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Comment sent directly from parent to Katherine posted here...

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Comment sent directly from parent to Katherine posted here...

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3. What knowledge and skills do you feel are most important for the MCHS principal to demonstrate?

To be an effective listener as well as highly visible on campus and at school events.

In addition we think it is important that the new principal demonstrate independent thinking and decision making skills.

He or she should not simply default to whatever Dr. Barbara Ferrer dictates in the event of another future surge of covid cases occurring in LA County.

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Values individual needs of students while upholding academic rigor.
Envisions success and able to influence others to a common goal.
Treats students, teachers and parents with respect - while still instilling respect himself or herself.
Ability to learn and grow from experience - admit when wrong.
Collaborates with stakeholders.

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Just to recap my verbal comments during our meeting, I believe that the new principal needs to lead a multi-stakeholder effort to create an environment of "intellectualism and academic/general curiosity" at the school. Mira Costa  is the highest level of educational institution in town and within the immediate region. MB is not Claremont, surrounded by colleges or universities. Thus, Mira Costa and its new leader need to shine as a beacon for academia, culture, arts, world affairs, diversity, etc. ,  in short, intellectualism. That's what the current world expects from high school and college graduates: a curious mind, rather than someone who is a product of a technical, task-specific education.
The new principal should be a person who can and is willing to coordinate all the existing resources within Mira Costa and MBUSD towards the goal of graduating intellectual, curious, students who have a passion for life-long learning. That's the type of high school grads colleges and companies are looking for. (Think of the ever-increasing importance of college application essays!)
Final word: Let's not confuse the HS Principal job with the Superintendent job. We are in a unique situation to conduct searches for both positions. As I read some of the comments, I believe that there is a tendency to mix up the Superintendent's role with the one of the HS Principal. While the Superintendent's role is the most important in a given school district, the latter maintains the daily contact with our students, thus becomes their  primary educational, academic, and intellectual role model. To that end, I prefer more of a visionary rather than a technocrat for the Principal position.
Many thanks for doing this survey.

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We need administration that is able to stand up to Union and support our students.

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The new Principal should have zero tolerance in regards of Bullying and Drugs.

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What knowledge and skills do you feel are most important for the MCHS principal to demonstrate?

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We must refocus on the “middle student” though I hate that term.  Premier and prestigious college admissions is not our exclusive goal. We need to make going to community college and CTE type programs as popular and prestigious in our students and our community’s eyes as top college admissions.

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#3 - knowledge and skills most important in a meeting principal?  Student focused and a strong personal interest in all students must be prioritized both by the pricipal but also the whole team. Build talent and team within the VP and teachers. Focus on Ed council and teacher engagement and needs.  There must be a give and take but the principal will need to work closely building a relationship with the Ed council and associated teacher leadership.  Communications and visibility to parents and the community will continue to be critical after hours and weekends. This is the toughest job in the district (sorry superintendent).

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The data from the 2021 MCHS school site council does show some of the changes that were made for distance learning had very positive impacts.  Google classroom likely reduced student complaints about communication & technology.  Block schedule likely reduced the complaints about too many tests on one day & homework overload.  Virtual front office may have reduced complaints about not being able to get someone on the phone in the front office.  We should find some of these silver linings and keep them.

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The principal job is a people's job respecting all the people and all the constituents.  It is not a corporate job where the focus is on the bottom line.

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The principal job is a people's job respecting all the people and all the constituents.  It is not a corporate job where the focus is on the bottom line.

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The new principal should not, in my view, expect students to emulate them. Our diverse backgrounds mean that we can’t and shouldn’t seek to do so. Rather, I believe that pyramid structure should be reversed. Each student should develop their own sense of who they want to be, and should feel empowered within it even if it is different from that if the principal.

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Though some people feel that there isn't enough communication, I feel at times that there is excessive communication. Maybe a more effective communication format so parents can get the information that is applicable to their situation.

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Values academic rigor and achievement while still recognizing that students develop at different speeds and may have different ambitions.

