It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to the Providencia Elementary School Web Site. When you visit our school, you will find a place where teachers provide a high quality instructional program in a caring environment. We have a relatively small student body, with fewer than four hundred children. This enables our staff to work closely with families and students as partners in the educational experience.

Providencia has a culturally diverse student body. We take tremendous pride in how individual differences are respected and valued and how we all work together to form a cohesive and thriving school community. Along with our highly dedicated staff, strong parental involvement, exciting enrichment programs, and a safe student centered environment, cultural diversity is one of the hallmarks of our identity and our success.

Our staff members are known for our tireless dedication to working with parents and students to assure that each student's educational program is individualized to meet his/her needs. Student assessment data drives our rigorous academic program, in which all students work to meet grade level standards. Researched based practices are implemented to assure optimal student performance. In 2010 we earned the honor of being named a California Distinguished School, and the following year we were given the Title 1 Achievement Award to recognize our efforts in closing the achievement gap. We are also the only school in Burbank Unified to receive a 10 out of 10 on the Similar Schools Ranking put out by the state of California! It is clear that our instructional practices are working. However, as professional educators, we are always looking to improve. This year, with our highly focused Response to Intervention (RTI) program, along with all of our research based instructional practices, we are sure to continue to make gains in student achievement.

In addition to our instructional program, our school hosts a wide variety of interesting and exciting events and programs. In addition to our annual Harvest Festival and Spring Carnival, students, families and staff members look forward to events such as the Community Read-In, Literature Week, Outdoor Science School, Art Day, Jog A Thon, Dr. Seuss Night, and our many holiday programs and concerts. We have very active and involved PTA, Boosters, and ELAC organizations. There are many opportunities for family members to get involved at Providencia. We love having parents on campus as we treasure our volunteers!

It is important to note that Providencia has had a long history of community business partnership. Our long standing relationship with companies like Disney Studios, Warner Brothers, Logix Credit Union, and COSTCO provide the students with additional valuable services and resources. We are the only elementary school in Burbank Unified to have a comprehensive K-5 weekly music program. This is only possible because of our partnership with Education Through Music-LA and VH-1 Save the Music Foundation. All students receive weekly general music instruction and our 4th and 5th graders get to self select either the violin or the cello. Once in 5th grade, students have the opportunity to participate in an after school orchestra. We are so fortunate to have partners that help provide outstanding opportunities for our children!

I invite all parents and community members to become actively involved in the education of our children. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,

Jen Culbertson

Principal