Sierra School is one of the oldest nonpublic schools in the greater Sacramento, California area, founded in 1968. Although Sierra School didn’t join the SESI, Incorporated family until the year 2000, Sierra School’s mission, like that of all SESI programs, is to build our students’ “confidence and competence through personalized academic interventions."

Sierra School believes in educating its students from a dual perspective. Integrating mental health services with special education classes addresses the students’ needs in a systematic and holistic fashion. With the safety that comes from providing good behavioral management supervision and structure, students are better able to focus and perform academically.

Sierra School follows all IEP (Individual Education Program) mandates in serving students, adheres to California State Standards for curriculum and scope and sequence of required subjects and areas of learning and is a California State Department of Education certified nonpublic school. We can issue both diplomas and Certificates of Attendance for our students with our goal being to transition as many students as possible to a less restrictive program individually prepared for each student, we also provide a comprehensive mental health program with a full-time therapist who meets with students in both group and individual settings to assist with behavior management, the building of self-esteem, and emotional self worth and well being for our students.In order to provide such important services, the staff at Sierra School is made up of a professional and strength based multi-disciplinary team consisting of credentialed special education instructors, licensed psychotherapist (LCSW/MFCC), and B.A. or B.S. level instructional assistants.

Sierra School also offers employment options for our students through a WorkAbility I Grant issued from the State of California Department of Education. This allows us to train, supervise, and place students in employment situations both on and off campus, providing valuable work experience opportunities.

We are proud of our school, our program, and the success we have with our students. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can answer any questions you may have about our school. It would be our pleasure to speak with you.

Newsletter

April Newsletter

April 2010 Director’s Note

It’s that time of year again, spring! April showers bring May flowers and with the cold weather dwindling away and the California sunshine tip toeing in, we’re anxious to finish the school year with tons of great events at Sierra School at Eastern – Upper. April marks our 4th annual Spring Fling dance. This year, we’re excited to have our school dance on the campus grounds which will help with planning and decorating done by our Student Government Club. We’re also proud to be participating in our first NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Walk, an annual event where thousands of concerned citizens in nearly 80 communities across the nation walk together to raise money and awareness about our country's need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness. The NAMI Walk is Saturday, April 24, 2010 at William Land Park from 9-12. Please come out and support Sierra School at Eastern – Upper. Last but not least, graduation is approaching June 10th, from 12-1:00 in our gymnasium. We’ll graduate more senior’s this year and look forward to parent and district support in our senior’s special day. Please visit our website www.sierra-school.com for pictures, articles, upcoming school wide events. Thanks to all districts, parents, and sponsoring agencies for your continued support of Sierra School at Eastern – Upper.

Student Spotlight

We are excited to start off the New Year with two new students; An T. and Mike G.  An T., a 15 year old student in Mrs. Davis class is originally from Vietnam. In An’s spare time he likes to spend time with his father and listen to music. An can also play the violin. While at Sierra School An wants to improve in his English and Math. Next, we would like to introduce Mike G. Mike is a 15 year old student in Mr. Hernandez class. He is a very athletic student who likes to play basketball and baseball. While attending Sierra School he would like to learn the skills that will help him transition. We are happy to introduce An and Mike.

Gold Level Club

We would like to congratulate Ashley S., Kevin O., Jose G., Shawn B., and Tyler W., for making it to Gold level. Students that reach gold level have remained on blue level for 45 consecutive days.  On January 13th  Gold Level students were surprised with a trip to Scandia Adventure Park. 

Great job. Keep it up!!!

Group Therapy

Group Therapy

Attendance Raffle

Coming to school paid off in a big way during the week of Nov 30th-Dec 4th. Director, Ms. Green went around to each class and passed out a raffle tickets to each student that was there on time to school. The students were able to earn a maximum of five tickets. On the 4th Ms. Green pulled tickets from a bag and each student was able to win a maximum of 2 prizes. Some of the prizes that the students were able to pick were body wash, hair accessories, watches, make-up kits and many more. The grand prize was an IPod Shuffle, which student Shawn B won. We would like to thank all the students for coming to school and showing excellence attendance.

Natures Critters

We had a wild time on July 9th with the Natures Critters presentation.  Ms. Julie, the presenter brought a legless lizard, African lizard, a tortoise, a snake and a blue tongue skink. The students were able to hold, feel, and learn interesting information about all the animals. The students were very respectful and attentive to the presenter. We would like to thank Natures Critters and the students for making the presentation a success.

Workability Article

WorkAbility 1 Program Description

Transition Newsletter

Sierra Schools Regional Newsletter

Please check out our latest edition of California Connection our Regional Newsletter covering all the Sierra Schools.

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 at Eastern-Upper 2008-2009 SARC