We serve students in grades K-12, and we also provide a life skills program for students up to age 22.  Students who have been unsuccessful in traditional classrooms, who learn differently or who have identified learning disabilities, will find Sierra Academy to be a place in which they can grow and achieve success. Our students may have learning disabilities in the areas of speech/language, auditory processing, central auditory processing, sensory integration, social skills deficits, and neurological or other health impairments. Additionally, they may also have low self esteem related to previous school failures.

Sierra Academy of San Diego follows state and local requirements and has the capacity to create highly individualized curriculum for optimum student success.

Our program includes: 
• Occupational Therapy/Sensory Integration 
• Speech/Language Therapy 
• 8-10 students per class, 3:1 student/teacher ratio 
• Small Group Instruction/Specialized Program 
• Social Skills Training 
• Counseling Services
• Life Skills Training 
• School Wide Behavior Program

At Sierra Academy, we want students to experience success in the classroom as quickly as possible. We start by helping the child master achievable skills and problems. Once the child achieves that academic success, they are able to feel more excited about learning. Gradually, we introduce more challenging material – never overwhelming the student. In this way, children are able to feel successful in the classroom – some for the first time. That academic success translates into a healthier self-esteem, which in turn gives the student the confidence to aim for higher levels of achievement. The student learns to trust, and feels supported enough to risk taking on a new learning challenge. In our experience, this approach helps reverse the negative image that many children have of themselves as students when they first arrive.

Our Life Skills program is designed to prepare high school students to enter the community through a hands-on and interactive approach. Students will be exposed to basic life and vocational skills. Many of the skills are directly in line with our students’ Individualized Educational Plans. The students will explore these skills through a theme-based program.  Students will be responsible for creating their own portfolio that will include items such as current resumes, sample job applications, mock interview questions, a Library Card, and a California Identification Card.  The Life Skills Program at Sierra Academy will utilize “experience-based learning,” which will stress direct participation in order to increase motivation, learning and retention of the skills being taught.

Sierra Academy of San Diego works to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for students who need an alternative setting to achieve their potential.  Sierra Academy follows state and local requirements and has the capacity to create highly individualized curriculum for optimum student success for all our students.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation (WASC)

Sierra Academy of San Diego has been working towards the WASC Accreditation for the past two years. With pride, they have received a six year term - the highest accreditation that WASC offers to schools!  The Commission has granted accreditation to Sierra Academy of San Diego based upon their assurance that the school is a trustworthy institution of learning, as well as their commitment towards improvement of the school’s programs and operations.

WASC is one of six regional accrediting associations in the United States. The accreditation process focuses on fostering excellence in the elementary, secondary, adult, postsecondary and supplementary education programs.  The mission of WASC is to advance and validate quality ongoing school improvement by supporting its member institutions to engage in a rigorous and relevant self-evaluation and peer review process that focuses on student learning.

The capacity of any organization to improve is directly related to its ability to recognize, acknowledge, and act on its identified strengths and limitations. The accreditation process is a vehicle that enables schools to improve student learning and school performance based on an analysis of those strengths and limitations. Participating schools must meet rigorous, research-based standards that reflect the essential elements of a quality and effective school, but again, must also be able to demonstrate engagement in as well as capacity to provide continuous school improvement.

Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLR)

1. Sierra Academy of San Diego’s students will be healthy individuals who:
       a. Effectively maintains appropriate peer relationships
       b. Takes responsibility for their own physical and emotional heath
       c. Is able to demonstrate healthy life choices

2. Sierra Academy of San Diego’s students will be technologically literate individuals who:
       a. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of computers and various programs 
       b. Is able to utilize cutting edge technology
       c. Is aware of assistive devices that will allow them better access academic curriculum

3. Sierra Academy of San Diego’s students will be independent individuals who:
       a. Develops strategies to set specific and attainable goals
       b. Sets priorities and manages time effectively
       c. Develops a plan for the future
       d. Develops their ability to have acceptable work habits

4. Sierra Academy of San Diego’s students will be academically competent individuals who:
       a. Reads, writes and speaks effectively
       b. Practices learned strategies to effectively problem solve
       c. Is involved with completion of assignments, organizational skills, and study skills
       d. Accesses and applies learned information and utilizes notes on assigned curriculum

School Accountability Report Cards

Sierra School is pleased to announce that our School Accountability Report Cards (SARC) are available for review.  Sierra School has made their SARC available to you in two different formats: 1) you may review the document via the link below or 2) you may request a paper copy by contacting your school office.

