Message from the Principal

Ronald McNair Middle School is a 6th through 8th grade middle school with approximately 240 students. Ninety-eight percent of all students reside in East Palo Alto, a small community approximately two square miles. The city stands apart from its neighboring communities. Many of the nearby cities such as Palo Alto and Menlo Park are defined by the many successful businesses, expensive properties, and high performing schools that they include. East Palo Alto, on the other hand, has historically been a working-class, economically disadvantaged community where approximately 70%-90% of district students are on the free or reduced lunch program.

Over the last eight years, Ronald McNair Middle School has increased its API scores each year (from 384 to 659). During the last 4 years, Ronald McNair has met its national AMO. Despite this, most of the students at Ronald McNair continue to exhibit significant growth; however, still the vast majority of students perform well below proficiency and advance in math and reading on the CST(s); the school continues to focus on increasing the proficiency of students in math and reading.

The guiding principles to support this effort are the 3Rs: Results- Aim for high expectations and achievement through the process of assessing and monitoring students work Relationships- Build collaborative relationships among staff, students, parents, and community to improve student achievement, Responsibility- Create a system of accountability that is responsive to students, parents, staff, and community. As in the past, Ravenswood School District will continue to focus on academic strategies needed to increase student achievement and, data analysis to improve instructional practices. To this end, each school will develop a plan that reflects the district's vision, services, and goals to meet the needs of all students.

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