Appreciates the ability of VAPA electives to foster community as students normally remain with the same cohort of students and teacher for all 4 years.  They are a huge source of SEL.  Music also provides financial benefits due to the larger class sizes.  These huge advantages need to be supported by the admin as well as promoted among the student body.

A leader who works to facilitate trust between stakeholders.  Teachers are allies and the frontline for the student experience.

An advocate for their school at the District level, not the other way around.

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Responsiveness will make the school feel a lot smaller.  The Principal has never once responded to an email that I have sent.  Dr. Matthews has replied to all of them when I copied him.  

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Responsiveness will make the school feel a lot smaller.  The Principal has never once responded to an email that I have sent.  Dr. Matthews has replied to all of them when I copied him.  

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The new principal should be: kind, empathetic, visible (Dr Dale was always at various sporting events, etc), accountable, able to work well with others, positive, trustworthy, strong communicator, tough with underperforming teachers, inclusive, proud of Mira Costa and an advocate for students.

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The new principal should be: kind, empathetic, visible (Dr Dale was always at various sporting events, etc), accountable, able to work well with others, positive, trustworthy, strong communicator, tough with underperforming teachers, inclusive, proud of Mira Costa and an advocate for students.

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The culture that the principal should promote

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The culture that the principal should promote

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It is the concept of learning how to learn. This is the skillset that employers are looking for. Nothing in high school, whether it is cotangents or health or PE will rarely be used in job, but the ability to learn how to learn is critical in developing future leaders.

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Delegate responsibility and authority to employees. Trust and utilize PTSA.

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It is important to have a strong communicator about everything from how to get involved in athletics to whether or not to take health in the summer. There should be a central way to get questions answered and make sure everyone has access to information. Phones should be answered and everyone on campus should be part of the process of responding to questions and sharing information.

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A true intellectual and academic hero, a beacon, not a cheerleader. Someone that all students will look up to and see themselves ( not as a profession, bu in terms of character , vision, and attitude.)

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Able to Motivate Teachers and Manage difficult Parents/Students

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Able to Motivate Teachers and Manage difficult Parents/Students

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1. Be able to build a team so that admin, teachers and students are part of the same team and working together.
2. Creates a climate of respect for everyone.
3. Holds students accountable for breaking rules and holds teachers accountable for poor behavior.

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Culture, Curriculum, Teachers: It seems to me a principal job is more like running company.  They are responsible for culture, curriculum and teachers.  If they set the right culture and hire/manage teachers well, the students will benefit

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Culture, Curriculum, Teachers: It seems to me a principal job is more like running company.  They are responsible for culture, curriculum and teachers.  If they set the right culture and hire/manage teachers well, the students will benefit

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We should be careful not to impose unreasonable expectations of a principal as the person cannot be everything that everyone wants.  

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We should be careful not to impose unreasonable expectations of a principal as the person cannot be everything that everyone wants.  

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The principal should have great experience having been a principal before.  Should be a good listener and communicator to all the constituents.  Should be a supporter of the teachers as the main gate keepers to tomorrow's world for the students.

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A Kinder, Gentler, More Friendly and Accepting MCHS

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A Kinder, Gentler, More Friendly and Accepting MCHS

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Having a new principal at Meadows and MBMS was an amazing experience. The new principal should be approachable and respectful of students. Students and parents should know that the principal is happy to see them, happy to talk with them, happy to help with them.

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The new principal should have an inexhaustible energy and interest in connecting with students, and be someone who is always thinking about new and innovative ways to improve their experience. It should be about empowering them.

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Preparing Students for the Next 50 Years

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Preparing Students for the Next 50 Years

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Costa needs to help kids be creative, understand data science, etc. - there are some pieces missing in giving students the tools they'll need as adults. We need to figure out what kind of adults we want to create.

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An ability to notice not just the outgoing, extroverted students, but to really see and honor the introverted students for who they are. This person will hopefully understand what the school day is like for introverted  students, and know how to connect with, and motivate, them.