Sierra School of San Diego 2009-2010 SARC

The Harvest Festival

Our third annual Harvest Festival was a huge success!  We had plenty of games for the students, as well as a fun jump and lots of food!  We had the biggest turnout yet and everyone who attended had a wonderful time.  We raised almost $300.00, which will be used to purchase new basketball jerseys. Thank you to all the staff and students who helped make this event happen and to the families who came to support us!

The Thanksgiving Feast

Sierra Academy hosted its annual Thanksgiving Feast on November 17th.  The students in the Adult Career Transitions program did all the preparations and cooking for feast.  We had chicken strips, lasagna, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie!   This was a great opportunity for students to practice their planning, budgeting, shopping, cooking and communication skills.  Thank you to all everyone that helped make this event a success!

Football

It was an exciting season for the Sierra Academy Football team.  It has been amazing to see the improvement in all aspects of the game including fundamentals, play execution, and toughness. The Wolves’ team spirit has been contagious around the school and carried out throughout the season. The support, positive attitude and participation were at an all time high this season!

On-Site Jobs

Every year, Sierra Academy posts a variety of on -site job opportunities for our students and they are given the opportunity to apply for one they find interesting.   This is a fantastic way for students to get involved, and moreover, to expand their skills and work experience.  Some of the jobs include: Sierra Design Center, Sierra Sunrise Café, Morning Announcer, Vehicle Maintenance Crew, Snack Cart, Subway Internship, Recycling Monitor, Sierra School Store, Mrs. Donna’s Assistant, etc.  Each student had to fill out an application and go through the interview process with a Sierra Staff member.  The jobs were posted this week and student are both excited and anxious to get started!

The Adult Career Transitions Program

The Adult Career Transitions Program has had terrific start to the school year!  Transition students have just completed Career Essays pertaining to their interest assessments.  Students are completing an internship project pertaining to a small business in the San Diego community.  Students are learning about different job responsibilities and how small businesses run. Students also just completed mock interviews for their on-campus job experiences.  The students are showing a new level of professionalism.

Students have already volunteered a day of their time with the Adopt-A-Beach Program to clean La Jolla Shores! ACT is running a new research based social skills program called PEERS (Program for the Evaluation and Enrichment of Relational Skills), students are learning some great skills in making and keeping friends. Lastly, we will be doing an Industry Tour of Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres,  and begin Mobility training.  The students are very excited to partake in these community experiences!

Student Government

The votes have been tallied and the results are in.  The leadership for the student body of Sierra Academy is in place and ready to make a difference. It was a very exciting campaign week and election. The hallways were littered with creative campaign slogans and artistic posters that rallied for support. The courage and power of our candidate speeches brought cheers and tears to the parents, staff, and students attending. All the student representatives are looking forward to the hard work and determination it takes to makes Sierra Academy the best school it can be.

Western Connection

Please click here for more information

Humane Society Fundraiser

Sierra Academy Senior, Miles Gargano raises $100.00 for the Humane Society of San Diego!   Miles held a luncheon fundraiser at Sierra Academy.  He printed flyers, made lunch, and delivered lunch to all the participants.  He is passionate about animals and wanted to donate the proceeds to the Humane Society.  The fundraiser was a huge success!

Spaghetti Dinner

Sierra Academy of San Diego just hosted their annual Spaghetti Dinner Silent Auction to raise money for the 11th-12th grade camping trip.  Students prepared themed baskets for the silent auction, cooked spaghetti sauce and noodles, shopped for all items, made decorations, and sent out invitations.   Students also sold items from our Sierra Design Center at the dinner.  Some of these included: T-shirts, key chains, and mugs.  The fundraiser was a huge success, support was drawn from local businesses, parents, and other staff members.

Children's Museum

The Elementary Class took a wonderful field trip to the New Children's Museum in Downtown, San Diego.  We got to play with bubbles, check out the rain house exhibit, build with wooden blocks, jump in a bounce house, and climb a rock wall. We ended the day with a nice lunch in the sunshine and a trip to the playground.  The picture above shows the kids playing in the rain house. It was a FUN-FILLED day!

