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While the Valley's youths are savoring their final days of summer, many teachers and administrators were back in the classroom this week preparing for the upcoming school year.

"I'm really excited about the beginning of the year," said Bob Bales, principal at Kenwood Elementary School, adding that despite deep cuts to education, "We're going to survive and thrive." All the public schools in the Sonoma Valley Unified School District except the Sonoma Charter School and Woodland Star Charter School, will kick off the school year on Wednesday, Aug. 19. The Valley's multitude of private schools each has its own start date (see sidebar).

As the school year gets going, administrators are busy acclimating new teachers and getting new programs off the ground. Even with extensive cuts in school funding related to the state budget crisis, many schools say they are still able to launch new classes in dance, drama, technology and advanced placement education.

"We're offering a new Garage Band elective," said Sydney Smith, principal at Altimira Middle School, adding that the students will spend time both playing and recording music. "We have a big population of kids who really want to rock out."

Many schools are also creating new programs to better assist students who may have fallen behind in the classroom. Micaela Philpot, principal of Sonoma Valley High School, said the school has changed the academic schedule on Tuesdays and Thursdays to allow time for an additional study hall, which will be specifically structured based on students' needs. Students who are able to maintain a C average or better will be divided into groups of 40 and will have 35-minute study hall followed by an hour lunch break. Students who have mainly Ds and Fs on their report card will be in groups of 20 and will have a 50-minute study hall followed by a 45-minute lunch. Students who are failing will be in groups of 10 and will also have a 50-minute study hall followed by a 45-minute lunch break.

"We're trying to provide extra help for the students who need it most," Philpot said. "The students are sorted based on last semester's grades. We will do a progress report every six weeks to reevaluate where that student is."

Officials at the public schools said there were no significant changes in policy that students and parents should be aware of. "The dress code is the same as it was last year," said Karla Conroy, principal at Adele Harrison Middle School. That means no solid red or blue clothing, hats or shoes are allowed, including logo attire.

Philpot said Freshmen Orientation was scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 16, from 3 to 7 p.m. for students and from 6 to 7 p.m. for parents in the high school pavilion. At 7 p.m., the school will host a barbecue to welcome new students.

Valley schools back in session

• Dunbar Elementary School begins Wednesday, Aug. 19. 935-6070.

• El Verano Elementary School begins Wednesday, Aug. 19. 936-6050.

• Flowery Elementary School begins Wednesday, Aug. 19. 935-6060.

• Prestwood Elementary School begins Wednesday, Aug. 19. 935-6030.

• Sassarini Elementary School begins Wednesday, Aug. 19. 935-6040.

• Sonoma Charter School begins Tuesday, Aug. 18. 935-4232. 

• Woodland Star Charter School begins Wednesday, Aug. 26. 996-3849.

• St. Francis Solano School begins Monday, Aug. 31. 996-4994.

• The Presentation School begins Tuesday, Aug. 25. 935-0122.

• Sonoma Valley Christian School begins Tuesday, Sept. 8. 996-1853.

• Kenwood Elementary School begins Monday, Aug. 17. 833-2500.

• Crescent Montessori begins Tuesday, Sept. 8. An open house is scheduled on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for prospective parents and students. 996-2456.

• Sonoma Valley Academy begins Tuesday, Sept. 8. 996-2881.

• Hanna Boys Center begins Wednesday, Aug. 19. 996-6767.

• Adele Harrison Middle School begins Wednesday, Aug. 19. 935-6080.

• Altimira Middle School begins Wednesday, Aug. 19. 935-6020.

• Sonoma Valley High School begins Wednesday, Aug. 19. 933-4010.

• Creekside High School begins Wednesday, Aug. 19. 933-4046.

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