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The new principal should have a strong student-centered decision making focus

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Principal - Strength of leadership and conviction in their decision-making ability.

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We’d like to see a principal that is focused on student performance. This year and.

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Less focus on athletics. More on academics.

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Successfully manage the learning center to improve the experience, improve IEP meetings, integrate high-needs students when they wish.

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Consistency within and between departments. ONE Costa > potpourri of departments.

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Consistency within and between departments. ONE Costa > potpourri of departments.

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To get both her academic interests in

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With the required move to an 8.30am start in 2022-23, Zero period may become more attractive, and more students may choose that for the opportunity for a seven subject day. This would effectively move the start time to 7.30am for the vast majority of students, resulting in a diametrically opposite schedule to the Board’s intentions.  Should the school look to building a schedule that, while still having a Zero period option, supports seven subjects within the regular schedule, perhaps in some sort of a modified or rolling block  (something supported by a significant majority of current students), in order to avoid students having to take an "early" start, with all the detrimental effects that has on SEL, quality of learning, sleep etc.?  There are many potential 7 subject schedules that would allow for "touch" 4 times a week with varying periods in terms of number and length, depending on the day of the week, without having to sacrifice overall instructional minutes or office hours.

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We should work to create an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity. There are great activities and programs, but they should be coordinated to create a great intellectual stage for students.

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On what areas should MCHS focus in the next few years?

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Athletics have dropped off the map. We need a dedicated AD and someone to champion the opportunities available to our athletes after High School. The quantity of GREAT athletes that go through Costa and never play at the next level is way above what should be. We also need coaches that have the time to promote their athletes to the college community. Just like math is a skill, so is being a top performer in any sport. The amount dedication and time required to be at the top of your field is equal if not greater than many academic specialties.  

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Athletics have dropped off the map. We need a dedicated AD and someone to champion the opportunities available to our athletes after High School. The quantity of GREAT athletes that go through Costa and never play at the next level is way above what should be. We also need coaches that have the time to promote their athletes to the college community. Just like math is a skill, so is being a top performer in any sport. The amount dedication and time required to be at the top of your field is equal if not greater than many academic specialties.  

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As a parent I still don’t really feel the school looks at me as a partner in guiding my student. Students should lead the process because they need this skill for college and beyond, but parents should be welcomed as active partners.

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Integration of Special Needs students in Sports and Costa social life. We want to make Special Ed Students integrated 100%.

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Integration of Special Needs students in Sports and Costa social life. We want to make Special Ed Students integrated 100%.

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My understanding is that there are not annual performance reviews. I am sure there is an explanation for this but it seems insane to me. MBUSD might be the only business I know where employees do not have annual performance  reviews that tie directly to compensation and future employment.

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Comment sent directly to Katherine from parent  posted here

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Comment sent directly to Katherine from parent  posted here

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On what areas should MCHS focus over the next few years?

We strongly believe there should be focus on not allowing DEI and Critical Race Theory teachings to begin at MCHS. All the time, money and effort the district is spending on CLEAR and its equity audit is ridiculous in our opinion.  I feel the schools already do a very good job of treating all students equally and providing a sense of belonging to everyone.  However the recent formation of the EDSJI Committee with all its buzzwords of ‘“social justice” and “equity” is really a disguise for something more extreme.  The focus should instead be getting the students back on track academically and resuming all campus activities.

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The new Principal should keep the block period. Most great Highschools are using this successful format.

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Teachers assign lots of work and essays, but rarely write on the work with detailed comments to improve the power of their writing.

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Focus on fundamental respect and diversity.

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Focus on fundamental respect and diversity.