1st Annual Excelsior/Sierra Social

The 1st Annual Excelsior/Sierra Winter Social was a huge success!  The event took place on Thursday, January 28th from 12:00-2:00 at Sierra Academy. Students enjoyed meeting new friends, playing games, eating delicious food and of course dancing.  It was a great opportunity for them to mingle and have some fun.  We hope to continue this tradition in upcoming years.  Thank you for everyone's help and support in making this event happen.  Go Wolves!

Adopt-A-Beach

This year Sierra's ACT program decided to Adopt-A-Beach.   We are signed up for 3 beach clean-ups spread out over the year.  The first clean-up was at La Jolla Shores.   Our guide taught the students about the dangers of pollution at the beach and how it affects the wildlife in the coastal area.  The first clean-up was a huge success.  The students were able to apply what they learned about environmental awareness while having tons of fun.  Students gathered 57 pounds of trash and recyclables!  They are all excited for the upcoming clean-ups. It was a great community involvement activity.

Sierra Wins Two Pepsi Grants!!

After three long months of daily votes and support from various communities throughout the nation, Sierra Academy was announced the winners for two Pepsi Refresheverything Grants—25K for Sierra Academy’s Life Skills and Transition Program, and 5K for Dr. Sharon Criger, DPT’s “Strong Minds=Strong Bodies”. The grants will be used to expand both programs in order to enrich the quality of life and education for our students.  The 25K will be used to acquire more equipment and computers, assisted devices, and even an additional school van in order to provide the necessary tools and resources for students to transition into the real world. The 5K will be used to acquire new exercise equipment such as medicine balls, weights, recumbent bikes, and an elliptical in order to promote students’ physical and cognitive readiness to achieve success. Also, Pepsi had chosen our school to be used in their NBC news piece!  They filmed both programs in action on September 8, 2010 and the final cut is expected to air in a couple of weeks during NBC’s Morning News segment.  You can follow the programs progress on our Pepsi blogs that will be up in running in no time at: www.refresheverything.com/sierralifeskills and www.refresheverything.com/strongmindstrongbody, so stay tuned!

Please click the link below to view the video:
Sierra Academy Pepsi Refresh Everything

Pepsi Refresh Project Video
Pepsi Refresh Video

Peers Program

Sierra Academy is excited to announce that we will now be offering the  PEERS program (Program for the Evaluation and Enrichment of Relational Skills).   It is a parent-assisted intervention focusing on teens who are having difficulty making and keeping friends.  It is an evidence-based program developed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson and Dr. Fred Frankel. Your teen will learn how to use appropriate conversational skills, how to find common interests in conversations, how to enter and exit conversations between peers, how to use appropriate humor, how to use electronic communication, how to handle rumors and gossip, how to be a good host during get-togethers, how to choose appropriate friends, how to be a good sport, how to handle arguments with peers, how to change a bad reputation and how to handle teasing and bullying.  More information will be sent home to the students involved in the program.

Presidential Fitness

Presidential Fitness helps motivate our student's to increase their physical activity and improve their fitness levels. Every month the students are evaluated on seven different exercises. These exercises consist of the 40 yard dash, shuttle run, sit and reach, 1 mile run, flexed arm hang, curl ups, and push ups. Students are assessed monthly so we can monitor their fitness levels. This is a great way to educate students about the importance of physical activity and encourage them to live more active and healthy lifestyles.

Technology in the Classroom

Sierra Academy of San Diego is very excited to be piloting new iPads in every classroom!! The iPads will enhance the delivery of information content to students with special needs using the principles of Universal Design for Learning and differentiated instruction.  The iPads will deliver reading and math content to our student population, all of which have identified special needs, in a way designed to support their unique learning differences. 

The iPads will provide content information enrichment (multimedia) to boost mathematics, reading comprehension, enhancement in vocabulary and phonics, and promote student motivation through the lore of the technological interface that will actively engage students in the process of reading across the content areas. 

The iPad supports students with learning differences while embedding the principles of differentiated and kinesthetic instruction.  Information is delivered to students in a multi-sensory fashion including the visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile senses.  The addition of iPads in the classroom has been extremely positive and the students are all motivated by them!!

Sierra Academy Wolves

The Sierra Academy Wolves have the opportunity to participate in flag football, basketball, and softball. Participating in the sports league is an amazing way for students to practice leadership and positive sportsmanship with their peers. All middle and high school students are welcome to join the Sierra Academy wolves on the field! Please visit the Capses sports league website at http://www.sdcapsesleague.com/ for more information.
 

