Parkridge Elementary is a Title I school that is currently on a single track, traditional modified schedule. It is located in the central area of our ever-growing city of Corona. We have 33 highly qualified certificated teachers that provide rigorous instruction utilizing state of the art technology to an enrollment of approximately 745 students. Approximately 87% of our student population is Hispanic, 50% of our student population is English Language Learners, and 92% of our student population is socio-economically disadvantaged. Our support staff, including specialists, clerks, community assistants, instructional assistants, secretary, counselor and custodians all play an integral role with the success of our students.
We have found that early intervention programs are “prevention” programs, and they have proven to be very successful. We have implemented a Kindergarten Readiness program that provides parents and their children opportunities to work together and independently in an effort to prepare for kindergarten.
The parents and community members are a welcomed part of our safe learning environment; many take advantage of the many workshops and programs our school provides. This is our seventh year of implementation of our Parent Tiger University. Parents earn credits for every workshop, seminar, PTA event or other school sponsored meeting they attend. The purpose of our Parent Tiger University is to provide parents the opportunity to become active participants in their child’s education by giving parents the tools and strategies to help their children achieve academic success. In addition we have School Site Council and the English Learner Advisory Committee that serve as advisory committees and gain valuable input from parents on ways to increase student achievement.
Our parent committees, PTA and ELAC, also provide a sense of community within our school. Our Harvest Festival is a much anticipated tradition that is enjoyed by all those who attend. Well attended Parent Information Nights and Open Houses demonstrate the level of parent interest here at Parkridge. Parents and students also look forward to our Redesignation Celebration in May honoring all of our English Language Learners who have met all criteria to be English proficient.
Our highly qualified staff is devoted to providing additional learning time for our English language learners. Summer School is offered during the summer weeks for students in first through sixth grade. A small group setting focusing on specific standards is aimed at increasing overall academic success. After school programs help build a connection for our students as well. Our Expanded Learning Program offers homework support, health and fitness, academic instruction and enrichment. Focusing on a monthly theme, students are exposed to field trips, programs, service projects, and community speakers. As they develop real life connections and experiences, their learning becomes more purposeful. It also provides a connection to the regular classroom by supporting homework and previewing lessons so that students are more engaged in their classrooms during the regular day. Our teachers also participate in before and/or after school programs, drama and other extra-curricular district events.
This is our sixth year as a school-wide AVID school. The Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program is designed to help elementary, middle and high school students prepare for and succeed in colleges and universities. Students in the program commit themselves to improvement and preparation for college. AVID offers a rigorous program of instruction in academic skills and college level entry skills. The AVID program teaches the student how to study, read for content, take notes, and manage time.