebrate. With an enrollment of 490 students and a year-to-date attendance rate of 93.58%, our schools continue to thrive as vibrant learning communities. This consistent attendance reflects the dedication of our students, families, and staff in fostering an environment where education is highly valued and prioritized.
Recognizing Academic Excellence: Reclassification of English Learners
It is our great pleasure to recognize 19 exceptional students from the Coast Unified School District who have achieved the incredible milestone of being Reclassified as Fluent English Proficient. This accomplishment reflects their determination, resilience, and the unwavering support of their families, teachers, aides, and administrators.
Being multilingual is a profound skill in our diverse and interconnected world. These students now possess a unique ability to bridge cultures, connect with others across languages, and open doors to endless opportunities.
Our district takes pride in having achieved the highest English Learner progress rate in the County last year. To see 19 students in a small district like ours meet the challenging criteria for reclassification in just one year speaks volumes about their work ethic and the robust system of support surrounding them. It is also a testament to our dedicated educators, who have fostered environments where all students can thrive.
Achievements Across the District
At Coast Union High School, professional development remains a cornerstone of our commitment to academic excellence. Recently, CUHS teachers participated in a dynamic training session with Lisa Vargas, a language acquisition and education expert from the Kern County Office of Education. This training featured teacher-led walkthroughs, where colleagues observed classroom interactions, analyzed student participation, and collaborated on strategies to enhance language skills.
These efforts align with the productive, interpretive, and collaborative elements of language standards, ensuring our students develop essential communication skills. Teachers concluded the session with actionable strategies proven to promote these skills effectively.
Our student-athletes have also been excelling. The Boys Varsity Soccer team remains undefeated with an impressive 5-0 record, recently triumphing over St. Bonaventure and Fresno Christian. Over the last five matches, the team has scored an incredible 21 goals, a testament to their talent and teamwork. The Girls Soccer team also celebrated a stellar victory with a 6-0 win against Santa Clara, featuring a standout four-goal performance. Both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are building momentum and showcasing determination as they prepare for the holiday season.
At Santa Lucia Middle School, academic and extracurricular programs continue to shine. Students celebrated their hard work with the Quarter 2 Rewards Trip, which included a movie and lunch in Paso Robles. On the academic front, middle schoolers recently engaged in an exciting STEM project—designing and launching rockets. This hands-on activity fostered collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity while introducing principles of physics and engineering.
Additional highlights include life-size “Body Biographies” based on characters from the novel Refugee, impactful historical research projects, and an exploration of Earth’s history in science. Beyond academics, students recently completed an Ultimate Frisbee unit in PE and created holiday-themed art projects, including ice-dyed creations and handmade ornaments. The student-produced “Weekly Warrior News” continues to build media and public speaking skills, connecting and informing the school community.
At Cambria Grammar School, innovation in early education is thriving. Elementary students are enhancing their cognitive and communication skills by explaining mathematical thinking using academic language. The iReady Math program, piloted in eight classrooms, supports personalized learning by meeting the needs of all students—from those requiring intervention to those ready for advanced challenges. This individualized approach underscores our commitment to nurturing every learner’s potential.
In English Language Arts, Cambria Grammar School is using student data to identify specific skill gaps and applying research-based support programs, including Carousel of Ideas, Language of Learning, UFLI, and Heggerty Phonics. These initiatives provide targeted support for Newcomers and English Learners while benefiting the entire student body, ensuring every child receives a strong foundation in literacy.
Supporting the Whole Child
Coast Unified’s commitment to whole child education extends beyond academics. We are thrilled to announce that the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) will offer an eight-week series of parent education classes starting January 29. These classes, provided at no cost to families, are designed to equip parents with tools to support their children’s social, emotional, and behavioral well-being at home. This partnership exemplifies our shared responsibility to create supportive and thriving environments for all students.
Celebrating Community Support
Our schools are an integral part of the Cambria community, and we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support we receive. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our outstanding school board members Samuel Shalhoub, Tiffany Silva, and Juli Amodei, who have collectively served our district for over 20 years. Their dedication and leadership have been instrumental in shaping our success. As we prepare to welcome three new trustees—Lisa Weseman, Nic Johnson, and Christine Amato Quinn—taking their oath of office on December 19, we look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and growth.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the holiday season, I wish everyone in the Cambria community a safe and joyful celebration. Coast Unified is a district built on collaboration, innovation, and excellence, and we are excited for the opportunities the new year will bring. Together, we will continue to provide a nurturing and inspiring educational experience for every child. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.
Jill Southern is the Coast Unified School District Superintendent
