Novato
Novato Unified School District
“Achievement for All – Our Call to Action”
The Novato Unified School District serves students in kindergarten through grade 12 in northern Marin. The district includes eight elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, one necessary small high school, an independent study program for K-12 (NOVA), a community day school (Nexus), one K-8 charter, and the Marin School of the Arts (MSA) at Novato High. September 2008 district enrollment is 8,062 students. The Novato Unified School District Education Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Support Services
The Novato Unified School District has approximately 840 certificated and classified personnel. Schools share the services of speech therapists, library media specialists, psychologists and nurses.
Counselors are on staff at each secondary school. All schools offer assistance to English language learners. Classes for gifted and talented students are offered in grades 4-8 and the high schools offer honors and advanced placement classes. Every elementary school has privately operated on-site childcare. School bus transportation is available for a fee.
Student Achievement
Report cards are sent home at the trimester to students in grades K-5. Report cards are sent home to students in grades 6-12 at the semester. Parent-teacher conferences are held in the fall at all elementary schools and are available upon request in grades 6-12. Approximately 93% of the high school graduates attend colleges and universities. Instruction for all grades is based on California State Standards using state/district adopted materials. Student assessments include the annual administration of the State STAR testing program, CELDT, CAHSEE, Fitness Gram and Spanish tests of basic skills (Aprenda). STAR results are available online at http://www.nusd.org and at the California Department of Education’s website: http://star.cde.ca.gov.
Community Involvement
PTA activities, booster clubs, leadership teams, The Novato Foundation for Public Education (School Fuel), and classroom programs provide opportunities for parent participation in shaping the quality of instruction. Parents, community members and local businesses support the district through a parcel tax assessment, A+ for Kids, and The Novato Foundation for Public Education. The district also benefits from collaborative partnerships with several businesses, community agencies, the Novato Community Hospital, and the Marin Community Foundation. In November 2001, the community passed a $107 million facilities improvement bond to enable the district to repair and renovate its facilities. A parcel tax was passed in March 2005, to support visual and performing arts, class size reduction, counseling and library services. Improvement projects are ongoing and focus on safety and upgrading facilities.
Dr. Jan LaTorre-Derby, Superintendent
Novato Unified School District
1015 Seventh Street, Novato, CA 94945
(415) 897-4211 Fax: (415) 897-4221http://www.nusd.org/
Hamilton School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
506 students
School hours:
Kindergartens:
8:50 to 1:50
Grades 1 – 2: 8:30 to 2:55
Grades 3 – 5: 8:30 to 3:00
Grades 1 – 5: 8:30 to 1:50 (Wed. early day)
Library hours: 8:30 to 11:45 and 12:15 to 3:00
Vision: Learning has no limits. Hamilton Elementary School includes two campuses: the former Meadow Park School and Hamilton School. The combined campus occupies 18 acres and has a library, multi-use room and turfed playing fields.
The overriding goal of preparing students for the 21st century guides our work in curriculum and instruction and our interaction with children and parents.
Staff and parents work in consort to provide a meaningful education in a nurturing and inclusive environment to maximize learning for a diverse population. Students participate as leaders on Student Council and as Conflict Managers. They also participate in Character Counts. They also study Mega skills and Bully Proofing social skills programs. Accelerated 4th and 5th grade classes are provided for students who qualify.
Hamilton is one of 5 schools participating in School Linked Services, offering counseling and Family Outreach.
Ruthanne Bexton, Principal
Steve Hospodar, Assistant Principal
Hamilton School
1 Main Gate Road
Novato, CA 94949
(415) 883-4691
Loma Verde School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
394 students
School hours: 8:30 – 2:50
Kindergarten Hours:
8:30 to 1:00 or 9:45 to 2:15
W: 8:30 to 1:15
Grades 1 – 5: M/T/Th/F: 8:30 to 2:50
Grades 1 – 2: M/T/Th/F: 8:35 to 2:50
Grades 1 – 5: Wed. 8:30 to 1:50
Library hours: 8:30 to 3:00
Mission: Education Is A Team Effort Loma Verde Elementary School is located on 12 acres and has a multi-use room, computer/science lab, library and turfed playing field.
The school reflects a commitment to an academic focus. The staff uses a variety of teaching strategies to meet the needs of all students, such as team teaching with the support staff, cooperative and paired learning and cross-age tutoring.
