by George J Elbaum

Cunha Intermediate School has almost 800 students of high diversity: 51% Hispanic, 41% Caucasian, 2% Filipino, and the rest are 1% or less of different or mixed races.  While student English and Math proficiency scores are close to California state averages, the 37% low income status places a special challenge on the school.  This is reflected in the school’s name & logo by its edict: Respectful, Responsive, Positive, and Safe.  As an example, the school fosters this by Anti-Bullying presentations in all of its Social Studies classes.  The school’s academic focus is on meeting the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and also College Preparatory Math (CPM).  Per its website, it also excels in high school wrestling competitions (which I noticed, having wrestled in high school).

My presentation to 220 8^th grade students was organized by Carrye De Mers, Language Arts and Reading teacher and attended by Jean Kuznik, Assistant Principal.  It was arranged by Nikki Bambauer, Jewish Family and Children’s Services Education Program Coordinator.