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Passion Rancho Cordova’s middle and high schools have what you’re looking for

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RANCHO CORDOVA HAS UPGRADED SCHOOLS, RICH ACADEMIC OPTIONS AND PASSIONATE TEACHERS WHO HELP ALL STUDENTS SUCCEED.

A Great Place

to Live (and Learn) Rancho Cordova is a ‘hidden gem’ — and its schools only add to the sparkle by Thea Marie Rood

PHOTOS COURTESY fCUSD

| Find Your Passion | Folsom Cordova Unified School District

The result: state-of-the-art campuses, a he city of Rancho Cordova is on the brink passionately committed staff, and a rich and of its next boom, with a major masterinteresting cultural diversity. “There are Smart planned community that will add 12,000 Boards and iPads in every classroom,” says new homes, several business centers and nine Rachel Nguyen, International Baccalaureate new schools. It also prides itself on partnering Diploma Programme coordinator at Cordova with both its school district and its large employHigh, whose 5- and 6-year-old children attend ers to make education a cornerstone of the city’s a Rancho Cordova magnet school. “I really commitment to its residents — now and in the appreciate the technology here — it allows me future — and to offer students local opportunito teach what would be a dry lesson in a totally ties for internships, jobs and higher education. interactive way. And my kindergartener is In fact, Rancho Cordova schools have using way more technology than most an enviable relationship with the city. kids her age.” “The community really supports There is also the human our district,” says Debbie touch, says Norma Trujillo, Bettencourt, superintendent “There parent coordinator at of Folsom Cordova Unified are Smart Mills Middle School, School District. “The and the mother of five voters have approved Boards and — all at (or graduates four separate bonds to iPads in every of) Rancho Cordova improve and modernize schools. “Our prinRancho schools. That’s classroom.” cipal stresses that our unheard of.” school community is a Voter-approved local Rachel Nguyen IB Programme ‘family,’” she says. “He tax measures — including Coordinator urges staff to get to know four school bonds and the the students, because they’re city’s Community Enhancenot going to learn anything if ment Fund — have supported they don’t know you care.” education in recent years. This has Lastly, the community has grown meant upgraded school buildings and to include an increasingly diverse population. sports fields, imbedded technology, creative “Rancho Cordova is really a ‘hidden gem,’” writing programs, partnerships with the Crocker says Emily Nielsen, broker/owner of Vista Art and Sacramento Children’s museums, Oaks Realty. “It’s really cool to have so many after-school programs, and STEM classroom nationalities and religions here, people from all experiences. It also funds school gardens (in walks of life. It creates curiosity and an openconjunction with Soil Born Farms), playgrounds mindedness.” that are inclusive for children with special needs, and safety equipment like high-tech football helmets to protect against concussions.

Shayla Nuttall joined the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme at Mitchell Middle School as an eighth-grader. She’s continuing her IB path at Cordova High School. Photo by Anne Stokes

Igniting

Young Minds Middle schools challenge students with IB and STEM programs by Thea Marie Rood

hen Shayla Nuttall enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme at Mitchell Middle School, she felt it was a perfect fit. “It was a great change for me,” says Shayla, now a junior at Cordova High. “It felt much more challenging and rigorous.” She gives an example of a Spanish course at Mitchell, where they learned the language but also focused heavily on Spanish culture. “That was totally cool,” she says, adding as an international program, there is always a global perspective in IB work. But in Rancho Cordova, this perspective is intensified by the cultural diversity among her classmates: “It’s so interesting to walk around and see all cultures. And it will definitely help me go out to the workforce and work with people from different backgrounds.” Shayla also feels her committed classmates add to the richness of the coursework. “What I find in IB is students are very engaged in their learning,” she says. “And you really

“Students are very engaged in their learning.”

