News Releases

April 12, 2006
A new factor in high school graduation

March 10, 2006
Healthy Kids Survey given in April

June 14, 2004
Humboldt Bay earns state recognition for exemplary program

May 19, 2004
Humboldt Bay High School makes a difference one kid at a time

News Release
For Immediate Release

April 12, 2006

A new factor in high school graduation

EUREKA— High school seniors in Eureka will find something new when they cross the stage at this year’s graduation ceremonies.

Seniors from Eureka High School, Humboldt Bay High School, Zoe Barnum High School and the Eureka Adult School will be handed either the traditional High School Diploma, a Certificate of Educational Achievement or a Certificate of Completion. This three-tiered system was adopted by the Governing Board of Eureka City Schools in June 2004. The system is based on state requirements that, beginning in the year 2006, all graduating seniors must pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) to earn a High School Diploma.

According to Eureka High School principal Bob Steffen, “The three-tiered system was designed to recognize students who have completed all classes required for graduation and encourage students to complete high school. We believe the system will help advance educational, job training and employment options for our graduates.”

The traditional High School Diploma will be handed out to seniors who have completed all classes required for graduation and successfully passed the CAHSEE requirement.

Students who receive the Certificate of Educational Achievement will have completed all classes required for graduation except for the Algebra 1 requirement and/or the CAHSEE requirement. These students have demonstrated satisfactory attendance and participated in tutoring and other academic support services. This is the first year the Certificate of Achievement has been available.

Certificates of Completions, which have been in place for many years, are awarded to students who have completed a course of study prescribed by an Individual Education Plan. Only students with disabilities may be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

“Some students have done a commendable job in their classes for four years, but were unable to pass the exit exam” said Zoe Barnum’s principal Kim Kellenberg. “We’re pleased to be able to offer them the Certificate of Educational Achievement. No distinction between the three awards will be made when the names of graduating seniors are read during the ceremonies.”

This is the first year that high school seniors will be held accountable for passing the CAHSEE. The California Department of Education has clearly stated that schools may award certificates to students who have not been successful in passing the exit exam and, therefore, cannot be awarded a diploma.

The CAHSEE consists of tests in Mathematics and English language arts. Questions on the tests are aligned with California content standards adopted by the state Board of Education. This year’s graduating seniors began taking the exams as sophomores in 2003. Students have six opportunities to take the test beginning in their sophomore year.

The English language arts portion of the CAHSEE addresses state content standards through grade ten. In reading, this includes vocabulary, decoding, comprehension, and analysis of information and literary texts. It also includes writing strategies and applications, and the conventions of English (e.g. grammar, spelling, and punctuation). The mathematics portion of the CAHSEE addresses state standards in grades six and seven and Algebra I. The exam includes statistics, data analysis and probability, number sense, measurement and geometry, mathematical reasoning, and algebra. Students are also asked to demonstrate a strong foundation in computation and arithmetic, including working with decimals, fractions, and percents.

Eureka City Schools offers many programs to help high school students pass the exit exam. “We offer students a CAHSEE test preparation class in addition to tutoring opportunities and remediation programs,” remarked Steffen.

Many high school teachers have also received training on how to help English language learners and students with disabilities pass the CAHSEE.

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News Release
For Immediate Release

March 10, 2006

Healthy Kids Survey given in April

EUREKA— Eureka City Schools will be administering the California Healthy Kids Survey in April. It is given every other year to 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students. It is voluntary and anonymous. Students do not have to participate and no names are used. The survey results will help us plan programs to assist students.

The survey asks questions about student behaviors, such as:

physical activity and nutrition

use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs

bullying, teasing, weapons, and school violence

feelings of safety at school and out of school

feelings of connection with a teacher or other adult (does someone care about them at school and out of school)

Signed consent is required for all 5th grade students from their parent or guardian. Parents/guardians must sign and return the form, either giving or denying consent.

Signed consent is not required for 7th, 9th, and 11th graders’ parents or guardians. If you do NOT want your child to participate, fill out and return the withdrawal form. If you allow your child to take part in the survey you do not have to return the form.

Consent/withdrawal forms were mailed to all 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th grade student addresses. If you did not receive it, call your child’s school or 476-1601.

You can read a copy of the actual survey at your child's school. Each school office has a copy in English and in Spanish.

