Camarena sta share math instruction tips
CALEXICO — Enrique Camarena Junior High School was recently honored for its academic success at the National Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, D.C.
The four-day conference was hosted by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform and provided Camarena faculty members to present some of its best practices to other attendees.
The faculty’s presentation focused on its college preparation math courses and its practice of grouping students together to accelerate learning, said Principal Diego Romero.
Earlier in the year, the campus was among 16 middle schools recognized statewide by the California Department of Education as a “School to Watch.”
In order to qualify for the national and state recognition, the campus had to describe the programs, expectations, trainings and data that addressed the areas of academic
excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and organizational structures and processes.
While at the conference, campus personnel also had the opportunity to speak with Congressman Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, to advocate for federal legislation favorable to middle grades.
“Middle schools are underfunded in comparison to other grade levels,” Romero said.
The Schools to Watch designation allows Camarena faculty to provide mentorship, networking, professional development, and training to other schools within the Calexico Unified School District, district officials previously said.
The campus joins Aurora High School, which was recognized as a 2018 Model Continuation High School, as trail-blazers leading the way for other district sites, the district reported.
“We are extremely proud of the success they have achieved through the implementation of enrichment and intervention programs,” said CUSD Superintendent Carlos R. Gonzales in an email. “This is a testament of the great work that is being done throughout all of our schools in the Calexico Unified School District, an accomplishment we can all celebrate and be proud of.”
Camarena Junior High faculty who attended and presented at the June 26-29 conference included Juan Rodriguez, Lisa Mendoza, Mariela De La Fuente, Sophia Rosales, Ms. Sanchez-Romero and Principal Romero.
“This recognition affirms that the hard work and dedication from ECJHS teachers and staff is making a difference for the children in our community,” said CUSD board Chair Michael Castillo. “The board of trustees and Calexico community is proud of their national recognition.”