The Dublin Unified School District’s overall API in 2012 rose to 901, driven by 40+ point gains at Dublin Elementary School (928), Frederiksen Elementary School (894) and Wells Middle School (870), while Dublin High School improved its API to 880. Improvements were recorded across the district for numerically significant socio-economic and ethnic sub-groups, as well as students with disabilities.
Kolb Elementary School’s first API result proved strong at 920, while John Green Elementary School (961 – highest in the district), Dougherty Elementary School (948) and Fallon Middle School (933) continued above the 900-level. For Fallon Middle School it was the first year reporting results as a 6-8 middle school (following the opening of Kolb Elementary School last year). Murray Elementary School (860) declined by 1.2% to 860. The California Department of Education lists Dublin High School’s Statewide Rank as a 10 (where 10 is the highest rank and 1 is the lowest rank, read more…). Dublin High School’s latest academic rankings for API, SAT, ACT and AP test results, and college admissions results, are available here.
A detailed breakdown of all Dublin Unified School District API results is available here.
Note that Valley High School (API 607) is considered a small school by the California Department of Education (less than 99 students), and as a result API results are not considered as reliable.
The Dublin Unified School District’s API results broken down by subgroup are as follows:
| Subgroup | Number of Students Included in 2011 API |
Numerically Significant in Both Years |
Subgroup API | ||
| 2012 Growth | 2011 Base | 2011 – 12 Growth | |||
| Black or African American |
323 | Yes | 812 | 784 | +17 |
| American Indian or Alaska Native |
18 | No | 877 | 912 | |
| Asian | 1,409 | Yes | 959 | 950 | +9 |
| Filipino | 385 | Yes | 921 | 901 | +20 |
| Hispanic or Latino | 742 | Yes | 834 | 807 | +27 |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander |
30 | No | 860 | 815 | |
| White | 1,827 | Yes | 900 | 883 | +17 |
| Two or More Races | 133 | Yes | 887 | 874 | +13 |
| Socioeconomically Disadvantaged |
552 | Yes | 807 | 789 | +18 |
| English Learners | 639 | Yes | 852 | 829 | +23 |
| Students with Disabilities |
299 | Yes | 736 | 682 | +54 |
Full details of the 2012 API results for each school including 2012 test results that are used in calculating API scores are available here.
Dublin Schools Celebrate 2012 International Walk to School Month
If you’ve noticed a greater number of students walking to our local schools recently, it may not be a coincidence. October is International Walk to School Month. This initiative was introduced in Great Britain in 1994. The United States hosted its first walk event in Chicago in 1997. Subsequently, it has exploded into a global program that includes over 40 countries and millions of walkers around the world.
The goals of the program are quite simple. The leaders wanted to encourage physical activity, to reduce congestion/pollution and to provide a platform for community leaders, parents and children to engage with one another. In a great example of collaboration, the City of Dublin and the Dublin Unified School District joined forces to make a lasting imprint. The week of October 1st became “Walk and Roll to School Week”. While walking is one way to get to school, many of our students elect to ride their bicycles instead.
Last Saturday morning, a hands-on event was hosted by the Parks and Community Services Department. It took place at Frederiksen Elementary School and the mission was to help families to learn safe bicycling skills. Over the 2 ½ hour course, there were game drills and a discussion about building safe biking habits. Additionally, a BikeMobile was present to provide free bike tune-ups for all participants. To help understand the scope of the City’s collaboration with our schools and the Dublin Bikeways program, OneDublin.org visited with Erin Steffen. Ms. Steffen works in the Dublin Community Development Department and has led the Bikeways program for over five years.
OneDublin.org: How did you feel that the Family Bicycle Workshop met its goals?
Dublin High School Homecoming 2012 Schedule of Events
Homecoming Parade 2011 Senior Float
Dublin High School’s Homecoming is an annual opportunity for students to learn real world skills in collaboration, problem-solving, time management and team-building, while having fun and unleashing their creativity. The event involves students from across Dublin, including elementary and middle school students that participate in the parade and carnival, along with Dublin High alumni and the community. The Dublin High School Homecoming 2012 theme is “Cereals”, with each class competing for coveted Homecoming points:
- DHS Class of 2013 Seniors: “Lucky Charms”
- DHS Class of 2014 Juniors: “Captain Crunch”
- DHS Class of 2015 Sophomores: “Fruity Pebbles”
- DHS Class of 2016 Freshmen: “Wheaties”
Dublin High School Homecoming Schedule 2012
Dublin High Homecoming kicks off Monday October 8 and concludes on Saturday October 13 with the Homecoming dance. There are events every day giving all students a chance to participate. Several events including the Homecoming parade, carnival and football game are open to the community. The Dublin High School PFSO has prepared a “Homecoming for Dummies” guide available here. Below is a full breakdown of planned events:
Leaving Home for College – Advice from Dublin High Class of 2012 Parents
by Michelle McDonald (Dublin High Class of 2012 Parent)
Dublin High Class of 2012
Dublin High School’s Class of 2012 is now a part of Gaels’ past, as the Class of 2013 steps up to take its turn as seniors. A new set of Dublin families is entering college application season, most preparing for the eventual enrollment into higher education or national service.