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There are a number of particular concentration areas that I believe will move Mira Costa forward, and the past year has introduced even more challenges to focus on. #1 Academic Support for Students - there will always be the need to support those students who excel and those who struggle, and all those in between. How can we encourage students and teachers to identify these needs and help meet them? How can we personalize a students journey by supporting him or her to help direct it? How can we inspire their curiousity?
#2 Social Emotional Support for Students - shift the teacher perspective to be more student driven. Continuing a modified schedule like the current block schedule is an example. Focusing on how students demonstrate mastering the  material versus tested on the material is another. #3 Teacher Accountability - Develop a system or framework that supports teacher growth from within. Working with teachers in Professional Learning Communities (PLC's) to inspire and collaborate with one another builds respect and accountability.  #4 Inclusivity - work towards ensuring that all students are equipped to reach their potential. Listen to all perspectives and evaluate if systems in place prevent this. #5 Develop a Culture of Care - all the above comes down to cementing a school culture that embraces collaboration, and ensures respect. We have an excellent opportunity here.

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Scheduling issues. The current system works for athletes, but not as much for non-athletes.

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We have some teachers who need to go. They are not good for students. It is challenging to fire teachers, so whatever it takes, let’s get started ASAP.

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Parents - Areas for Improvement (Top Comments)               ● Have a Process to Address Teacher-Related Issues (see separate slide)                          ● Communication / Responsiveness○ Consistently return calls & emails / Front desk should consistently answer the phone○ Streamline communication - can have multiple communication methods, but one source that has all the information that is up to date; fix website; ● School Spirit / Inclusion○ Incentivize students to attend events○ Have clubs / activities after school○ Enlist counselors to engage students not involved in activities○ Strengthen inclusion platforms○ Open up opportunities to more than those in ASB                             ● SEL○ Require adherence to testing schedule○ Block schedule○ More flexible homework deadlines○ Teach coping strategies, balance & acceptance 

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Parents - Areas for Improvement (Top Comments)               ● Have a Process to Address Teacher-Related Issues (see separate slide)                          ● Communication / Responsiveness○ Consistently return calls & emails / Front desk should consistently answer the phone○ Streamline communication - can have multiple communication methods, but one source that has all the information that is up to date; fix website; ● School Spirit / Inclusion○ Incentivize students to attend events○ Have clubs / activities after school○ Enlist counselors to engage students not involved in activities○ Strengthen inclusion platforms○ Open up opportunities to more than those in ASB                             ● SEL○ Require adherence to testing schedule○ Block schedule○ More flexible homework deadlines○ Teach coping strategies, balance & acceptance 

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Zero period may become more attractive, and more students may want an opportunity for a seven subject day, perhaps on a block schedule (as opposed to a 7 period day). Would this be in line with the Board's efforts? Should the school look to building a schedule that supports a seven subject day within the regular schedule, in order to avoid students taking an "early" start?

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#2 - what should MCHS focus on in the coming years?  Inclusion and support for diversity and improving the racial equity in education and subject matter fits right in line with next steps on SEL. It’s a great opportunity to advance the focus on SEL. Work to reduce and ideally eliminate zero period even with a later start. A 7 period day is viable only if it is added at the end of the day. More important than a 7th period is moving to a block schedule. This year has shown it is superior for both students and staff.  Restrict how much from any one subject can be taken in summer. Also further tighten the limits on # of AP classes allowed per year and over four years. We must solve the issue of parents consistently reporting that phones do not get answered, calls & emails not returned.

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New to the state and new to the district, as we come back to campus we’d like to see the district focus on academic standing and competitiveness, college prep admittance

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focus: concern on hybrid learning and teacher engagement/consistency.  This past year has exposed some dramatic differences in accountability from teachers.  W

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focus: concern on hybrid learning and teacher engagement/consistency.  This past year has exposed some dramatic differences in accountability from teachers.  W

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The breadth of the disciplines covered is amazing.  We should support the administrators and teachers to provide meaningful support for the students.  Any budget restriction should impact all curriculum areas equally.

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The breadth of the disciplines covered is amazing.  We should support the administrators and teachers to provide meaningful support for the students.  Any budget restriction should impact all curriculum areas equally.