Student Government

Student Government is an excellent way for students to get involved and show leadership.  It gives students a voice and allows them an opportunity to make change within their school community.  We encourage students to be a part of this exciting program.  They meet weekly to discuss upcoming events and activities.  This school organization helps to develop the principles of democracy and good citizenship among all the students at Sierra Academy.

School Band

The school band is a great way for students to expand their skills and talents! We offer a variety of different instruments including clarinet, flute, trumpet, drums, and bells to name a few.  Lessons are given on Friday mornings and students are able to show their talents in a winter and spring concert!  Please contact us if you are interested in signing your student up for this great program.
 

The "After School Spot"

We are very exited to announce that there will now be an after school program held at Sierra Academy. The "After School Spot" will be open Monday through Thursday until 5:30. This program is open to all students at Sierra Academy, as well as students in the community. The "After School Spot" provides safe, fun, and creative activities for youth during the after school hours. Through the interactions of peers and staff members, this program will provide multiple opportunities for social and physical growth. Our goal is to provide an exceptional program while meeting the needs of students, parents, and the community. The cost is $25.00 per day. Please contact Kelly McBride at 858-877-8851 if you would like more information on the program.
 

click this link for more information:
after school-spot
 

SEEDS Program

The counseling program at Sierra Academy is excited to announce that we now offer the SEEDS program (Self Esteem Education and Development in Sexuality). This class is offered to our high school students as a forum to discuss and learn about relationships in a more in-depth way. Students begin by learning about themselves, then branch out into acquaintances, friends and boy/girlfriends. It is an important aspect of their social development. They are having fun, and supporting each other. This has been a valuable addition to Sierra’s program.

Sierra Academy adopts Compass Learning Program

Please click here for Compass Information

Compass Learning is a leader in innovative education solutions. They stay up to date on the latest educational initiatives, research, and standards. For nearly 40 years, they have pioneered technology that is based on current and confirmed research.

Compass Learning’s process starts with curriculum and assessment experts who develop research-based instruction. Then teams of designers, writers, and engineers collaborate to produce creative lessons that will keep students interested and receptive to learning.

Odyssey, the company’s flagship K-12 software-based curriculum, assesses each student’s understanding of key objectives. Based on this assessment, a student is automatically prescribed a personalized learning path filled with engaging activities. The time-consuming task of monitoring and measuring student success is made easier with Odyssey’s wide variety of reporting features.

Life Skills

This course is offered to all 9th-12th graders. Students earn 5 elective credits for this class, and the course is designed for students working towards their diploma.  Students will be offered at least two hours of Life Skills per week.  Students will be exposed to life and vocational skills.  Many of these skills are directly in line with the students’ Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The students will explore these skills through a thematic-based program.  Students in the program will be responsible for creating their own portfolio that will include items such as resumes, sample job applications, mock interview questions, a library card, community outings, reflection activities, and California Identification Card.

Adult Career Transitions (ACT Program)

This is a full-time class offered to students and they will receive a life skills based curriculum that is directly in line with their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  Students who are in the ACT program will have the opportunity to participate in WorkAbility.  The structure of this program will give us an opportunity to better meet the transitional needs of the students who will be with us up to the age of 22. Students will continue to get in-class academic instruction, as well as community based instruction, which will help students generalize skills outside of the school.  The students involved in the ACT program will have an opportunity to explore on-campus jobs, community jobs, internships, and volunteer experiences.  The ACT program will allow the teachers to address the individual learning needs of your student in the most interactive and realistic way possible in order to best meet their needs.

Career Experience Opportunity  (CEO)

This course is designed for 10th-12th graders who have completed at least one year of the Life Skills elective class or are enrolled in the ACT program.  Students earn 2.5 credits for this class.  The students who take this course are dually enrolled in the Life Skills course or ACT Program. The students will begin exploring on-campus jobs, community jobs through Internships, and volunteer experience. When students are ready, they will have the opportunity to work at an on-campus job such as the Sierra Design Center, Sierra Sunrise Café, Vehicle Maintenance Crew, Morning Announcer, School Store, or the Sierra Snack Shop.  Students will be responsible for appropriate attire, arriving on time, completing a time card, and completing an above average performance review.  While students are participating in an on-campus job, they will also be reviewing Career/Job oriented curriculum. This may focus on job retention, interviewing skills, self-advocacy skills, and self-reflection.

