- For more information about SARC requirements, see the California Department of Education (CDE) SARC web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/sa/.
- For more information about the LCFF or LCAP, see the CDE LCFF web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/lc/.
- For additional information about the school, parents/guardians and community members should contact the school principal or the district office.
DataQuest
California School Dashboard
Mr. Steven Patterson, Principal
- Principal, Oak Mesa Elementary
About Our School
Built in 1990, Oak Mesa rests at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. In what used to be an orchard growing community of La Verne, Oak Mesa is surrounded by mature oak trees. Entering campus, one’s focus is immediately turned to colorful tiles, designed by students. The tradition dates back to the first promoting class, where fifth graders design tiles as part of a continuous mural. Each morning, students are greeted by their Principal and custodian, receiving words of encouragement to begin their day.
The Oak Mesa staff is one of the most dedicated, collaborative, and innovative staff one will find, creating a high performing school that was the recipient of the California Distinguished School Award in 2008, 2012, and 2020. Although state assessments have changed over time, Oak Mesa’s growth in scores and parent involvement have not. Parents assist classrooms in various ways such as centers, reading and math support, hands on projects, serving as guest speakers, attending field trips, and more. As a result of Oak Mesa’s welcoming nature towards students and families and the meaningful connections made, Oak Mesa continues to be a destination school with roughly 41% of our student population coming from outside our school residence.
Oak Mesa has implemented a reading incentive program where classes are awarded certificates based on the number of words read. Students who read and pass Accelerated Reader quizzes can earn individual certificates, buttons, and coupons towards restaurants within the local community. Each Monday morning, the Principal celebrates the accomplishments, presenting awards to students and classes. Each trimester, students who have met their reading goals are recognized in the form of an assembly. In addition to the reading goals, students who demonstrate Character Traits in the areas of Trustworthiness, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Citizenship, and Perseverance are celebrated. Students who exhibit Character Traits may be given Proud Owl tickets where a prize can be selected in the office. Each week, students in grades three through five demonstrate Character Traits, serving as mentors and helpers to our students in Kindergarten through second grade. The mentors assist younger students with reading, research projects, technology and more.
There are several after school opportunities for Oak Mesa students to extend their educational program. In years prior to the current pandemic, students have been invited to join after school programs such as Science, Chess Masters, Young Rembrandts art classes, and enrichment activities. In addition, there have often been teacher sponsored after school classes for students such as Code Masters where students learn how to code and compete in competitions amongst other classmates.
During the current year, Oak Mesa has found safe opportunities for students to still participate in enrichment activities as well as receive extra support with teachers at the end of the school day. Other after school classes that are currently offered are in choir and band where students not only learn to appreciate music, but have the opportunity to perform in our district’s acclaimed, Bonita Center of the Arts. One of Oak Mesa’s most anticipated programs that we plan to bring back in the 2022-2023 school year is attending a four-day science camp in the Big Bear area as fifth graders. Not only do students learn concepts that support Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), but actively participate in team building exercises, encouraging one another while creating bonds and lifelong friendships.
While Oak Mesa is known to be a high performing school with a very active, supportive, and generous Parent Teacher Association (PTA), it is important to offer students opportunities to engage in fun activities with their peers and families. At Oak Mesa, students, family members, and staff enjoy the numerous school functions that are scheduled throughout the school year. Trunk or Treat, Winter Family Fun Night, Talent Show, and the school carnival are some of the most popular events sponsored by the PTA.
Along with strong academics and fun-filled events, the cultural backgrounds and social-emotional health are a major focus of Oak Mesa’s staff. Our district’s LCAP supports this focus as each elementary school employs a 50% certified mental health counselor. Oak Mesa’s mental health counselor gives class presentations on how to treat one another as well as guide students to understand, accept, and love themselves. In addition, our mental health counselor works with students both individually and in small groups. For students needing emotional and social attention, our mental health counselor and librarian work with students during lunchtime, playing games, sharing, and making arts and crafts. Our mental health counselor also assists students who may be facing cultural challenges. Because of his welcoming nature and years of experience, he has made tremendous connections with students and families.
Oak Mesa students have the necessary tools to succeed. Through PTA donations and a District commitment towards equity, all students are equipped with 1:1 Chromebooks. In addition, the District furnishes each classroom with a teacher computer, overhead projector, document camera, and Smartboard. Finally, Oak Mesa has the rare benefit of having a science lab building with workstations and supplies to perform NGSS lessons. Our commitment and instruction in NGSS has set a standard for elementary schools within the district.
Contact
Oak Mesa Elementary5200 Wheeler Ave.
La Verne, CA 91750-1546
Phone: 909-971-8209
Email: patterson@bonita.k12.ca.us