mrmartinez.carpenterave.org

This week we received our data from last Spring’s California Standardized Test (CST) that students in grades 2-5 take annually. On the English Language Arts component of the test our students had outstanding results. Below is a listing of the percentage of proficient and advanced students for each grade level last year.
Second Grade – 88%
Third Grade – 76%
Fourth Grade – 89%
Fifth Grade – 80%

On the Mathematics portion of the test our students were just as impressive. Below is a listing of the percentage of proficient and advanced students for each grade level last year.
Second Grade – 90%
Third Grade – 76%
Fourth Grade – 89%
Fifth Grade – 82%

In the area of Science, only fifth grade students are tested. In 2009, we experienced an 11% increase in the number of students achieving the advanced level status.

Carpenter’s Academic Performance Index (API) score for 2009 is 912 (maximum score of 1,000). This is a 10 point gain over our 2008 score. Congratulations to all of our students, teachers, parents and community sponsors.

Today was the first day of school at Carpenter. New parents were invited to the annual New Parent Orientation in the auditorium after the school day had begun. Parents who attended the event were introduced to Carpenter’s new principal – Mr. Joseph Martinez, PTA president – Mr. Marc Johnston, PFC president – Cindy Abrams, and SSC/Learn president – Michellene DeBonis. These new parents were given an overview of each group’s work and contribution to the school. Parents were even given an opportunity to meet the staff of three after school programs that are available to Carpenter students. Special thanks to all of the parent representatives who made this meeting meaningful and informative for our new parents.

Dear Carpenter Community,

I am thrilled to be the principal of Carpenter Avenue Elementary School.

I bring with me 18 years of experience with LAUSD. I was a classroom teacher at Gridley Elementary School in San Fernando, where I taught for 10 years and also worked as a math coach for 4 years. In March of 2005, I became the EIS (Elementary Instructional Specialist) assistant principal at Balboa Gifted/High Ability Magnet in Northridge. In July of 2005, I became the EIS assistant principal on a part-time basis at two schools – Balboa Magnet and Primary Academy for Academic Success in Panorama City. Most recently, I enjoyed a two-year assignment as a generic assistant principal at Langdon Avenue Elementary in North Hills.

I am married and have two children – my son Nicolas is fourteen years old and my daughter, Sofia, is nine years old. My wife Carmen is also in education, teaching kindergarten at Bertrand Avenue Elementary School in Reseda.

I’m looking forward to getting to know the Carpenter community in the next few months. As we begin this new partnership together, I pledge to be of service to our school, to hold myself to the highest standard, and to always act in a manner that enhances our school community. I look forward to meeting all of you real soon.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sincerely,

Joe Martinez