News Release
Contact: Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289
Two Los Angeles Unified Schools Honored
As Model Continuation High Schools
State Salutes Angel’s Gate and John R. Wooden Continuation High Schools
LOS ANGELES (March 8, 2021) – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recognized Angel’s Gate Continuation High School in San Pedro and John R. Wooden Continuation High School in Reseda as 2021 Model Continuation High Schools.
The two Los Angeles Unified schools are among 27 California schools honored for keeping at-risk students on track to succeed academically despite the challenges of remote learning.
“Nothing is more important for our school district than serving our high needs students well,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “Congratulations to the educators, staff, and families for this recognition of your hard work and continued commitment to learning!
“Being recognized as a model school is a result of the collaboration and dedication of staff and students who believe in the power of the transformative process that is alive at Wooden HS,” Principal Laura Novak said. “Our innovative programs and experiential learning provide students with a space for social-emotional growth, engaging students in their own lives and in their communities, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.”
“The Angel Gate High School family is truly honored to be recognized as a Model School,” Principal Paul Valanis said. “The unwavering contributions from all our stakeholders and the support of the District have been essential as we strive to provide a clean, safe, and rigorous environment for our students. Our unique character-based program and approach is grounded in championing each student academically, personally, and socially as they become college and career ready, earn a high school diploma, and become responsible, contributing global citizens.”
“Never give up on a student,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “Continuation schools provide a lifeline to students who need another chance, more support, and a different environment in order to stay on track and keep at it until they live up to their potential.”
“Every student has talent, gifts and a contribution to make,” Board Member Mónica García said. “I celebrate the staff and students being recognized for excellence and perseverance.”
“Congratulations to both of these outstanding high schools,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “I am especially proud of the accomplishments of John R. Wooden High School in Board District 3. Wooden provides a dynamic learning environment, led by an innovative teaching staff and a visionary principal, who prepare students for college and career with the support of many exciting community partnerships.”
“This crisis has exacerbated existing challenges and presented new obstacles, for many of our students,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We are proud of the extraordinary work these continuation high schools are doing to ensure that these hurdles don’t prevent their students from reaching their goals.”
“As a teacher, I learned there are many routes to academic success for a student,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “Continuation schools like Angel’s Gate and John R. Wooden make such a difference for students who found they needed a better path for them to stay in school to complete their high school education.”
“I’m so proud of our scholars, staff and entire Angel's Gate family in Board District 7,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition of your perseverance and high expectations."