come alive — from black and learn something because you are with other white to full color,” he says. students who want to learn. It’s great to The STEM program also continue on with them.” Shayla Nuttall has an annual camping trip. The other middle school in Rancho Former Mitchell Middle School Last year, 60 kids spent three Cordova — Mills — offers another intrigustudent days in Yosemite National Park. ing academic option: a special STEM There were hours of activities, Academy (science, technology, engineerincluding teams charged with creating and math). “This program is asking kids to ing a Rube Goldberg project. “The embrace all the subjects all at one time in an invesgoal of these contraptions was to release a tigative and exploratory manner,” says Mark Arnez, ball at one end and pop a balloon at the other,” an eighth grade math teacher and the math division lead for says Arnez. “They used electricity, Newton’s Laws, a chemiSTEM. “And what we find is the smartest kids — the straightcal reaction. And they were jumping in the air, hugging each A kids — struggle with this. ‘What do I do? Where are the other, when it worked. instructions?’ We tell them, ‘There aren’t any.’” “You are never going to see them doing that in a tradiHe contrasts this to traditional teaching, where kids learn, tional setting,” he says. “But they don’t learn to think or get excited about innovation.” Once they get used to this new approach, “They really

The Social Network Parents know the power that peer groups have on a young person’s education. Just ask Karma Nuttall, mother of 16-year-old Shayla. “The IB program placed Shayla in a community with highly motivated students,” Nuttall says. “They really keep each other going.” In fact, Nuttall feels that discussionbased learning with peers creates a level

of inquiry that makes students successful in school, and bodes well for their future. “They become [intellectual] risk-takers and very open-minded,” she says. “These are the same traits they need as college students and just as people — mothers and fathers, employees and employers.” She also appreciates the diversity of backgrounds in Rancho Cordova and

the resulting wide range of perspectives in an IB classroom. “Shayla has always been more naturally agreeable, but my younger son is a child that likes to be right,” she says with a laugh. “The Mitchell IB program helped him learn to work with others and respect others’ viewpoints. Both my kids gained skills they need for the future.”

PHOTO COURTESY FCUSD

Folsom Cordova Unified School District | www.fcusd.org |

Safe Creating a

School Culture

Randy Moya, who spent years as a school resource officer in Rancho Cordova schools, says he wants to give students a positive impression of authorities. PHOTO BY ANNE STOKES

Cultivating positive, safe campuses Folsom Cordova Unified School District ensures that all students feel safe and supported. The district’s Child Welfare Coordinator Scott Meyer oversees the programs that contribute to a positive culture at every school. These include: PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) Proactive teams of staff, parents and students address specific campus issues such as building relationships. Professional emotional support Professional therapists at each school site offer individual and group counseling (girl empowerment/anger management), as well as staff training. Anti-bullying program Includes online and anonymous reporting. “Cool to Be Kind” Week Each year, students, staff and families create weeklong character-building activities meant to support school climate. This year’s theme was “Be a Superhero” and administrators on every campus wore capes.

Officer reflects on how district supports positive schools by Thea Marie Rood

“I had no safety concerns — ever,” she says. n the years Randy Moya served as a school resource In fact, she suggests that this is the best way for parents officer in Rancho Cordova schools, his patrol car to evaluate where their children go to school. “We encourage always got a lot of attention when it was parked out [prospective and existing] parents to visit and stop by,” says in front of a school — but it usually wasn’t there for the Trujillo, who is now the parent coordinator for Mills Middle reason you may think. School. Typically, Moya was just peeking in on classrooms, For Moya, the former school resource officer, creattalking to staff about concerns or chatting with kids in the ing safety on campus is all about relationships. The cafeteria during lunch. district’s problem-oriented policing approach “I’m just here to hang out with you guys,” he supports this by focusing on issues, as would tell them. opposed to singling out a student for School officers in Rancho Cordova punishment. He knows the importance schools make it a point to know students of this kind of positive interaction with for the good things they do. It’s just “We authorities. one example of the district’s approach encourage “In 1973, when I was 7 or 8, my to creating a positive environment older brother committed a crime in for students, one in which students parents to visit Elk Grove Park,” he recalls. “An know they are safe and cared for. and stop by.” officer came to our house looking for Other examples include counselors him and I happened to open the door. that address social-emotional issues, NORMA TRUJILLO ‘You must be the good one,’ he said to students who stand up for their peers, Parent Coordinator me. A couple of weeks later, he came by and parents who make great efforts to with a Sac County Sheriff’s patch — I still get involved. have it.” Norma Trujillo has five children who Moya believes this is why he went into have attended Rancho Cordova schools. Her law enforcement — and he hopes to give other kids oldest, Seth, is now a freshman at UC Santa Barbara. similar lifelong memories: For example, Moya met a boy on “When my kids were in elementary school, I volunteered campus whose main transportation to school was his bike. for one hour a week in each of their classrooms,” she says. “It “I heard the bike got stolen, and I felt bad,” he says. “So I helped the teachers, but it also let me see how they’re doing, took him to Wal-Mart and bought him a bike, a helmet and a who they’re hanging out with, how the teachers and staff lock. It’s my way of giving back.” interacted with the kids.”