But while excitement and anticipation abounds, something more difficult is around the corner, the impending process of dropping your students off at college. Sometimes far from home, sometimes close by.
But it is a transitional time and some of the parents who just went through this emotional and significant process wanted to share some of best their advice about the big moment when you bring your child to start the next part of their life and then turn around and walk out the door.
The stories and advice from these Dublin High Class of 2012 parents include public and private colleges and universities, both close to Dublin and across the country. For Class of 2013 parents (and seniors), take a deep breath and read on.
Karin Nealon’s son Joe is attending U.C. Berkeley:
“I was just reading an article over the weekend in Good Housekeeping and I stumbled over this old adage about having children that I thought was very appropriate and true at this time: ‘It’s the only time in your life when the goal of the relationship is separation.’ How heartbreaking it was to leave him at school, but yet, that was what I had been working toward all these years. It’s bittersweet. You’re sad and successful at the same time. Tough emotion – one I’ve never experienced before.”
California College Tuition Fees for 2012-13 Continue Upward Trend
Despite a sluggish economy, colleges and universities in California continue to raise tuition fees. According to SmartMoney, California tuition fees are up 98.3% from five years ago (read more…)
Adding to the uncertainty, California’s public college tuition fees may rise significantly depending on the outcome of the November election cycle, from Inside Higher Ed: “The state’s projected revenue gap has grown to $15.7 billion from a January estimate of $9.2 billion. Governor Jerry Brown’s revised budget plan, released Monday, described deep “trigger cuts” to higher education that would kick in without the proposed tax revenue. Those cuts include $250 million reductions for both the University of California and California State University Systems, a $50 million increase over the January estimates, and a $300 million cut for the state’s 112 community colleges” (read more…)
Harvey Mudd College President Maria Klawe commented on the rising cost of college tuition, and the impact on families, “In the United States, accessibility is there for low-income families, and accessibility is there for the very wealthy, obviously, but the group that I worry about is the people in the middle, especially if they didn’t manage to start saving for the child’s college education early. If you don’t do that, then I think you are really faced with either having significant loans or going to a state university.” (Read more…)
And a recent Wall Street Journal article made a similar observation: “According to a Wall Street Journal analysis of recently released Federal Reserve data, households with annual incomes of $94,535 to $205,335 saw the biggest jump in the percentage with student-loan debt from 2007 to 2010, the latest figures available. That group also saw a sharp climb in the amount of debt owed on average.” (Read more…)
Top 5 Tips for Managing the Cost of College
- Look out-of-state and take advantage of WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) savings (read more…)
- Look north of the border to Canadian universities – the cost is similar to or even less than out-of-state colleges and Canadian college rank well globally. (read more…)
- Invest the time to raise your score on the SAT / ACT – these tests play a key role in merit scholarship awards (read more…)
- Take AP (CollegeBoard Advanced Placement) courses relevant to your planned major and score a 4 or better on the AP exam – you will likely receive college credit for courses taken in high school, possibly reducing what it will cost to earn your college degree (read more…)
- Apply for scholarships and – if you qualify – federal and state financial aid. (read more…)
OneDublin.org 2012 College Tuition Survey
Dublin’s Elementary Band Program Prospers and Develops Future Musicians
Every day hundreds of Dublin Unified School District middle and high school students make music as part of their day. As part of their curriculum, many Fallon and Wells musicians are honing their skills in a Symphonic Band class or perhaps are preparing for Band Review season. At Dublin High, students are refining their selections for Concert, Jazz or Marching band – sometimes for all three. As with any journey – it begins with its first step. Many of these students may not have arrived in these classes had it not been for their initial exposure to music in elementary school.
OneDublin.org recently had the opportunity to visit with Instrumental Music Teacher, Chris Immesoete. Ms. Immesoete presently provides music instruction to fourth and fifth at ALL six elementary schools in the District. While growing up in New York, Chris gravitated to music at a very early age. Starting in the second grade she began violin lessons. By the fourth grade, she had earned the honor of first violin over some students that were two years older than her. At this time, she also learned to play the clarinet and participated in chorus. She credited this early exposure to band, orchestra and chorus in confirming the value of all three assemblies. In high school she began to play French horn. She continued to play in college and now plays semi-professionally.
Academically, she was on a math/science track. She earned a B.A. in Biology from the University of Rochester. However, her devotion to music would not be extinguished, so she successfully completed a double major in Music Education. Her musical training would not end there. In the succeeding two years, Ms. Immesoete would attain a M.A. in Music Education. This was also accomplished at the University of Rochester in the Eastman School of Music. Eastman has been recognized as one of the most prestigious graduate school music programs in the United States – equal to The Julliard School. Her master’s thesis provides an interesting anecdote. It was a comparative statistical study using two well-known and accepted psychological tests of self-taught professional musicians and conservatory-taught professional musicians. She defended it before several guest professors as well as the Eastman faculty. At the end of the day, everyone was intrigued to see a scientific statistical study being conducted at the music college.