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Focus Over The Next Few Years:

I feel there is a detrimental imbalance between academics and athletics.

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We would like to see weekly email communications, parent coffees with the Principal and CCC continue as well as recognition for Honor Roll & CSF recipients and the extensive list of clubs students can join.

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As the flagship of our district and community, Mira Costa offers, and must continue to  offer, a robust array of courses, activities and athletics to meet the needs of its students. These options and opportunities are instrumental in students finding their voice and shaping their future. MCHS student outcomes are high because of the opportunities available - it is important to make long term decisions around this, rather than short-sighted decisions focused on budget alone. This also requires clear conversations and collaboration between educators and administrators, including at the middle school. What are the pathways MBUSD will embrace? How can we encourage students to engage in them? It starts well before they reach Mira Costa.

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Some excellent elective programs - MUN, Music, VAPA, Tech & Eng, Biotech, advanced courses (AP/Hons)

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Some excellent elective programs - MUN, Music, VAPA, Tech & Eng, Biotech, advanced courses (AP/Hons)

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Integration into the community: with programs coordinating with Beach Cities health district and South Bay Families Connected

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Integration into the community: with programs coordinating with Beach Cities health district and South Bay Families Connected

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Top comments from student survey          ● Variety of Classes / Opportunities / Athletics Offerings / Music / Clubs /Activities / Arts       ● Academic Rigor / Prepared for College ● Community / School Spirit○ Good community of students○ Supportive of people who are different○ Help people who need help○ Festive spirit days○ Fun/chill environment              ● Teachers 

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Top comments from student survey          ● Variety of Classes / Opportunities / Athletics Offerings / Music / Clubs /Activities / Arts       ● Academic Rigor / Prepared for College ● Community / School Spirit○ Good community of students○ Supportive of people who are different○ Help people who need help○ Festive spirit days○ Fun/chill environment              ● Teachers 

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#1 What is working?  Breadth and depth of academic offerings, activities, sports and the arts is incredible. I think continuing to focus on a student driven schedule is key.

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Teachers seem to be dedicated in general.

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Jennifer Van Fossen: I would also add we appreciate the integration with the community and outreach to the parents.  This includes integration with groups like Beach Cities Health and South Bay Families Connected.  And programs designed just for the parents: interesting and relevant books, community support

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Jennifer Van Fossen: I would also add we appreciate the integration with the community and outreach to the parents.  This includes integration with groups like Beach Cities Health and South Bay Families Connected.  And programs designed just for the parents: interesting and relevant books, community support

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Sorry.  Mira Costa is not working well at all.  Does not seem to help the average kid.   If you are not a star athlete or student, you feel lost in a big school.   Fundamental lack of diversity and respect for students.    

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Sorry.  Mira Costa is not working well at all.  Does not seem to help the average kid.   If you are not a star athlete or student, you feel lost in a big school.   Fundamental lack of diversity and respect for students.    

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What is working at Mira Costa that you would like to see continue?

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We’ve been impressed with the academic tie to team and social outlets like Model UN. There seems to be strong ties between academic interests and social outlets

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The wide variety of programs and academic offerings are extensive. My kids wished they had more hours in the day to do even more activities/classes.

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Our programs offer lots of opportunities for students to interact with the outside world through competitions (e.g. sports, Model UN, Arts Festivals, etc.)

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Top comments from the parent  survey                 ● Variety of Classes / Opportunities / Athletics Offerings / Music / Clubs /
Activities / Arts
● Teachers
○ Professional, inspiring, caring, motivating
● Academic Rigor / Prepared for College
○ Learn to think and advocate for themselves
● Community / School Spirit / Inclusive

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Link Crew and other programs that help students to connect in school. Excellent STEM programs that prepare students for a practical approach to college or studying. SoCal ROC has amazing offerings.

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There is something for everyone. There are many programs, which can be daunting but is also an asset.

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The high school offers a broad range of options for students, academically and co-curricularly. The school gives students flexibility and supports students in finding a balance in their options.