School Accountability Report Card

Foothill School, located in Santa Barbara, CA, is one of nine elementary schools in the Goleta Union School District. The Goleta Union School District (GUSD) the Goleta Valley, a suburban community of 80,000 people that includes the newly formed City of Goleta and a large unincorporated area. The area is known for its cultural, academic, and recreational opportunities, as well as its mild climate.

Our campus is comprised of two schools, Foothill Elementary and Goleta Family School (GFS), both are part of the Goleta Union School District (GUSD) and we serve 465 students. Foothill Elementary is a traditional school that serves students in grades K-6. GFS is a school of choice within GUSD and students who are within the GUSD boundaries can apply to attend. Together, we envision a school that educates the whole child; where parents, teachers, and students work as a team to meet the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of all children through consistent communication, timely information, and shared knowledge.

As part of the Goleta Union School District whose mission is to maximize academic, intellectual, and personal growth in order for each student to prosper in, and positively influence, a diverse and dynamic world, the Foothilll/GFS Elementary Schools aligns with the district mission. We envision maximizing student capacity through educating the whole child. Our school mission, then, is to create a safe learning environment that addresses the needs of the whole child.

We use a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to ensure all children learn. Our Single School Plan reflects several goals- to increase of our students' reading proficiency with a specific focus on English Learners (EL) as well as students' perceived climate conditions. We monitor our progress using local and state assessments that include, Smarter Balanced, CELDT, ADEPT, DIBELS, BPST, RenSTAR, CCSS aligned mathematic unit assessments and perception surveys.
While we are extremely proud of our academic strengths and accomplish this through coordinated, collaborative efforts, we are also proud of our ability to educate the whole child. A combination of committed dedicated staff, involved supportive parents, and motivated engaged students leads to positive experiences and relationships. Together, we spark intellectual development, community, and lifelong learning. More important, together we make an incredible difference in the lives of our children.

As a district, GUSD offers a stimulating and challenging instructional program and school environment with a capable and articulate professional staff. Many teachers, classified employees, and administrators have enjoyed long careers with GUSD. The staff is skilled at working to develop individual student potential by providing basic skills and problem solving strategies. Every GUSD school offers programs in technology, music, art, and physical education as well as differentiated instruction for identified gifted students during the school day. Every GUSD school has a computer center and all classrooms and offices have Internet access.

The Board of Trustees has defined the strategic direction for the District and the schools through a comprehensive Strategic Plan and Local Accountability Plan, which are available on the District’s website. The aspirations of the Goleta Union School District for each student are reflected in the following core components of the Strategic Plan:

Vision
Powerful Instruction
Purposeful Individualization
Productive Partnerships
Solid Evidence of Student Success

Mission
The Mission of the Goleta Union School District is to maximize academic, intellectual, and personal growth in order for
each student to prosper in, and positively influence, a diverse and dynamic world.

Shared Values and Beliefs
Success for every student
Effort, perseverance, and responsibility
Learning beyond the basics
Safe, healthy, and secure environments
Teamwork, partnership, and respect
High-quality services
Best instructional practices
Equity of experience