Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year! I hope this newsletter finds you rested and ready for a new year. I am beginning my fifth year as principal of Carson High School and it continues to be a pleasure to work with the greatest kids, parents and staff in the South Bay.

This year will bring many changes to Carson High School. Due to budget cutbacks we have lost 14 teachers and one counselor. Class sizes will be much larger than in the past. Our teaching staff remains committed to giving every student the best education that is possible.

If you have driven past the school, you have noticed that the “landscaped hill” in front of the school has been removed. This is to make room for an annex to the administration building that will be built in that area. It should be completed in a year. Also included in the project are remodeling student restrooms to make them handicapped accessible, enlarging the oral arts room (OAR) and the covered eating area, and adding an extra wall to the serving and multi-purpose rooms to make them safer in the event of fire. The fire alarm system is also being completely modernized to current standards. This is all a result of the first two school construction bond measures that were passed by voters. These projects have been delayed for several different reasons and we are happy that they are finally under way.

State test scores are in from last May. Scores in English Language Arts increased and math scores generally stayed the same or decreased. The participation rate of the students was much improved over last year so we will be receiving an API score, but they have not been released as of this printing. More information will be forthcoming as it becomes available.

As always, you are encouraged to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. My phone number is (310) 847-6003 and my Email address is kkeen1@lausd.net.

Ken Keener

Principal

(310) 847-6003