Greetings from John R. Peterson School!

 

Peterson is an inclusive community where staff, parents, administration and business partners actively work together to assure every student’s academic, social and emotional success. We assess our effectiveness on the basis of results rather than intentions, through a collaborative culture where learning is our fundamental purpose.

 

Peterson embraces a diverse student population and we are proud to say the majority of our teachers choose to teach here because of it. Our student body includes preschool through fifth grade students. A magnet school for the district’s Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, we are also a Title I school and home to 92 EL students. Our “Voyagers” class supports mainstreamed students with specific needs due to Asperger Syndrome. To provide a seamless transition for students into kindergarten, we added a fee-based preschool class for three and four year olds. Striving to provide a strong education foundation we have instituted a full-day kindergarten program.

 

The Peterson teaching staff is devoted to the academic, physical and emotional development of every child. With a collaborative attitude strengthened through our efforts as a Professional Learning Community, use of research-based practices, differentiated instruction and ongoing professional development, we strive to provide every student with the highest quality standards-based education.

 

Standards-based instructional materials include early literacy assessments, state adopted textbooks, Title I and English Learner intervention programs, and numerous supplemental materials. We have a hands-on inquiry based science program, art, vocal music, and an instrumental band program. To support our vision of success for all students, we have incorporated “Character Counts”, “40 Developmental Assets” and “PALS” into our school program.

Contributing to our success is the strong support we receive from our community. Our recorded volunteer hours number over 10,000 per year. Volunteers include parents, grandparents, neighbors, and retirees from the local community. Their donation of time and energy has provided the students with the Meet the Masters Art program, vocal music, an incredible band experience, Whale Tales and in-class assistance with small group and 1:1 instruction. Our dedicated PTA organizes the fund raising efforts needed to support these programs. PTA also funds field trips and assemblies that tie closely to instructional units and the state standards. Each school year ends with a wonderful celebration of family called “Family Dinner Night”. This themed event brings parents, teachers, and students together for an evening of food and fun.

Peterson is also fortunate to benefit from many business partnerships. Our “Partners in Progress” program provides a $250 sponsorship for each classroom. In addition, the Huntington Beach Educational Foundation provides teacher grant money for special classroom projects and programs. These extra monies are used to support the specific needs of each classroom and have had a significant impact as we work through the increasing funding challenges we face due to California’s financial situation.

The wide range of language, socioeconomic and achievement backgrounds are as diverse and beautiful as our garden. Our “standards-based” school garden was created by community volunteers and planted by students. Here butterflies, birds and insects mingle among the vegetables and flowers blossoming in the sun. Our student-made mosaic stepping tiles represent a diverse and collaborative culture uniting the garden with our newly remodeled gazebo. Peterson has the same shared purpose and determination with our students as we do our garden, utilizing all available resources to defeat obstacles, encourage growth
and provide success for all.

 

Sincerely,
Barbara Crissman