Dublin School Board Candidates Discuss Local Education Issues and Priorities
Dublin voters have many important decisions to make on Tuesday November 6, 2012. One of those decisions is to select three members for the Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees. School board members that win the 2012 election will serve a four-year term. In this election cycle there are four candidates vying for three seats on the Dublin School Board – Dan Cunningham, Amy Miller, Austin Ogden and Greg Tomlinson. The field of candidates present voters with diverse backgrounds and capabilities.
To help voters get beyond the sound bites OneDublin.org offered each candidate the opportunity to respond to five questions:
- Question 1: What inspired you to become active in Dublin education and run for a Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees position?
- Question 2: Dublin is a diverse community in ethnic and socioeconomic terms. What challenges does Dublin face in maximizing learning opportunities for all students?
- Question 3: What is the role of the Board of Trustees vs. the role of the District Staff / Administration / Teachers in ensuring our students are ready for college, a career or public service?
- Question 4: Dublin voters have supported multiple bond measures and a parcel tax in recent years. What role do Board Trustees play in ensuring that the money will be spent in the most efficient and effective way possible and what are your priorities for recently approved bond funds?
- Question 5: As an existing Board Trustee or as a candidate you have likely spoken to many parents. What are the key issues you’ve heard and how do you plan to address those issues?
All four candidates agreed to participate and their responses are presented below. Even if you have already decided on your election choices, take a few moments to read the candidates’ responses – they are thoughtful and provide an excellent platform for debating Dublin education issues.
SAT Subject Tests – Are They Needed for University of California Admissions?
Caroline Rubio, a counselor at Dublin High School, has received many questions about SAT Subject Tests with respect to University of California admissions. To help seniors prepare for the college admissions process, Ms. Rubio provided the following information.
Students must register for SAT Subject Tests by October 4th, which is the day after Dublin High School’s College Application Workshop for seniors and parents. For schools and/or programs that require SAT Subject Tests, signing up early is recommended to secure a seat at a convenient location. All information provided below is subject to change – please refer to the websites for the colleges you are applying to for the latest information.
SAT Subject Test policy for applicants for University of California admissions, Fall 2013:
A few UC campuses recommend that you take certain SAT Subject Tests. Recommendations differ for specific colleges or schools, and majors. Even if subject tests are not recommended, they do add merit to a student’s application.
Below is a breakdown per campus. Note that these are recommendations, not mandates. Students will not be penalized for failing to take the SAT Subject Tests.
Read more…
Dublin High School Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates New Buildings
Last Thursday evening, Dublin High School hosted its annual Back to School Night. As it applies to similar events at each and every elementary and middle school site, Back to School nights are an opportunity for families to become more familiar with their respective schools and staff. At Dublin High, however, the parents/guardians in attendance were treated to a momentous event. Prior to the general session, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted inside the new Student Union, Culinary Arts and Consumer Family Studies building.
Dublin High teacher and City of Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti served as the Master of Ceremonies. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, there were brief comments by Student Body Vice President, Luke Legins, Dublin Unified School District Board of Trustees President Greg Tomlinson, Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hanke and Principal Carol Shimizu. The ceremonial ribbon was then cut and the celebration began.
Student Body Vice President Luke Legins, “This brand new building is so much more than a cafeteria. It’s a place where students can come and not only eat lunch, but also connect their laptops to wireless Internet, enjoy watching TV on the flat screens, or socialize in a nice, tasteful environment. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve seen a lot more kids each lunch on campus, and take advantage of this facility. When I enter I definitely feel the sense of a college atmosphere. I personally think it changes the whole vibe of the school – it’s an amazing building.”
Dublin High School Students Excel on Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
Class of 2012 Valedictorian Andrew Song
Dublin High School’s Advanced Placement (AP) program built on the College Board developed curriculum provides college-bound students with the opportunity to experience college-level classes while in high school.
In all, 110 Dublin High students have been recognized for outstanding performance on standardized AP exams based on the most recent AP testing results (see full listing below).
Dublin High School 2012-13 Student Body President Manny Rubio on the results, “The teachers at Dublin High do a great job preparing students for college-level classes and the transition to the college curriculum. All of my friends who have gone to college have said how ready they were to be successful there because of what Dublin High School has done for them.
Dublin High School Class of 2011 graduate and City of Dublin 2010 Young Citizen of the Year Aslan Brown commented: “I have to give credit to all of my AP teachers, they definitely prepared us amazingly well. Thanks to the rigor of Dublin High School’s AP courses, I was able to enter UC Berkeley as a sophomore, I had 24 credits from my AP courses. AP courses are reflections of college courses and if a student wants to see if college is for them, because some people say ‘college is not for me’, AP courses give you an opportunity to try college while in high school. You’ll feel more confident – you’re that much more prepared going into college.”
OneDublin.org 