2010 - 2011 Final Report- Madera High School

Curricular Clubs: Academic Decathlon, Art, Drama, California Cadet, Coyote Drama Productions, California Scholarship Federation, Fashion, Future Business Leaders of America, Forensics, Health Occupation Students of America, Literary Magazine, Mock Trial, Robotics, Science, Sports Medicine, Teachers of Tomorrow, and Vocational Industrial Clubs of America;

Special Interest Clubs: Asian-American, Bike, Black Student Union, Block “M”, Blue Crew, Bowling, Chess, Folkloric, Hip Hop, Indo Pak, Impact, Madera Academic Youth Alliance, Mexican-American, and Teen Parent;

Athletic Programs: Cross country, Football, Golf, Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo, Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling, Baseball, Softball, Swimming, and Track;

Co-Curricular activities: Band, Choir, Color Guard, "Maderan" (newspaper), Pep & Cheer, Student Government, and Yearbook;

Foreign language classes: French, Spanish, and Chinese. The Grand Jury found that:

College eligible students are offered the opportunity to take college preparation classes and receive college credits at the Madera Community College;

The Engineering & Technology Robotics team took 3rd place out of 54 schools in a recent competition. The team will be attending the national competition in St. Louis. This team also mentors robotics teams at Hoover, Madison, and Clovis High Schools;

Students completing the Nursing course take the state Certified Nursing Assistant certification test and receive priority registration at Fresno City College to complete their studies to become an LVN or RN;

The Information Technology course offers a computer repair course; software, hardware, and network computer applications; and training in customer service troubleshooting. Students build a complete computer and take an A+ Certification test upon completion of the course. The students have installed and maintain a complete wireless system throughout the campus;

The culinary course kitchen is fully equipped with restaurant grade equipment with which the students must become proficient. The students learn table service and etiquette. Lunches that have been ordered and paid for by the teachers are prepared daily. Students receive a certificate of competency upon completing the course. Once a week a chef from the Vineyard Restaurant works with the students. The teacher of this course is trying to form a similar alliance with Chukchansi restaurants;

The drama course offers acting classes, stage design, theatrical lighting, and production;

The Criminal Justice course is the most frequently requested class. Students participate in a Mock Trial at the courthouse;

The library is fully equipped with computer work stations for student use;

The Madera High Marching Band & Colorguard has received many awards for its talent. In November 2009, the band placed 7th at the Western Band Association Grand Championships with a score of 83.95. The Grand Jury found that pregnant students are encouraged to remain in school up to the time of delivery. They can then participate in the Home Instruction Service until they are able to return to school. MHS has a fully equipped nursery located on campus with qualified teachers that have a degree in child development. Students who enroll their babies in the nursery upon returning to school must take parenting classes. The Grand Jury found that MHS has a variety of after school programs funded by Madera County Office of Education which include remedial classes and tutoring. The Grand Jury found that MHS offers Short-Term Independent Study for students in good standing that have to leave school for family travel or community service. Both the parent and student sign an agreement that all assigned work will be completed and turned in to the counselor when they return to school. The Grand Jury found that the Office of Student Services of MUSD provides Home Instruction Service to students whose illness or injuries make it necessary for them to be absent from school for periods longer than three weeks. The Grand Jury found that MHS offers the Employability Card program. This is a joint effort between MUSD and the local Chamber of Commerce to pre-qualify students for employment. Standards have been developed by local businesses and the school district. The Grand Jury found that MHS has a Mock Interview Graduation Requirement. Each Junior must create an employment portfolio consisting of a resume, employment application, and at least one letter of recommendation. The student must participate in a one-on-one interview with a local businessperson. Training is provided by the English Department and local business partners. The Grand Jury found that many community business leaders are involved with MHS, including collaboration with the Career Schools’ Advisory Committees, classroom participation, donations, and participation on the Business and Education Alliance. The Chamber of Commerce Education Committee provides support for the mock interview and portfolio process required for the Occupational Education II graduation performance standard. The Grand Jury found that to graduate, a student must successfully complete 230 credits, pass the California High School Exit Examination, earn a 2.0 or above grade point average, and achieve a proficiency level score of 4 or higher on the Graduation Requirement for Occupational Education. Eighty-two percent of the 2010 class graduated. Students who do not pass the qualifications for graduation are given a certificate of completion and encouraged to take the California Exam course at Furman High. They have two years to complete this course to obtain a diploma. The Grand Jury found MHS has improved its Academic Progress Index (API) score for seven years. MHS' score for 2010 was 716, which is below the state API goal of 800. Conclusions: The Grand Jury concludes that MHS is an efficient, well maintained school with many opportunities for students. The Grand Jury concludes that the Principal and staff are highly motivated, knowledgeable, caring, and concerned about students and their success.