Juana Briones Elementary School

4100 Orme St.

Palo Alto, CA 94306

    Juana Briones is a neighborhood school. There is an extraordinary diversity among our 415 students. The school is currently implementing class size reduction in kindergarten through third grade, with 20 students per classroom. Orthopedically and visually impaired students, about 5% of the student population, are mainstreamed into regular classrooms, where they teach the other students and teachers determination and adaptability. Students from 13 different countries — who speak 11 different languages — enhance our global awareness and cultural sensitivity.

    At Briones decision-making is site based. They are creating a school where each child has an opportunity to succeed. Each child’s skills are finely assessed, and everyone is both nurtured and challenged to progress. This process brings the entire school community together by focusing on a united purpose, by determining and building on strengths, and by coupling empowerment with responsibility.

Students' Needs:

Every classroom has a part-time teacher’s aide who works individually and in small groups with students.

The Speech-Language therapist screens all primary grade students and provides Individual Education Plan (IEP) programs for identified students.

Two ELD teachers provide intensive English Language study to students whose home language is other than English. Students learning English also receive some tutorial support in their native language.

A Student Study Team made up of teachers, parents, principal, and specialized support staff, work cooperatively to explore teaching strategies for children who are referred for help. The IEP Team assesses and recommends placement for children in Speech-Language and Resource programs.

Booster tutors provide one-on-one assistance to referred students in reading and math skills. Students meet with tutors 2-3 times a week for 4 week sessions.

On-site childcare for students K-5 is available before and after school through the Child Development Centers — PAUSD.

Retired senior volunteers and students from Gunn high school provide a source of student support.

Juana Brione's Scores on California Standardized Tests

Scores range from 1-99. A score of 99 indicates that the school scored higher than 99 percent of the other public schools in California. Scores are from "McCormack's Guides '99."

Learning Environment:

    Juana Briones fosters a positive learning environment by teaching children to celebrate each other’s differences, to solve problems, and to listen respectfully to others.

Activities such as Students Helping Students, Buddy Program, and Booster Tutoring help students attain their educational goals. The Science and Computer Labs provide hands-on opportunities for students to enhance their classroom lessons.

The teachers strive to motivate the children to excel to high levels, regardless of their background. They are committed to treating all children as gifted and developing confident, lifelong learners.

Juana Briones' Elementary School Vision:

"At Juana Briones, teachers, parents, staff and students are dedicated to academic excellence. We are a community where diversity is a strength and where we build on the gifts of all students in developing active, lifelong learners. We want Briones students to:

work with determination to stretch their minds;

acquire a solid academic foundation;

solve problems and make decisions;

communicate effectively;

develop confidence in their own abilities;

care about other human beings and respect their differences.

All of us share in the decisions, the responsibility, and the commitment to the vision of excellence. We are confident each one of us has something significant to contribute to our school … and the world."

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