SCHOOL INFORMATION
El Camino School, located at 5020 San Simeon Drive, in Santa Barbara, is a K-6, Title I, elementary school. The school, a short distance from the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB), the Pacific Ocean and beautiful neighboring foothills, achieved the distinction of California Distinguished School in May 2002 & 2006. Current enrollment is approximately 318 students as well as 24 preschool students.
The El Camino Children's Center began it's seventh year on campus in the 2009 school-year. This is an income eligible, state preschool program, offered to four year olds. Three year olds may join the program if space is available.
El Camino has a high quality academic program, built around California State Standards. El Camino students also participate in the Character Counts program. This program is designed to help individuals build strong moral and ethical behaviors. Since the inception of this program, disciplinary reports have been reduced to a minimum. Fifth and sixth grade students who participate in the Leadership Council play an essential role in recognizing K-6 students who exhibit the different Character Count Pillars.
Teachers continue to use Study Island, an online program, to help students practice skills related to the State's Standards Based curriculum. Each student in grades 2-6 will be given a password that allows them to work on various skills at home, in the computer lab, library or classroom and during free time. Parents will be notified as to how their child can access the program at the beginning of each school year in September. In addition to their everyday studies and physical activities, El Camino students enjoy special programs in music, art, science and computer. Several of these programs have specialists who add an extra dimension to the overall school program.
Additionally, Responsive Classroom techniques, such as Morning Meetings and Interactive Daily Messages are designed to help students solve problems, to learn about logical consequences for behavior and to recognize the efforts of one another. Our grade 1 - 6 students practice recess before lunch.
Students in grades 3-6 have the opportunity to participate in the school band. This is a popular voluntary program where students meet before, during and after school to learn the various instruments. There is a beginning band led by Susannah Hoffman. In the 2006-2007 school year, El Camino added a drumline to its campus for fourth through sixth grade students. A nominal fee for the year allows interested students to participate in both a band practice and one sectional per week. More information can be obtained by contacting the El Camino office or Principal Kim Bruzzese directly.
For the past five years, El Camino has joined with UCSB to form a collaborative Polynesian Dance Troupe that meets throughout the year after school on Fridays to prepare for school events and has even been invited to perform at UCSB. Students in grades 1-6 are encouraged to participate.
Kindergarten through grade two students have the opportunity to join a beginning tap class led by Renate Conrad after school. A nominal fee provides an opportunity for students to learn beginning tap steps.
This year, 4th - 6th studens had the opportunity to participate in Future Scientists & Engineering of America (FSEA) and a LEGO Robotics Club.
Grade four through six students have the opportunity to learn different computer troubleshooting techniques, iMovie and Powerpoint tips, in Mr. Pigato's technology club that meets throughout the year.
Noon League is our popular seasonal sports program for upper grade students. Led by upper grade teachers and community volunteers, the students sign up to participate in football, basketball and soccer. Students are chosen from the various Noon League teams by their peers, to represent El Camino in cross-town games several times a year. Supporting the Noon League program is the popular Cheer Leading team. Open to students in grades 5 & 6, the students learn cheers, dance routines and have learned dance routines. We are looking for parents to help coordinate this program. The cheerleaders perform at both home-school events.
In February, Principal Kim Bruzzese, along with her father Jim Harvey, a retired Santa Barbara teacher, head up the school's track team. Fellow teachers join with Kim to meet with students after school to prepare them for a county-wide track meet in March and the upper grade GUSD All-Star Track Meet in April.
For further information about El Camino, please contact the school's principal, Kim Bruzzese: EMAIL MRS. BRUZZESE