Recognizing positive behavior is an important part of the development of the students’ self-esteem. Students participate in Leadership Council, conflict management, and Bully Proofing.
Parent participation is strong and focuses on supporting all our students through the Parent Teacher Association, Leadership Team, Site English Language Acquisition Committee, and volunteer opportunities. Loma Verde Elementary was selected a California Distinguished School in 1999 and was a Title I Achievement Award recipient in 2007.
Eileen Smith, Principal
Loma Verde School
399 Alameda de la Loma
Novato, CA 94949
(415) 883-4681
Lu Sutton School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
420 students
School hours:
Kindergartens:
Aug. to Oct.: 8:30 to 11:55
Nov. 3 – June 11
Early: 8:25 to 1:15
Late: 9:15 to 2:00
Grades 1 – 2: 8:30 to 2:45
Grade 3: 8:30 to 2:55
Grades 4 – 5: 8:30 to 2:50
Library hours: 8:30 to 12:00 and 12:30 to 3:00
Mission: Educating all students to become life-long learners who are independent, responsible and productive citizens in our diverse society.
Students participate in a rigorous standards-based program with an instructional focus on language, math and science. Involving the family as a partner in learning is the cornerstone of our program.
Teachers incorporate hands-on projects integrating the entire curriculum.
To further enhance our instructional program, students benefit from a strong Student Council program (grades 3-5), a conflict manager program (grades 4-5), as well as our Mega Skills program that promotes strong character and citizenship.
Our very supportive PTA supports Lu Sutton in a variety of ways, including art docent presentations, numerous field trips, assemblies and the beautification of the school campus.
Lu Sutton is one of four Novato schools that have received a Readiness grant through First Five of Marin to provide a summer Kinder Academy. Lu Sutton was selected as a California Distinguished School in 2008, and received a Golden Bell in 2008 for their “Caught Being Green” environmental program.
Suzanne Thompson, Principal
Lu Sutton School
1800 Center Road
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-3196
Lynwood School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
392 students
School hours:
Kindergartens:
8:30 to 1:20, 9:10 to 2:00
Grades 1 – 3: 8:30 to 2:55
Grades 4 – 5: 8:30 to 2:00
Library hours: 8:30 to 12:00 and 12:30 to 3:00
Vision Statement: Faculty and staff provide a standards-based comprehensive curriculum that addresses and meets the needs of all students in a safe and nurturing environment.
Literacy is a school focus. We offer a number of programs to meet the needs of our students. Our instructional assistants and volunteers read with the students daily.
Teachers and support staff work in grade level teams to provide a strong core program for students. This is the third year of our Lynwood Family Literacy Program, which addresses preschool, adult ESL, and parent education.
This is the second year of our efforts to integrate the visual and performing arts into the curriculum, enhanced this year by our partnership with the Marin School of the Arts.
Lynwood has an excellent counseling program as part of its School Linked Services project.
Lynwood will begin its second year of an afterschool grant (Lynwood Elementary After School Program) LEAP, which provides academic, enrichment, and recreation classes until 6:00 daily for 84 students in grades 2-5.
Lynwood is one of four Novato schools that have received a Readiness grant through First Five of Marin which includes a summer Kinder Academy.
Ivy Morritt, Principal
Lynwood School
1320 Lynwood Drive
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-4161
Olive School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
408 students
School hours:
Kindergartens:
M/T/Th/F: 8:30 to 1:30
W: 8:30 to 11:55
Grades 1 – 5:
M/T/Th/F: 8:30 to 2:50
W: 8:30 to 1:50
Library hours: 8:15 to 3:15
Mission: We are committed to providing a challenging standards-based instructional program that focuses on developing the knowledge and skills in students required for them to become responsible and resilient learners in a rapidly changing world.
Olive School is located on nine acres and has four classroom wings, a multi-use room, library, computer lab and turfed playing fields.
Students engage in a rigorous standards based program with an instructional focus on English Language arts and Mathematics. Parents work in collaboration with the school through Site Leadership Team, PTA, ELAC, and volunteerism. To further enhance our instructional program, students benefit from a strong Student Council program (grades 3-5), art docent lectures and numerous field trips and assemblies. We are committed to supporting all students to ensure they reach their academic potential. Fourth and fifth grade students who qualify participate in an accelerated academic program.