| Find Your Passion | Folsom Cordova Unified School District

Cordova High School teacher Rachel Nguyen says she is constantly impressed by her students, who often overcome great challenges.

Giving

PHOTO BY ANNE STOKES

Credit Where Due

Cordova High School teacher is amazed by her hard-working IB students

by Thea Marie Rood

hen Rachel Nguyen came to Cordova High School three years ago, it was because her new teaching job met both her criteria: a culturally diverse school and a newly-forming International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. At her interview, she told the assistant principal, “I’m hoping to build a program I can bring my own children to.” And in fact, her kindergartner and ﬁrst grader are on track for their mother’s high “I see school: They attend a nearby elementary school. “I want my kids to grow up with students students like I teach,” she says. working hard It’s safe to say that Nguyen is crazy about her students. “This is every day, the most diverse school I’ve ever wanting to improve walked into,” says Nguyen, who is the school’s IB Diploma Programme themselves.” Coordinator. “There are these rich RACHEL NGUYEN heritages and this super community of Cordova High School teacher/ learners. Every one of my classes is so IB Diploma Programme interesting.” Coordinator She also tells stories of the challenges her students face, which can easily bring her

to tears, but in the end, leave her even more impressed. One young woman in her class travels 40 minutes on public transportation to get to school every day. A young man works in a restaurant to help support his family — but snagged extra hours this summer so he could buy himself a laptop. The rigorous IB program itself is daunting, Nguyen says. It includes coursework, a 4,000-word essay, prepping for the diploma exam and 150 hours of some type of service. “That’s a lot — on top of three hours of homework every night,” she says. Many of her students also participate in demanding extracurriculars like student government, drama and media. “I see students working hard every day, wanting to improve themselves,” Nguyen says. But even at this exhausting pace, her students question and challenge, and discuss heady intellectual concepts, like the central question in her Theory of Knowledge course: How do we know what we know? “They are brilliant, hard-working individuals … and this is a beautiful, amazing group of people,” Nguyen says. “There is strength and creativity and a sense of community here.” “It is a safe, beautiful, lush and friendly campus,” she says.

What should families know about their neighborhood school?

“Students have an opportunity to try out a career before they get out of high school so they can get their feet wet. We also have articulations for that, so they can get college credit for some of our courses and they have opportunities for mentoring or internships.” Faith Caplan Cordova High School engineering teacher

“There’s a lot of cool clubs and academies that we have set up this year. I think we’re up to 29 different clubs that we have on campus that range anywhere from guitar club to California Scholarship Federation to different ethnic clubs.” Michael Wegsteen Cordova High School math teacher

“The art program is growing and it’s definitely attracting families to our campus … we actually do in-depth projects, which gives the students a chance to reflect on themselves and the world around them.” Natalie Eck Mitchell Middle School visual arts teacher

“If a student attends their local school they are more likely to participate in before- and after-school activities like clubs or sports. Also, students are able to more easily develop friendships with peers from their community while at school.” Zandi Llanos Mitchell Middle School Spanish language acquisition teacher PHOTOS BY ANNE STOKES

Folsom Cordova Unified School District | www.fcusd.org |

Explore

A positive school atmosphere at Mills Middle School

Your Campuses

by Matthew Craggs

Find out what’s new and exciting at Folsom Cordova USD’s middle and high schools

W.E. Mitchell Middle School 2100 Zinfandel Drive, Rancho Cordova

916-294-9050

Mills Middle School 10439 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova

Mascot: Marauder

Mascot: Mustang

Principal: Jim Huber

Principal: Peter Maroon

Academic Focus: International Baccalaureate Programme

Academic Focus: STEM Academy

Academics International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme encourages collaborative learning while celebrating diversity and empowering students to solve problems. Spanish and Mandarin foreign language classes. Project Lead the Way has students writing code for video game avatars!