Internships/Work Experiences

After the completion of these activities, usually by 11th-12th grade, students will be given the opportunity to participate in an off campus Internship.  This will be at a work place in the San Diego Community that fits the students’ interest.  This will allow the students to understand/practice working in a real-life job/career.   They are placed at a variety of different work sights including Scripps Ranch Library, Posies Flower Shop, New Generations Learning Center, First Choice Business Brokers, Mission Trails Regional Park, Petco, Subway, Old Navy, Marshalls, Soup Plantation, Fuddruckers, REI, and Gardening!

Career Day

Every year Sierra Academy hosts a Career Day for all high school students!  Students participate in presentations on six different careers.  Speakers have included: Posies Flower Shop, Police Officer, Bus Driver, Graphic Designer, Dentist/Dental Assistant, Lifetouch Photography, and Veterinarian/Vet Technician to name a few.  The presentations are hands-on and interactive.  Students learn about educational requirements, job specifics, and other interesting facts

Mobility Training

Students in the ACT program also participate in Mobility Training.  After lessons on bus rules and safety, students learn how to ride the local bus.  Students have learned how to travel to worksites, the grocery store, the bank, and other common locations. This allows them to be more confident and independent in riding and finding locations on the bus route.  They use the classroom iPod Touch to identify Bus Routes/Numbers and have also learned how to use Google maps to help them complete this task.  We are very excited for the enthusiasm and independent skills this training is instilling in our students!

Being Fit in the Community

Students are learning how to be fit in their community. Students have set up their own gardening plot and are responsible for maintaining all the crops.   They are also participating in an aquatics course at Miramar College and in a walking club at Lake Miramar.  As students reach adulthood, it is important for them to maintain healthy habits.  It is our goal to teach students how to be healthy and independent adults.

For ‘Special Needs’ Students at Sierra School Running a ‘Small Business’ Teaches Kids Self-Sufficiency

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Weekly Newsletter

Newsletter

Healthy Habits

As part of our program at Sierra Academy, we always encourage students to make healthy and positive choices both in school and at home.  Engaging in healthy habits at home can help you to be your best in school. If a student participates in 12 physical activities a month, for 30 minutes a session, they can be eligible for a reward at school.

We ask students complete a minimum of three hours of exercise a month at home. Some examples of making healthy choices could be waling your dog, participating in extracurricular sports, going to the gym, or going for a walk.

Please click here for more information

Lunch Clubs

We started lunch clubs this year and they have been a huge success!  The clubs include: Wii Club, Chess Club, Puzzle Club, and Music Club. The clubs are student run, with staff supervision, and take place once a week during lunch.  They have been a great way for students to show leadership and to socialize amongst their peers!

School Store

The school store is now open! We will open the Sierra School Store during lunch on Tuesdays. We just stocked up the store with a variety of new items including movie passes, gift cards, toys, games, and puzzles. Students on blue and gold level will have an opportunity to purchase items using their Sierra dollars every Tuesday.

Sierra Snack Shop

Please remember the Sierra Snack Shop is now open every Wednesday from 10:15-10:45. This business is student run by our ACT students.  Students can write a check and use their Sierra Dollars to purchase items from the shop.  We sell quesadillas, nachos, snacks, string cheese, Gogurts and drinks.  In order to purchase items at the snack shop, students must be on blue level!

Sierra Sunrise Cafe

The Sunrise café will be open every morning for students to purchase healthy breakfast items.   This is also a student run business and all Life Skills students can apply for this job.  It will be open from 8:15-8:50.  This is a cash only business, so students cannot use their Sierra dollars to purchase items from the café.

Pizza Sales

As part of an ongoing fundraiser for our sports program, we will continue to have weekly pizza sales for lunch on Mondays.  Students must order their pizza with Ms. Donna by Monday morning so we know how many pizzas to order.  Pizza slices cost $2.00 each and students can pay weekly or pre-pay for pizza in advance with Ms. Donna.
click here for link to form

Subway Tuesdays

Sierra Academy is excited to offer a new lunch option for the students- Subway Tuesdays.  There are two options to choose from: 1) 6-inchsub, chips, and milk for $4.50, 2) 4-inch sub, chips, and milk for $3.50.  Students can choose either a turkey or ham sandwich, and have an option of buying a cookie for an addition $0.50.  Order forms must be turned in on Mondays.
click here for link to form