Racing to the End of Another Year
It's hard to believe that another school year is nearly over. In some ways, it's been the final mile of a long-distance marathon. For many graduating students, they are finishing the race which they started four years ago -- as incoming freshmen of Clayton Valley's inaugural year as a conversion charter high school.
It's been amazing to witness their relentless pursuits to be the best. Whether it's academics, performing arts, or athletics, I'm so proud of their accomplishments to finish the race and to finish strong.
Over 98% of our seniors will graduate this year and nearly each will be headed off to attend acollege including some of the finest universities in our nation. The vision created nearly five years ago to transform Clayton Valley into one of the great high schools in our state is a milestone worth bragging about. I owe a gratitude to our fine teachers, coaches, administrative staff and counselors - and more importantly, our students and our great parents.
Four years ago, Clayton Valley High School (CVHS pre-charter) had a graduation rate of 83%. Now, it is over 98%. Four years ago, CVHS was the lowest performing academic high school in comparison to our band of 100 similar schools throughout California. Today, we shine bright as a top high school committed to excellence in academics, performing arts, and athletics. Four years ago, many students did not exhibit pride in their school and today our students proudly claim Ugly Eagles with dignity, pride and accomplishments.
This has been a banner year for our music program as our choir won competition awards in their national competition in Seattle. Our instrumental music program is "off the charts" as they competed exceptionally well once again.
As far as athletics, this was arguably the best year in our school's history - with so many of our teams winning the DVAL League Championship and performing well in the NCS playoffs. And, of course, our football team went to back-to-back state championship games the past two years. We were so good, CVCHS was moved up to the Division I State Championship Game competing against one of the elite teams in the state. Although we were missing a few key players who were out with season ending injuries, CVCHS nearly pulled off a win!
But the foundation of our charter school is our academics! We are committed to preparing each of our students with the 21st century skills that will lead to college, professional careers and productive members of our society. I am so proud of our students as well as our outstanding staff! We work hard every day to make a difference in the lives of our kids! We love our kids and they know it! Our community has so much to be proud of in Clayton Valley Charter High School. We have a great community where our students are fortunate to live in such a safe, nurturing community that supports young people. You know the phrase "It takes a village." Well the community of Clayton Valley is a great village that is turning out truly amazing young people with bright futures!
I invite you to celebrate with me another year of great accomplishments as we race to the finish line, closing out a banner year for our graduating class of 2016!
In Your Service,
David Linzey
Executive Director