Arts Learn to prepare home-cooked meals or begin your career as a chef in the culinary arts program. Expanded arts offerings includes Band, Choir and Orchestra.

Facilities Recent campus-wide modernization upgraded the grounds, athletic fields, buildings, and furniture. Interactive Smart Boards in every classroom. A new robotics lab coming in 2017. Two computer labs and hundreds of Chromebooks to research, complete, and submit homework electronically.

Etc. Enjoy a before-school dance party during Music Mondays on the quad! Clubs for all interests, including Drama, Science, Dance (and even Harry Potter). Advisory Class at the beginning of each school day brings out the best in every student.

916-294-9045

Academics Schoolwide emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) means hands-on projects and examining topics across multiple disciplines. STEM Camp gets students outside — and geared up with tents and sleeping bags — in places such as Yosemite and Lake Natoma for field work, experiments and projects. Take a college tour at CSU Sacramento, UC Davis and CSU Chico with chances to explore a college town atmosphere.

Arts Expanded music program, with provided instruments.

Facilities A complete 2010 remodel upgraded buildings and filled classrooms with ergonomic furniture and interactive Smart Boards. Students have access to Chromebooks for schoolwork and projects. Free breakfasts and lunches for all students, thanks to a federal grant.

| Find Your Passion | Folsom Cordova Unified School District

Music Class at Mills Middle School

photos courtesy FCUSD

Science Class at Cordova High School

STEM at Mills Middle School

Music Class at Cordova High School

Cordova High School 2239 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova

916-294-2450

Principal: Dan Anklam Mascot: Lancer Academic Focus: International Baccalaureate Programme, Career Academies

Etc. Annual multicultural fair with performances, food and activities draws nearly 600 community members. Clubs for all interests (Bikes, Advertising, Garden, Disc Golf and Makers). Cheer on your teachers in staff cook-offs. Last year, Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) helped cut the biggest disciplinary issues â€” tardiness and dress code violations â€” by 52 percent. The Boys To Men program focuses on character building, life skills and etiquette through field trips and guest speakers. On-site guidance counselors and a marriage family therapist.

Academics

Facilities

The International Baccalaureate Programme offers a global perspective and cultivates alternative ways of thinking (and appeals to colleges).

The new, two-story, LEED-certified Science building with decked-out chemistry labs and microscopes will appeal to future innovators.

Career Academies students gain real-world experiences in one of four pathways: engineering, business, agriculture and culinary arts.

The upgraded cafeteria features new seating and two, 80-inch LCD screens for movies, music or news during lunch.

The College Career Center helps students prepare for higher education, the workforce or the military.

Close to 50 new light poles illuminate the campus for after-school clubs and athletics.

The Promise Program guarantees all graduating seniors paid tuition for their first year at Folsom Lake College.

In 2017, a second gym will open with locker rooms, field houses, and additional practice space.

Etc.

Arts The new $22 million Performing Arts Center has dedicated Band and Drama classrooms, a black box theater, seating for 430, scene workshop, a choir room with stadium seating, two new grand pianos and dressing rooms. Two large art rooms dedicated to ceramics, 3-D art, painting and drawing.

Sixteen athletics programs, many coed, and rugby, a joint venture with Rancho Cordova Recreation and Park District. With a sense of civic pride, students are often found in the community, helping local businesses or reading at the elementary schools. Restorative Justice policies emphasize repairing relationships and problem solving over discipline.

Folsom Cordova Unified School District | www.fcusd.org |

College Prep Cordova High School grads are ready for higher learning

by Matthew Craggs Dozens of Cordova High grads, like the ones above showing off their college gear, moved on to four-year colleges in 2016. Photo courtesy FCUSD

Charting a Path to College Cordova High School’s College and Career Center is headed to a a one-stop shop for FOUR-year college researching, selecting and applying to a twoor four-year college. headed to A source for college a TWO-year college tours, community college nights, scholarship information, and free financial aid workshops, the staffed center also offers Naviance, a collegeand career-planning software, which students have access to as early as 6th grade. Of the close to 240 Cordova High seniors who used Naviance in 2015, 29 percent were headed to a fouryear college and 52 percent were starting at a two-year college. Many Cordova High students attend California State University, Sacramento, with IB students also enrolling at Stanford University, UC campuses (Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Merced), and additional CSUs throughout the state.

