The Sierra School of Sonoma County is dedicated to serving students who have not experienced success in the traditional classroom as a result of learning, language, and social challenges that require special attention. Sierra School expertly provides that attention in the form of custom-designed academic programs tailored to their aptitudes and goals, a structured behavioral management system that motivates students to behave responsibly and respectfully toward themselves and others, and a caring, nurturing environment in which these students can strengthen academic abilities, develop social skills, and cultivate proper behaviors.

Our primary goal is to expedite the transition of students back to the public school system and into mainstream society, so we focus our efforts on building competence and confidence in each of them, as well as preparing them for fruitful and fulfilling futures through vocational training and life skills instruction.

Many components contribute to the remarkable results we’ve been able to achieve since opening our doors years ago, but we’re most proud of our effective comprehensive programs, our team approach to special education, the value we place on encouraging family involvement, and most of all, our tireless commitment to making sure that each child entrusted to our care is given every opportunity possible to reap the rewards of personal success-in the classroom, at home, and in the community.

Sierra School of Sonoma County is Fully Accredited for Grades 5-12 by the Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges until 2011. Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Schools, 533 Airport Blvd., Suite 200, Burlingame, CA 94010 Phone: (650) 696-1060.

Spring Carnival Flyer

2009-2010 Yearbook

The students of the Sierra School of Sonoma have developed this year's yearbook.  Please click the link below to see all of the creativity of our bright and ambitious students.

Sierra School of Sonoma County's 2009-2010 Yearbook

Carnival 2010!

Sierra School of Sonoma County celebrated the end of the 2009-2010 school year in style!  Sierra School hosted its fist Spring Carnival.  Students, parents, district representatives and educational staff enjoyed yummy carnival snacks such as cotton candy, snow cones, nachos and hot dogs.  Students from Sierra School extended invitations to students from our Solano County School as well.  All students enjoyed exciting games such as a gigantic inflatable jousting ring, a dunk tank (where Sierra staff were subjected to constant submersion..!), and creative games designed by each of our classrooms.  Students won tickets through participation in the carnival games; students used the tickets to purchase cool carnival prizes from our Student Store.  Sierra School was also grateful to receive the help from a few of our parent volunteers who ran AND designed a few of the games!  It was quite a hit!  The students had a blast, as did all of the adults!  Sierra School staff, students, parents and guests had so much fun that Sierra School plans to make the Spring Carnival a yearly event, so if you missed it this year you can catch it next spring!

Crazy Hair Day

Sierra School of Sonoma County has fun theme days for the 2010 summer session.  Every Wednesday students and staff show their school spirit by participating in theme days such as:  Crazy Hair Day, Twin Day, PJ Day, Tie Dye Day USA Day and Funny Hat Day.  The students AND staff who show the most creative school spirit earn a gift card!  The Crazy Hair Day winners were:  Tyler Wharton who sported a two-toned mohawk.  Ms. Lucia and Ms. Spice tied for displaying lovely air-borne braids and a funky up-do (that involved bad mitten birdies!).  Thanks for showing your school spirit! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, Tigers!

Sierra Times

Newspaper

Students Tour Local Coast Guard Training Center

Sierra School high school students traveled to Tomales Bay to tour the US Coast Guard Training Center.  Students learned all about the services the Coast Guard provides, and what was required to be a part of such an important service in our society.

This tour was offered through the Sierra School Transition Department.  The Transition Department arranges many tours through the year to encourage students to explore various career aspirations and to begin to prepare for life after high school.

Welcome, Mrs. Frey!

Sierra School of Sonoma County would like to welcome Mrs. Frey to the team!  Mrs. Frey joined the Sierra School team as a teacher.  Mrs. Frey is the teacher for our brand new program that serves younger students from first grade through fifth.  

Mrs. Frey has experience as an elementary teacher, and possesses a passion for working with students with special needs.  She has already brought amazing energy and creativity to the program.  Sierra School is lucky to be given the opportunity to work with Mrs. Frey! 

Wednesday Clubs

Sierra School of Sonoma County now has Wednesday Club Day!  Every Wednesday students have the choice to participate in either Aikido (a martial art), guitar lessons or the landscaping club (due to the fact that we have a Zen garden-like campus!).

The clubs have proved to be a success!  Students enjoy learning a martial art from a local martial arts instructor, and guitar from an experienced musician.  Landscaping club have focused their efforts in keeping the already gorgeous landscaped grounds in tip top shape; they have also made plans to break ground for a vegetable garden!

Thanksgiving Extravaganza!

Sierra School of Sonoma County wanted to keep our Thanksgiving Feast as intimate as possible this year.  We thought it would be appropriate to keep our invite list to family and friends.  We have always loved and respected all of our educational partners who attend our events, however, with a new school site this year we wanted to have one of our main events be a bit more intimate with only hosting our students’ family and friends. 

We were a bit worried that the turn out might not be a great, but we were pleasantly surprised!  Many of the students’ family and friends attended, AND we had plenty of food!

We were also worried about having to work with only one oven and a kitchen under construction, but with the help of a few off-site ovens and many last minutes trips to the market, we pulled it off with a bang!  The food was great, the students and guest had fun and no one left hungry. 

Sierra School of Sonoma County is thankful for the support of the educational community and the parents involved in making our school a fun place for events like this to occur.  We look forward to many more events to come!

