All Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents,

There is much to celebrate here at Cahuilla Desert Academy---Home of the Redtail Hawks.  As WE work together in our third year, the hard work of past and present have resulted in affirming what I have believed all along about the learning community at CDA---We are #1 in the District.  Based on our preliminary results of the Spring 2012 CST scores, CDA has earned the highest API at 772.  In regards to or Federal AYP results, CDA moves towards the NCLB targets with a proficiency to advance levels of 50% in both Math & ELA.  We are quickly approaching the State Benchmark of an 800 API and achieving Safe Harbor in both Math & ELA.

This validates all the efforts we have put forth as a team and I look forward to increased success as we move forward as a site and district to prepare our students for College, Career and Citizenship. Several items to consider in this year of positive change towards meeting and exceeding expectations:

• New Instructional start/end times: 8:50AM – 3:20PM & Wed. 8:50AM – 2:20PM
• Daily Nutritional Break for all students, faculty and staff after second periods is a hit with everyone.  Students appreciated the chance to grab a quick snack.
• Lunch time has been extended to 36-minutes
• The Read 180 program is in full swing with Ms. Simmons, Brandt and Dallosta leading the way
• 30-faculty & staff trained over 3-days on the Capturing Kids Hearts philosophy (training for remaining faculty and staff is planned for a 100% implementation)
• 30-faculty & staff trained over 3-days in San Diego on the AVID program (this will be the planning year with our AVID team and Co-Coordinators)
• The science team trained on iPads in the classroom this summer
• Our Math Department will, for the first time ever, provide Geometry @ CDA---thanks Mr. Su! • 
• Expansion of our electives programs: 
• Spanish, Lab Science & iPad-Info Tech, Music, Chorus, Band, Guitar, Choir and the return of Leadership for ASB
• QEIA ratio 24.9:1 remains intact with no core-class above 27 to start this fall
• Enrollment expected to exceed 800 this year
• New Wi-Fi system installation is complete and provides maximum wireless connectivity
• New phone systems to be installed by the end of September with a possible start time of September 10 with Office staff training taking place this coming week
• In lieu of CDA shirts, we will be providing custom name badges for all faculty & staff
• The Mobile Learning Initiative is rolling along with all sites fixed on the November ballot and Measure X - 18,000 iPads for 18,000 students 

Cahuilla Desert Academy is set to once again lead the district as it true premier school along with living up to its title and and "Academy." These are just some of the highlights for the start of this fall and will only grow and improve with time.  Staty tuned...