Raquel Rose, Principal
Olive School
629 Plum Street
Novato, CA 94945
(415) 897-2131
Pleasant Valley School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
382 students
School hours:
Kindergartens:
8:15 to 11:40 or 11:35 to 2:55
Grades 1 – 2: 8:30 to 2:45
Grades 3 – 5: 8:30 to 2:50
Library hours: 8:30 to 3:00
Mission: Dedicated to building a community of learners where students strive to reach their full potential academically, socially and emotionally.
Pleasant Valley School is located on 12 acres and has a library, community center, turfed playing fields and a wellequipped computer lab.
Staff and parents work in partnership to provide a safe and stimulating learning environment. There is a high level of parent involvement. The standards-based academic program is enriched with such activities as field trips and assemblies.
Technology is integrated into the curriculum of all classes. Positive social skills are encouraged through class meetings, a conflict managers program, peer buddies, and a life-skills group.
The PTA supports the school in many ways, including the beautification of the school campus. Pleasant Valley was named a California Distinguished School in 1993 and again in 2002 and received a Marin County Golden Bell Award in 2002 for the Book In A Bag program.
Terry Gavin-Brown, Principal
Pleasant Valley School
755 Sutro Avenue
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-5104
Rancho School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
500 students
School hours:
Kindergartens:
8:05 to 11:30 or 11:35 to 3:00
Grades 1 – 5: 8:30 to 3:00
Library hours: 8:30 to 11:45 and 12:15 to 3:00
Mission: Rancho is dedicated to providing a challenging learning environment that promotes excellence and motivates students to develop to their fullest and become productive and compassionate citizens.
Rancho School is located on 11 acres. It has a remodeled library, computer lab, multi-use room and 2 playgrounds.
Rancho School is the home of the Essentialist Program, a more structured approach to education, with an emphasis on basic academic skills and subjects and establishment of good study habits.
Rancho is a magnet school serving students from throughout the Novato Unified School District.
Rancho provides a variety of activities for students, many sponsored by the PTA. An Eagle Card program serves as an incentive for academic achievement, good behavior and helpfulness. The school has a high level of parent support.
Rancho received the California Distinguished School Award in May 1989 and May 2008, received the Governor’s Reading Award and received a Golden Bell in 2002 for their “Ranchoberg” project.
Kandee Adams, Principal
Rancho School
1430 Johnson Street
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-3101
San Ramon School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
451 students
School hours:
Kindergartens:
8:30 to 1:30
Grades 1 – 2: 8:30 to 2:45
Grades 3 – 5: 8:30 to 2:55
Library hours: 8:30 to 12:00 and 12:30 to 3:00
Mission: Children, parents and staff work cooperatively at San Ramon in a safe and caring environment where all children can learn, be successful and prepare themselves to live in and contribute to, a changing world.
San Ramon Elementary School is located on 7 acres. It consists of three buildings clustered around a library. Kindergarten classes are held in a separate cluster. All classrooms and the library are newly remodeled. The school is surrounded by turfed playing fields.
San Ramon focuses on educating the whole child while emphasizing rigorous academic achievement. The instructional approach is to involve students with decision-making and problem solving in a cooperative setting.
Flexible grouping and clustering is implemented to address the various academic levels of the students. It is recognized as a model program balancing rigorous academic content standards with enriched student appropriate curriculum.
The San Ramon community provides outstanding support to the school through classroom volunteering, one-to-one tutoring, and fundraising. A number of after school enrichment activities are provided through PTA.
Mary Pritchard, Principal
San Ramon School
45 San Ramon Way
Novato, CA 94945
(415) 897-1196
Hill Middle School – Grades: 6 – 8
570 students
School hours:
M/T/W/Th: 8:00 to 2:25
F: 9:00 to 2:25
Library hours: 7:40 to 3:30
Mission: Maximize student success through academic achievement and social development.
Hill Middle School was completely remodeled in 1991 when it opened as a middle school. The school facilities include a multi-use room, gym, two computer labs, research lab, media center, library, science labs, art room and television studio.
Hill’s commitment to student learning is reflected in its emphasis on the whole child. Whether it is in the core curriculum, student activities, performing arts, physical fitness, foreign language, computer education, counseling or peer educators, the emphasis is on the student. A well-established positive reward system for academics and behavior is in place. Regular student of the month assemblies are celebrated.