Graduation

Way to go Chris Boyle!  He successfully completed the requirements needed to earn a high school diploma.  Sierra School of Sonoma County celebrated with Chris and his family and friends on November 20, 2009.  We celebrated with a presentation of gifts, a diploma, and delicious dessert.  Sierra School is extremely proud of Chris; he has overcome overwhelming obstacles in his life.  We feel honored to be a part of Chris’ support network that helped him achieve his goal of graduation.  Chris will be missed, yet it is exciting to see another Sierra student move forward with his life on a positive note.

Sierra School of Sonoma County has moved!

Sierra School celebrates the opening of their new school site with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Sierra School of Sonoma County proudly opened the doors of their new school campus with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The event was held on October 6, 2009 at their new site in Bennett Valley.  Parents, students, and staff were on hand for the big celebration, as well as Andrea Vargas, CFO of Specialized Education Services, Inc., Sierra School’s parent company. Every person that attended the ceremony received a tour of the new campus and learned more about the services Sierra School provides for their students.

The Sierra School of Sonoma County is dedicated to serving students who have not experienced success in the traditional classroom as a result of learning, language, and social challenges that require special attention. Sierra School expertly provides that attention in the form of custom-designed academic programs tailored to their aptitudes and goals, a structured behavioral management system that motivates students to behave responsibly and respectfully toward themselves and others, and a caring, nurturing environment in which these students can strengthen academic abilities, develop social skills, and cultivate proper behaviors.

Sierra School of Sonoma County’s primary goal is to expedite the transition of students back to the public school system and into mainstream society, so they focus their efforts on building competence and confidence in each student, as well as preparing them for fruitful and fulfilling futures through vocational training and life skills instruction.

Many components contribute to the remarkable results Sierra School of Sonoma County has been able to achieve since opening their doors, but they are most proud of their effective comprehensive programs, their team approach to special education, the value they place on encouraging family involvement, and most of all, their tireless commitment to making sure that each child entrusted in their care is given every opportunity possible to reap the rewards of personal success-in the classroom, at home, and in the community.

School Overview

• County: Sonoma
• Facility :
• Capacity: 60 students
• 1:3 Staff-to Student Ratio
• Multidisciplinary staff includes:  Fully credentialed Special Education Teachers, Full-Time School Counselor (Full-Time Therapy Dog!), and Transition Coordinator
• Designated Outreach Director: Kimbery L. Small, M.Ed., M.S.

Student Body

Grades 1st through 12th
Ages 6-22
Classroom Population: Maximum of 12 students in each class
Primarily serving ED (emotionally disturbed) students, but also serving students with SLD (specific learning disabilities), developmental delays, mental retardation, health and/or cognitive impairments, autism, and multiple disabilities.

Program Highlights

• School-to-Work Program – Sierra School of Sonoma County receives the Workability 1 Grant to help place our students in jobs within the community
• Attendance Incentive Program
• Physical Education and Sports Programs
• School Clubs such as:  Landscaping, Philosophy, Student Government and Yearbook
• Extended School Year (Summer School)
• Speech Therapy
• SARC (School Accountability Report Card) Published Annually

The goal of Sierra School of Sonoma County transition program is to prepare students for the work world as well living independently after high school graduation. We hope to give students the confidence and knowledge to access resources that will help them to become successful in life.

Through the transition program, students are able to prepare for the worksite by strengthening their job application and interview skills. Students will compile a personal portfolio including a cover letter, resume, and reference list. They will participate in mock interviews as well as learn how to leave a job if necessary. The transition department also works closely with other schools in the county to maintain our ultimate goal of preparing students for a smooth transition into a less restrictive environment. The main components of our transition program are:

Life Skills- Each classroom participates in a “Life Skills” course. Students participate in lessons that will help them to advance in the real world such as banking, budgeting, hygiene, cooking, driving & job application practice. Along with the regular classroom curriculum, Sierra School offers small group intensive sessions taught by a transition specialist.

Community Based Instruction- Students are given the opportunity to gain experience by performing hands on tasks in the community. These may include mobility training on a city bus, obtaining a state ID card, laundromat usage or applying for a library card. Students 16 and up are also given the opportunity to earn a driving permit through an online drivers education course.

WorkAbility 1 Grant- Sierra School is fortunate to be able to work with a state funded grant. The WorkAbility 1 grant encompasses so much of what is already covered in our transition program, but also allows us to place students in off-campus job positions where they are paid & insured through our school. This enables students to gain experience in a real work setting while earning a paycheck. Students involved in WorkAbility 1 also participate in college tours, service learning projects, industry tours, career exploration and assessments.

Transition House- Before being placed in an off campus position, students usually start by working in our “Transition House”. We have a variety of machines that students are trained on to make products such as coffee mugs, key chains, dog food bowls, money clips or t-shirts (see catalog). In the process students learn valuable employment skills and are able to put this experience on their resume. Students are able to be paid an hourly wage through the WorkAbility 1 grant, and all money earned through the program goes back in and is used for buying more machines and products to market.

College Tours- Juniors and seniors participate in our spring college tours. Students are taken on guided tours of local schools such as Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University, but also to specialized schools like WyoTech and Academy of Art. Aside from giving students a chance to get a feel for college life, they are able to compare classes as well as investigate grants, scholarships and financial aid possibilities.

Portfolios- Students work with the transition specialist to compile a personal portfolio. Their portfolios include a cover letter, resume, reference list, awards and letters of reference. As students gain work experience they continuously update so they have a solid portfolio upon graduation.

Career Assessments and Exploration- We are fortunate to have a wide variety of career assessments and exploration tools on campus. Assessment results help determine what   career fields a student may excel in. We use these results to explore different opportunities within these fields, and narrow down a students goals using their interests & personality type.

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 of Sonoma County 2008 - 2009 SARC