Greetings Placerita Families,

I cannot believe the school year at Placerita is nearing its conclusion. These final weeks are filled with exciting events.

This past week, more than 500 7th graders joined approximately 10,000 others at the College of the Canyons in an attempt to set a world record with Rock the Rhythm – Beat the Odds.

This week, on May 23 and May 24 , we look forward to the final performances of Jane Eyre and The Ghost of Canterville Hall. (The show begins at 6:30 p.m., and both plays will be performed each night.) Many of our students will be enjoying a beach reward trip on Thursday May 24.

The final week of the school year is chock full activities:

• Tuesday, May 29, the 2012 yearbook will be distributed at the end of the school day.
• Wednesday, May 30, Placerita’s promoting students will enjoy our annual 8th Grade Bash.
• Thursday, May 31, students will have the opportunity to enjoy a special treat from Chick-Fil-A.
• Friday, June 1, 8th graders will enjoy the last 8th grade field trip to Disneyland.

Whew! I’m tired just thinking about it.

Parting Thoughts

Just as it is difficult to believe the year is ending, it’s hard to believe that my time as a Miner is drawing to a close.

When I was selected as Placerita’s principal in 2006, it was my hope to build upon the solid foundation already established by my respected predecessor, Mr. Rob Gapper. Knowing that Placerita was already a school with a reputation for academic success, I challenged staff, students and parents to “Take it to the NEXT level.”

After six years in the principal’s chair, I am proud to reflect upon the work our community has done to improve academic achievement and to prepare students for a successful future.

• Through the combined efforts of students, staff and parents, Placerita has seen sustained annual growth and an almost 70 point increase in its Academic Performance Index.
• More students are qualifying to promote, and fewer students are earning D or F grades each quarter of instruction.
• In a recent California Department of Education database, Placerita was ranked 9 out of 10 when compared with all other junior high schools in the state, and 10 out of 10 when compared with 100 schools of similar demographic makeup.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the work to build a better future for the students of Placerita Junior High School. I consider it an honor to have served alongside you all.

I’m so pleased that Ms. Jan Hayes-Rennels has been selected as the Principal to lead Placerita Junior High School in the coming years. I am confident that, with your continued help, she will bring the vision, energy and leadership to take the school to the NEXT level of achievement.

Mike Kuhlman
Principal
Placerita Junior High School