Some of you know that two weeks ago LACHSA was visited by CNN.  Some of their producers had heard about LACHSA's success and wanted to see for themselves the transformative power of the arts and its impact on our students.

Their profile featured one of our distinguished seniors, music major Camillo Estrada, and aired last week.  Although this illuminating piece focused primarily on one LACHSA student, the message shining through was clear:  All of our students are achieving success through and with the arts.

It is gratifying that a global network like CNN has taken notice of our legacy of success, yet it is important for us to continue to refine and strengthen our work as a learning community.  One tangible way that we do this is through marking the progress of our students.

As many of you know, our students first official progress reports are available for all of our families to view through our Aeries Parent Portal.  These grades-in-progress are the first glimpse into the achievement of our students and our effectiveness as a school.  I am hopeful that this first marking period can be an opportunity for reflection for all of us.  For our faculty we will continue to mark our effectiveness, to shift course where necessary, as we to continue to refine our practice.  I encourage our students and families to unpack these progress reports to uncover what underlies the success of our students or what obstacles may exist.

For those students who have done well so far, it is important to identify and build upon those habits of success.  We know many in our community return to a new school year energized and committed to personal growth and academic achievement.  The rigors of life at LACHSA can wear upon our students and sustaining the success is a continual challenge.  Marking what works and building in strong supports is essential for sustained success.

For those students who are beginning to struggle, it is important to identify what obstacles are standing in the way of progress and success.  Effective time management is an essential skill in navigating the treacherous waters of long school days, numerous academic and arts classes, and competing priorities.  Sometimes even small adjustments--using our LACHSA student planner, adhering to regular schedules, and avoiding procrastination--can yield positive results.  Additionally, seeking the support of teachers, counselors, and administration can often make the difference when students struggle.  I encourage all students and families to discuss their progress with teachers and counselors and administration where questions and concerns exist.  

At LACHSA we mark our progress regularly and often.  Our school year has just begun and there is an entire school year to build upon the success of our first month.  I look forward to continued success throughout the rest of the school year.   

Please remember to check www.lachsa.net for all updates about LACHSA.