29%

52%

| Find Your Passion | Folsom Cordova Unified School District

found valuable resources in the Cordova High School igh school can be many things for many differstaff that prepared her to apply for and attend UC ent people, but for Anna Kucherova, Cordova Merced. High School was a rigorous academic stepping “[The staff] ensured that everyone had an equal stone that offered her the opportunities to pursue higher chance to be successful, to be advised, and to be motieducation and remain close to her family. vated,” she says. “Neither of my parents were given the amazing Teachers familiarized students with different types of chance to further their education and pursue initial career college applications and helped with fine-tuning personal goals,” Kucherova says. “I am receiving an education my statements for UC applications. Counselors met parents never experienced.” one-on-one with students to discuss post– The 2016 graduate credits Cordova high school ambitions and assist with High School’s International Baccascholarships. laureate Programme (IB) — along With financial aid secured, with the school’s sports, clubs and “I am Kucherova chose UC Merced extracurricular activities — as receiving an after a college tour provided a a driving force that prepared first-hand perspective. her for her first semester at education my “Being able to physically University of California, parents never see, feel and participate in the Merced, where she now atmosphere helped me to envimajors in chemistry with a experienced.” sion four years of my future on minor in applied mathematics. the campus.” “I will never encounter a Anna Kucherova Cordova High School In the newest UC campus, more rigorous and eye-opening alumnus she appreciated the modern experience anywhere like I have technology, relatively small student in IB,” Kucherova says. “Not only body and proximity to home — did the strenuous workload permit crucial for the 18-year-old who returns to me to become accustomed to managSacramento on the weekends to care for her ing my time more critically, but every course grandparents. motivated me to perceive matters in more than a single With family at her core, she took advantage of the perspective.” academic and extracurricular opportunities at Cordova As part of the first IB class at Cordova High School, High School. While following her own path, Kucherova Kucherova wasn’t aware of the program before enternever lost sight of her motivation. ing high school. However, once in IB, she found the “With my aspirations and ambitions,” she says, “I demanding academic environment she needed. intend to repay [my parents] for the mindset they have “Had it not been [for] my journey through IB,” raised me in and the values they have implemented in me Kucherova says, “high school would not have permitted since birth.” me the challenge it is intended to offer every student.” And while the program was intense, Kucherova

Future

Designing Her Evelyn Delgado discovered her passion for structural design at Cordova High School’s Engineering Polytechnical Academy. Today, she’s an engineering major at California State University, Sacramento.

Cordova High School alumna designs a career in engineering

Photo by Anne Stokes

by Matthew Craggs

the architecture, construction and engineering program, students rior to entering Cordova High School, Evelyn Delgado’s were connected with relevant industry, community and busicareer blueprint was a work in progress. ness members to work through design challenges and learn about “Ever since I was little, I loved drawing,” Evelyn says. As careers in their field. The team’s completed design for the Golden a child, Evelyn stared at buildings, learning to sketch their archi1 Center earned Evelyn college units toward her major. tectural features. “I looked into becoming an architect, but After graduating from Cordova High School in I was always drawn to engineering.” 2015, Evelyn chose CSUS for its engineering At Cordova High School, Evelyn had the program, proximity to her family and the opportunity to explore engineering and, campus diversity. Majoring in Civil Engialong the way, found a passion for a neering, Evelyn discovered she was a career and a muse in the Eiffel Tower. step ahead in her engineering software Now, as a 19-year-old in her “I look forward skills. third semester at California State to designing “[In high school] we worked on University, Sacramento (CSUS), Autodesk Inventor — software that Evelyn attributes Cordova High structures people creates 3-D versions of what we’re School’s Engineering Polytechnican enjoy with their designing — and it really helped the cal Academy with starting her on a transition to AutoCAD the first year career path. family.” at Sac State.” Exposed to a variety of engiWhile Cordova High School neering disciplines — construction Evelyn Delgado Cordova High School alumna helped Evelyn explore her career management, digital electronics, and options, find her passion, and equip her civil engineering — Evelyn discovered with applicable skills, it’s what she plans a passion for the latter during a class to do with her experience that’s the most project to design a truss bridge. structurally sound. “What I loved about that project, yeah, it “I look forward to designing structures people was applied physics, but it was all hands-on,” she can enjoy with their family,” Evelyn says. “Bridges, says. “We got balsa wood, built the bridges, and used a things that everyone can enjoy walking or biking on.” stress test machine to see where the bridge broke when applying As for the Eiffel Tower, the love that started it all, “I haven’t force.” had a chance to see it in person,” Evelyn says. “But I plan to take A few science fair projects followed and Evelyn joined French classes, become fluent and study abroad.” the school’s ACE Mentor Program, where she led her team in designing their own version of the Golden 1 Center. Through