Small World Week takes place each January. Civil War Days occur in May.
Hill Middle televises news every Friday to each classroom.
Hill has been awarded a Marin County Golden Bell Award three times for outstanding after school support programs, student involved garden projects and support core classes for our EL students. Hill has been named a California Distinguished School twice.
Pam Conklin, Principal
Hill Middle School
720 Diablo Avenue
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 893-1557
San Jose Middle School – Grades: 6 – 8
522 students
School hours: 8:00 to 2:10
Library hours: T/Th/F:
8:30 to 12:00 and 12:30 to 4:00
Mission: Where children learn and grow in a supportive environment.
San Jose Middle School is located on 18 acres. Special facilities include a library, gymnasium, new computer/multi-media lab, band and chorus room, a wood shop and several turfed playing fields.
San Jose’s staff provides a safe, inviting environment for students where social and emotional growth is valued. All students in English language arts, history, social science, science and physical education take a common core curriculum. Math and science are offered in heterogeneous groups.
Elective exploratory courses allow students to pursue areas of interest. A variety of elective courses are offered, including exploratory, Spanish I, publication, music, drama, woodshop, art, leadership and various support classes.
The instructional approach encourages independent thinking, integration of content, cooperative learning and infusion of technology. Student activities are numerous. San Jose received a Marin County Golden Bell Award in 2002 for its school-wide project, is a California Distinguished School and is the first recipient of a Hewlett / Annenburg Grant in Marin County.
Dale Ravazzini, Principal
San Jose Middle School
1000 Sunset Parkway
Novato, CA 94949
(415) 883-7831
Sinaloa Middle School – Grades: 6 – 8
631 students
School hours: 8:20 to 2:30
Library hours: 8:30 to 3:30
Mission: Sinaloa Middle School is a supportive community where students are challenged to acquire the knowledge and skills to live as responsible individuals in a world of change.
Sinaloa Middle School is located on a 25- acre wooded site and has facilities that include a library, gymnasium, computer lab, woodshop, band, art and drama rooms and several large turfed playing fields. Spanish is offered in the eighth grade.
Sinaloa offers multiple avenues for students to develop a sound educational foundation through emphasis on study skills and critical thinking. A guidance program in educational planning, goal setting and decision-making assists students in becoming independent and self-confident. Peer tutoring matches students who help each other with schoolwork. Students in grades 7 and 8 are trained to act as buddies for incoming 6th graders. All standard middle school required courses and electives are offered.
Special events and activities are part of Sinaloa’s daily routine. Student clubs are primarily oriented toward community and school service. Sinaloa won a Marin County Golden Bell for its student activities program and was named a California Distinguished Middle School in 2003.
Kit Gabbard, Principal
Sinaloa Middle School
2045 Vineyard Road
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-2111
Marin Oaks High School – Grades: 9 – 12
67 students
School hours: 8:25 to 2:12
Mission: “Promote resilient, compassionate and responsible young adults” in a small community where students actively participate in both the learning and the decision-making.
Marin Oaks High School is the district’s alternative high school located on the Novato High School campus. This location gives students an opportunity to enroll in elective classes at Novato High School in addition to their assigned core curriculum.
Marin Oaks High School continues to offer an alternative program for students looking for a smaller learning environment with greater flexibility.
Students enrolled have the opportunity to make up lost credits while working to improve basic skills. A counseling program is part of the basic curriculum with each student developing an Individual Learning Plan.
In addition to offering individual instruction and counseling support, Marin Oaks’ students are able to take advantage of a variety of instructional strategies including small classroom instruction, computer assisted instruction, project based curriculum, Regional Occupational Program classes and local community college courses.
Kessa Early, Assistant Principal
Marin Oaks High School
611 Arthur Street
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 892-8733
Nova Independent Study – Grades: Kindergarten – 12
72 students
Center hours: 8:00 to 3:30
Mission: NOVA Independent Studies School is committed to assisting students and parents in designing individualized learning programs that are aligned with state and district standards. The NOVA program empowers students by encouraging them to pursue their interests as an integral part of their school curricula, resulting in an individualized education that is broader and deeper than it would be in a traditional setting. It is our belief that when students are part of the education planning and design process, they are motivated, they take the initiative for independent investigation, they assume responsibility, and they make connections between what they learn and the real world.
