SAN DIMAS/LA VERNE – Chaparral-Vista High School was once again designated as a California Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education (CDE), recognizing the school for providing comprehensive services to at-promise students through exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services.

Chaparral-Vista was first designated as a Model Continuation High School in 2021. The award is sponsored by the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA+), which advocates for the betterment of alternative education, promotes the development of quality schools, and supports professional development of instructors. The designation is valid for three years, after which schools can reapply for the award.

“This is a tremendous honor, and reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire Chaparral-Vista team, which is focused on providing our students with a nurturing environment that will put them on the path toward graduation,” Chaparral-Vista principal Sean Casey said. “This wouldn’t be possible without passionate educators and students who realize the value of their education.”

CCEA+ representatives who came to Chaparral-Vista for the designation visit were greatly impressed with the way students walked with purpose to their classes, as if they were on a mission to educate themselves. The representatives were equally surprised there were no stragglers returning to class.

CCEA+ reps also praised Chaparral-Vista’s approach to socio-emotional learning through its Serenity spaces. Chaparral-Vista students who are feeling overwhelmed in class can request to go to a Serenity space, where they can speak with a mental health counselor or just take time to relax and heal, before going back to class.

Former Chaparral-Vista culinary teacher Ben Pando returned to campus to provide CCEA+ visitors with a pizza lunch, prepared and served by culinary students. CCEA+ representatives complimented the students on their organization and professionalism, and were dazzled by Pando’s teaching template, which uses a whiteboard to illustrate all the steps needed to prepare a five-star meal.

“We receive calls from other schools wanting to learn more about our culinary program,” Casey said. “Even one of our CCEA+ representatives contacted me to find out more information on how to implement the curriculum in other schools. We are very proud of our program.”

This is Casey’s first year as principal at Chaparral-Vista after serving for two years as the school’s Dean of Students. Like his predecessor, Christine Black, who retired at the end of the 2022-23 school year, Casey is continually searching for ways to provide programs and activities that keep Chaparral-Vista students motivated to come to class and develop a love for learning.

“Chaparral-Vista High School has a team of dedicated and diligent educators, who will do whatever they can to help a student live their purpose,” Bonita Unified Superintendent Matt Wien said. “Congratulations to Sean Casey and his amazing staff on being designated once again as a Model Continuation High School.”

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BUSD_CHAPVISTA_MCHS: Chaparral-Vista High School has been named a 2024 Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education, celebrating the school’s exemplary instructional strategies and commitment to student achievement.