Four Pathways, Countless Journeys Career academies offered at Cordova High School

Engineering Polytechnical Academy

Business Technology Academy

Agriculture Academy

Culinary Academy

From the metalwork that forms the buildings to the architectural designs guiding the soldered steel, shape tomorrow’s skyline in civil engineering or construction management.

Tackle the tech. Learn Photoshop, web design and the IT skills necessary to support the businesses of the future.

Nurture the school’s garden, study food sustainability and prepare floral arrangements for monthly orders from the community.

Budding chefs and restaurateurs study hospitality management and food service and safety, while running the school’s catering company out of a professional kitchen.

Folsom Cordova Unified School District | www.fcusd.org |

Prepared by Thea Marie Rood

for the Future

School district is ready to meet the needs of 6,452 new students with Rio del Oro community

An artist rendering of what a new junior high/high school campus could look like in Rancho Cordova. PHOTO COURTESY FCUSD

with the economy picking up, Washburn predicts the develre you dreaming of a place to put down roots, raise opment will break ground within the year. your children, walk to school, live near work? The district anticipates 6,452 new students, and has Rancho Cordova might be creating that very dream. created an elementary school “prototype” — able to be used At build-out, Rio del Oro, Rancho Cordova’s mastermany times over — that includes space for collaborative planned community at White Rock and Douglas roads, will learning and special education. The shared junior high/ have 12,000 new homes, six elementary schools, a high school campus is also being thoughtfully middle/high school campus, parks and sports planned and will contain “joint use” faciliﬁelds, and a large business hub. It will also be ties, such as athletic facilities and a library. pedestrian-friendly, with convenient public “There will be separation between the transportation and “village centers” “This is schools,” says Washburn, “but there can housing grocery stores and other retail. be lots of sharing. The same counsel“This is a big deal, not just a little a big deal, ors, for example; or middle school subdivision,” says Emily Nielsen, not just a little students who need to take a high broker/owner of Vista Oaks Realty. school class easily can.” “And it won’t just be single-family subdivision.” Rio del Oro is by far the most homes, but also condos and apartambitious plan for Rancho Cordova, ments, all with different price points. EMILY NIELSEN Broker/owner, Vista Oaks but isn’t the only one. For instance, So even if you’re a ﬁrst-time home Realty Westborough, a development by buyer or a renter, there will be a lot of GenCorp being planned south of Folsom options.” Boulevard, will add another 4,000 homes. This built-in economic range is by But what if you don’t want to wait that design. “There is a big push from the city to long? “There are lots of popular [existing] neighcreate and maintain diversity,” says Matt Washborhoods for families,” says Nielsen, who points to Stone burn, director of facilities and planning for FCUSD. “Both Creek, Capital Village and Somerset Ranch for new homes in the existing Rancho Cordova and the new.” and newly-built parks and recreation. “There are also pretty, Interestingly, Rio del Oro has been in the works since older neighborhoods close to the river, tucked back in there the early 2000s. “The project was moving along, but then the by the bike trail, with mature shade trees.” economy hit, so it was put on hold,” says Washburn. Today,