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News Release
For Immediate Release

June 14, 2004

Humboldt Bay High School earns state recognition for exemplary program

EUREKA— The California Department of Education recently recognized Humboldt Bay High School’s innovative Eco-Prep Program as one of 10 Exemplary Programs in the state. For the past five years, Eco-Prep has provided an opportunity for high school students to engage in hands-on science learning and career exploration that includes stream restoration, native plant study, salmon propagation and field trips to local forest and beach locations.

Principal Georgeanne Fulstone-Pucillo believes Eco-Prep is one of the reasons the school makes important connections with its students. “Eco-Prep connects classroom effort with work in the real world,” remarked Fulstone-Pucillo. “The Exemplary Program Award recognizes that community partners provide relevant and meaningful challenges that engage students and promote critical thinking.”

The program was developed in collaboration with a variety of partners that include the U. S. Forest Service, the California Conservation Corps, Humboldt State University, local logging practitioners, environmental groups, the Freshwater Native Plant Nursery, the Mad River Fish Hatchery and the California State Park System.

In addition to community service projects and scientific investigation, students gain first-hand information about a variety of careers, put a human face on environmental issues and practice responsible stewardship of resources. All students participate in team-building ropes course activities early in the program and develop science lessons focused on environmental concerns and issues for elementary-school “buddies” during the year. Students also volunteer at community events such as the Cesar Chavez Work Day and the Redwood Environmental Education Fair at College of the Redwoods.

Materials, transportation and training are provided by local businesses at no cost to Humboldt Bay High School.

For more information contact Georgeanne Fulstone-Pucillo at 441-2549. Humboldt Bay High School is located in the Marshall Annex of Eureka High School at 2100 J Street.

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News Release
For Immediate Release

May 19, 2004

Humboldt Bay High School makes a difference one kid at a time

EUREKA— Humboldt Bay High School is one of 21 alternative high schools honored in California this year as a 2004 Model Continuation High School. In its 10th year, Humboldt Bay is being honored with its second such 5-year designation. The high school also received the honor in 1998. The award focuses on 65 indicators in the areas of school management, curriculum, instructional strategies, educational climate and guidance and counseling. The school directly serves 40 students in the 11th and 12th grades and participates in a partnership of core support for selected 9th and 10th grade students with Eureka High School.

Principal Georgeanne Fulstone-Pucillo is proud of the students and staff at Humboldt Bay. “Our program is successful because teachers and staff work to make a difference, one kid at a time,” she said. “We are a student-centered effort and we believe every student can succeed. The State Model School award recognizes continuous program improvement efforts and it’s a big pat on the back for everyone involved.”

An Individual Graduation Plan is developed for every student incorporating educational, vocational and social needs and 230 academic credits are required for graduation in exactly the same areas as students who graduate from a traditional high school. Accessing electives at Eureka High School, such as those in music, art, auto and wood shops, agriculture, English, building trades, foods and child guidance, augment and enhance the core curriculum. Humboldt Bay students also participate in a wide variety of club and service activities with EHS students and Humboldt Bay and EHS teachers and administration frequently collaborate, share resources and curriculum.

Fulstone-Pucillo points out, “We want our students to recognize their options, set goals and realize their potential. Humboldt Bay is a stepping stone for their success based on academic competence, good work habits and personal motivation. We’re behind them all the way!”

A hallmark of the Humboldt Bay High School program is its partnership and interaction with families and the community. Two examples of community partnerships are the Glen Paul Exchange Program and Eco-Prep. The Glen Paul program is a teen-to-teen mentoring program matching teenagers from Humboldt Bay with teens from Glen Paul. Monthly activities include arts and crafts projects and games that promote socialization and friendship. Eco-Prep is an opportunity for hands-on science learning and career exploration that includes stream restoration, native plant study, salmon propagation and field trips to local forest and beach locations. Twice a year, students and staff at Humboldt Bay conduct Community Days of Caring where all students and staff contribute a day of service to the community. The Eureka Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul’s Dining Room, local elementary schools, Alder Bay Retirement Community and the Little League Park were included in last semester’s efforts.

All Humboldt Bay students and staff are part of the Community of Caring and practice the core values of respect, responsibility, family, trust and caring. Monthly assemblies recognize students for academic progress, regular attendance and positive behavior. Teachers, staff and community support personnel continuously identify needs, provide interventions and develop engaging, creative curriculum.

For more information contact principal Georgeanne Fulstone-Pucillo at 441-2549. Humboldt Bay High School is located in the Marshall Annex of Eureka High School at 2100 J Street, Eureka.

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