What is the LCAP?

LCAP Documents

LCAP Engagement

LCAP Q & A

Comment/Question: What is the reason to transition to full-day kindergarten, and will full-day kindergarten ever go back to half-day?

Superintendent's Response: The district transitioned to full-day kindergarten as a result of consistent feedback from our educational partners to better support early learning and whole-child development. A full-day model provides more instructional time to build a strong academic foundation, supports social-emotional growth through structured routines, and allows for enrichment opportunities that develop creativity and curiosity. It also offers a more balanced day that reduces the need to compress learning into a short time frame.

At this time, there are no plans to return to a half-day kindergarten model. A full-day program supports long-term student success. We remain committed to maintaining a developmentally appropriate, nurturing, and engaging full-day kindergarten experience for all students.

Comment/Question: What is the purpose of the Literacy Screener?

Superintendent's Response: Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the district will implement a literacy screener for students in Grades K–2 in response to Senate Bill 488, which requires schools to assess foundational reading skills using a state-approved tool.

The Reading Risk Screener is a short, research-based assessment designed to help teachers identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties. It focuses on foundational reading skills such as letter recognition, sounds, and early decoding skills. The purpose of the screener is to pinpoint early signs of reading challenges so that teachers can provide timely, targeted support through classroom instruction.

Comment/Question: What are ways that students are being challenged in class?

Superintendent's Response: Students are challenged during the school day through a variety of strategies designed to promote critical thinking and creativity. Teachers use assessment data to guide instruction and tailor learning experiences to meet students at their individual levels.

One key structure in place is Universal Access time, implemented at every school. During this period, students receive leveled, differentiated instruction based on their needs, allowing for intervention, reinforcement, or enrichment. For students ready for additional challenge, the district has developed Projects for Advanced Learners (PALS) units, which offer opportunities for extension and application of advanced concepts within the classroom setting.

To learn more about the GATE and how students are supported, please visit: Etiwanda GATE Instruction Page

Comment/Question: I-Ready has been used for many years in the district to help my child in language arts and math. How can this program help my child at school and at home?

Superintendent's Response: i-Ready is a comprehensive, adaptive diagnostic assessment that pinpoints individual strengths and areas for growth in both reading and math. The reading assessment categorizes proficiency levels into six domains: Phonological Awareness, Phonics, High-Frequency Words, Vocabulary, Comprehension: Literature, and Comprehension: Informational Text. The math assessment divides results into four domains: Number and Operations, Algebra and Algebraic Thinking, Measurement and Data, and Geometry. This detailed breakdown gives teachers insights to deliver their instruction with a personalized approach, targeting students’ individual levels. Additionally, i-Ready offers an online instructional tool that provides lessons designed to match each student's specific needs based on their assessment results.

Comment/Question: Are there any additional extra-curricular opportunities for my child to participate in after school?

Superintendent's Response: We offer several extended day opportunities for students in grades 1-8. These include an intramural sports program rotating sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track, with a focus on developing elementary-level skills like hand-eye coordination, cardiovascular fitness, and sportsmanship. This year Etiwanda launched a competitive intermural soccer program for students in grades 7 and 8 at the four intermediate schools.

Additionally, based on multiple assessment measures, students may qualify for intervention classes to strengthen foundational skills. Each school also launched a new coding class this year for advanced learners, where students can learn key concepts such as digital citizenship, sequencing, binary, and loops.

Comment/Question: When are students tested for G.A.T.E.?

Superintendent's Response: Qualification for the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program is a two-part process that begins with the Cognitive Abilities Assessment (CogAT) screener. This screener is administered to all third-grade students each fall and is also available to students of any grade who have recently enrolled in the district. For more details, please visit the GATE webpage linked here.

Comment/Question: Is there a way to combine all the applications used by the district to help streamline all the avenues of communication?

Superintendent's Response: We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of a new district app that will unify all apps and online programs into a single location. This includes a new two-way communication tool called "Rooms," as well as Aeries, Google Classroom, Child Care, and more. Please contact your school office for assistance in connecting to this valuable communication tool.

Comment/Question: I want learn about opportunities to get involved with my child's school. How is the district making this possible?

Superintendent's Response: School administrators host family engagement events that are in-person (with free childcare available) and in a hybrid or virtual setting. Please your school principal for additional opportunities for engagement.

Comment/Question: Can you help explain what Universal Access Time is and how does it help my child?

Superintendent's Response: Universal Access is a designated instructional block during the school day that is developed to meet the individual needs of all students, as determined through multiple measures of assessment. Instruction within this block is differentiated and organized into homogeneous groups. Each group receives distinct instructional approaches, designed specifically for students who are below, at, or above grade level.

Comment/Question: Is there training for campus support staff?

Superintendent's Response: Training for employees is addressed in LCAP Goal 1: Conditions of Learning and is also addressed through district practices related to annual staff notifications.

Comment/Question: As English is not my child's first language, how will the district support his academic needs?

Superintendent's Response: To fulfill the specific needs of English learners, foster youth, and students from low-income homes, school administrators provide extra materials and support during Universal Access time.

Comment/Question: What criteria does the district use to identify GATE students?

Superintendent's Response: Beginning in third grade, district pupil services administrators provide universal screening and assessment systems to establish eligibility for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE). Please contact Pupil Services at (909) 899-2451 for more information.

Comment/Question: How does the district monitor my child's academic progress so that he is college-ready?

Superintendent's Response: Teachers regularly utilize time built into the school year calendar to collaborate with one another, identify the learning needs of every student, and plan for differentiated instruction that meets the needs of all students.

Comment/Question: Is there an after-school program at each school that my child can participate in?

Superintendent's Response: School administrators provide extracurricular activities beyond the school day for students to create engaging school communities. Please see your site principal for more information.

Comment/Question: My child doesn't learn well in the traditional school setting. Does Etiwanda offer an alternative setting for students that learn similarly to my child?

Superintendent's Response: For eligible and/or interested students, Etiwanda provides a virtual instructional program through the Alternative Studies Center (ASC) for families wanting an online home school option and an alternative school setting program through Community Day School that supports achievement by concentrating on individual strengths, abilities, and social-emotional and/or behavioral needs.

Comment/Question: My child suffered emotionally and academically throughout the previous school year due to COVID restrictions. What steps is the district taking to address this problem?

Superintendent's Response: Beyond the instructional supports provided during the school day, the District provides access to i-Ready Instruction, a supplemental online, adaptive reading and math program, for all kindergarten through fifth-grade students to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student learning and progress. mental health staff has been increased to meet increased student needs at each site.