| Find Your Passion | Folsom Cordova Unified School District

A Strong Partnership It is rare to find a city with a self-described “close relationship” with its school district — but Rancho Cordova is one of those rarities. “The community as a whole puts a focus on education to stay healthy, vibrant and safe,” says City Manager Cyrus Abhar. For example, the city created the Community Enhancement Fund with up to $2.8 million in annual grants. In 2015-16, this meant: • All third-graders went to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center • All elementary school students experienced Crocker Art Museum’s award-winning mobile “art ark” • Cordova High’s football team received hightech helmets (the first U.S. city to offer this NFLlevel of protection) • Cordova High’s Performing Arts Center received two grand pianos The school district also recently announced a Promise Program — offering all high school graduates free tuition at Folsom Lake Community College — and a new partnership with a soonto-be-announced major employer is aiming to provide entry-level jobs to Cordova High students, helping them launch their careers.

10 Reasons to Take a

Closer Look by Matthew Craggs

THE ONLY IB PROGRAMMES IN THE DISTRICT

THE DIVERSE ATMOSPHERE

The world-renowned International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) offered at Mitchell Middle School and Cordova High School gives students a global view on education. Encouraging multiple approaches and ways of thinking, IB’s rigorous academics prepare students for college, with some courses transferring for college credit.

Dozens of languages are spoken across the campuses. Mills Middle School offers on-site interpreters. Schools reﬂect the rich diversity in the Rancho Cordova community, which gives students a chance to make friends and work alongside peers from different cultural and social backgrounds — just like they’ll do in the real world.

STEM-FOCUSED MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

Who wouldn’t love playing video games in school? The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs at Mills Middle School and Cordova High School feature handson experiments, state-of-the-art labs, classes in robotics and yes, coding lessons that involve video games.

CAREER-ORIENTED PATHWAYS

Cordova High School’s Academies — Engineering Polytechnical, Business Technology, Agriculture, and Culinary — provide a pathway to a wide-range of in-demand careers through hands-on experience, projects, ﬁeld trips and internships with local employers including Aerojet and Intel.

UPGRADED FACILITIES

Recently remodeled campuses feature upgraded buildings, grounds and athletic fields with improved wi-fi and outdoor lighting. Updated classrooms feature interactive Smart Boards, Chromebooks, and ergonomic chairs and desks. Cordova High’s new cafeteria and additional shaded seating make lunchtime more fun. And they’re not done yet. More robotics labs, new gyms, and athletic field upgrades are coming soon.

THE COOLEST ARTS CENTER IN THE AREA

Drama nerds rejoice! Cordova High’s new, 430-seat Performing Arts Center — complete with scene shop and dressing rooms — anchors a district-wide reinvigorated arts program with Drama, Visual Arts, Choir, and Band and Orchestra with district-provided instruments.

A POSITIVE SCHOOL VIBE

Numerous activities contribute to the positive school culture at Cordova schools. Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) favors positive behavior in oneself and others through activities such as student-made ﬁlms, Cool To Be Kind week, and daily afﬁrmations. That positivity ripples out into the broader community, as students can often be found cleaning up their neighborhoods, reading at elementary schools and interning at local businesses.

FREE COLLEGE!

Free tuition for the ﬁrst year at Folsom Lake College is guaranteed to all Rancho Cordova graduating seniors through the Promise Program. This innovative grant program was made possible when the Rancho Cordova City Council approved an allocation from a local sales tax measure. Promise Program is a commitment to the city’s young people to help them attend college and achieve their academic goals.

ATHLETICS

Coed sports — such as basketball, baseball, wrestling and swimming — for all interests and skill levels are offered in middle schools. And at Cordova High School, all football players are equipped with high-tech helmets that help prevent head injuries, thanks to a generous grant from the city.

10 HELP PLANNING THE FUTURE The College and Career Center at Cordova High School is a one-stop resource for planning and executing a student’s path to college, a career or the military.

Folsom Cordova Unified School District | www.fcusd.org |

Discover the

Neighborhood Opportunities

See for yourself why Rancho Cordova schools are putting students on a path for success!

f you donâ€™t look closer, you might be missing the great stories of academic and personal success that are happening right in your neighborhood school. Folsom Cordova UniďŹ ed School District invites you to contact your local middle or high school and arrange for a visit, ask a question or attend an upcoming event. School registration opens February 2017!

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Mills Middle School

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