NOVA Independent Study, the only K-12 independent study program in Marin County, is located on the Hill Middle School site on the left side of the campus.
NOVA is an alternative program that offers self-directed and individualized learning experiences for elementary and secondary school students. A wide variety of standards-based resources are available for students. Instruction is collaborative between the student and the teacher. NOVA requires the same number of credits for graduation as required by all Novato schools at the 8th and 12th grade levels.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges commended NOVA Independent Study for its standards-based academic program and extended the school’s accreditation through June, 2010.
Rudy Tassano, Principal
NOVA
740 Diablo Avenue
Novato, CA 94945
(415) 897-7653
Novato High School – Grades: 9 – 12
1,237 students
School hours: 8:20 to 2:30
Optional period: 7:20
Library hours: 7:30 to 3:00 plus 1.5 additional hours one day a week
Mission: The mission of Novato High School is to create a safe and positive environment in which to educate and inspire our students, instill in them respect for self and others, and foster an appreciation for learning. Novato High School will prepare students for postsecondary education, economic selfsufficiency and effective citizenship in a culturally diverse society.
Novato High School is situated on 38 acres, with 56 classrooms, labs, a lecture hall, career center, library, music room, three computer labs and two gymnasiums. Outdoor facilities include tennis and basketball courts, softball and baseball diamonds, a football stadium and a swimming pool.
Novato High School provides students with many opportunities to develop their personal interaction skills. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are an integral part of student assignments. The academic program covers college preparatory courses (honors/advanced placement), vocational and general education, art, music, technology, business, and industrial arts. Novato is home to the Marin School of the Arts, a general arts-based magnet school. An array of co-curricular activities is available. Novato High has won the Marin County Academic Decathlon nine years in a row. The faculty is comprised of professional educators who are fully credentialed and in some cases possess advanced degrees.
Rey Mayoral, Principal
Novato High School
625 Arthur Street
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 898-2125
San Marin High School – Grades: 9 – 12
1,051 students
School hours: 8:20 to 2:30
Optional period: 7:25
Library hours: 7:30 to 3:30
Mission: Provide a supportive environment where each student can attain his or her potential.
San Marin High School is located on 39.6 acres. It has a gymnasium, student center, career center, science lecture room, and computer and photo labs. Its athletic facilities include tennis and basketball courts, a baseball diamond and a newly refurbished football field and allweather track.
San Marin has established educational objectives aimed at providing students with challenging learning experiences in academics, in making future career and educational choices, in appreciating arts, in developing an understanding of the world community, the role of citizenship and personal responsibility, and in promoting desirable leisure-time activities.
San Marin has an award-winning band and choir and an assortment of clubs to meet the wide range of student interests.
Over 80% of our students are involved in athletic or performing arts, which represent their involvement and pride in San Marin High School. In 2002, San Marin High School received a Marin County Golden Bell Award for its Communications and Multi-media Academy.
Dr. Robert Vieth, Principal
San Marin High School
15 San Marin Drive
Novato, CA 94945
(415) 898-2121
Novato Charter School – Grades: Kindergarten – 8
237 students
School hours:
Kindergarten: 8:45 to 12:45
Grades 1 – 5:
M/T/W/F: 8:50 to 3:00
Th: 8:30 to 1:00
School vision: Committed to educating the whole child through a Waldorf-Inspired curriculum.
Novato Charter School is a public charter school in which teachers use educational methods that nurture and inspire creativity, critical thinking and motivated learning. As an institution committed to educating the whole child, the school endeavors to foster the unfolding of each child’s full potential.
Using a Waldorf-method’s curriculum integrated with current best educational practices and state standards, our teachers nurture the imagination in the early years in order to build a foundation for abstract thinking. The child’s intellect is appropriately challenged in the middle years and through 8th grade. This education places equal emphasis on a solid academic foundation, artistic expression and social/emotional development.
Novato Charter School offers visual and performing arts, foreign language, music programs, handwork, woodworking, gardening and environmental education, games and celebration of seasonal festivities.
Rachael Bishop, Director
Novato Charter School
940 C Street
Novato, CA 94949
(415) 883-4254