Verdugo Hills High School WASC Self-Study Page 1

Verdugo Hills High School WASC/CDE Self-Study ReportThe VHHS library and media center has twenty-one Internet readycomputers for students to use to type essays, conduct research online, makePowerPoint presentations, and correspond with teachers to verify homeworkor assignments. Students have access to free LAUSD email accounts ifrequested by students or teachers. There are also three printers in thelibrary that students may use. Students may use any of the resources beforeand after school, during lunch and recess, and during class time if they havea pass from their teacher.Finally, the library supports independent reading requirements through theuse of Reading Counts, frequently updated displays, clear signage, andpurchasing books recommended by teacher to support or supplementclassroom instruction (when funds are available).LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOMVHHS offers their student population a wide variety of opportunities toparticipate in extracurricular activities that expand the school curriculum andencourage student inquiry. All students must complete a service learningproject and must provide proof of their completion by the end of their senioryear as it is a graduation requirement. Teachers incorporate manyopportunities for students to complete this requirement in classes. Forexample, in the Humanitas School of Law and Justice, students canparticipate in Operation DVD, which is a collection drive for DVDs that areeventually sent to service personnel. The female students in Humanitas alsohave the opportunity to participate in Brownie Pen Pals Service LearningProject, where they act as mentors for a local Girl Scout Troop by writingletters over a course of a year.The fifty-nine teachers whom were surveyed constantly make themselvesavailable to their students. Of those surveyed, 29% participated in tutoringafter school, 23% participated in extracurricular activities, and 38%responded to student and parent emails regarding grades, classassignments, and general questions about their courses.Other successful programs that provide support base for students includeProject Impact and Peer Counseling, which help students who have problemseither at home or at school. The Peer Counselor assigns each Peer MentorVerdugo Hills High School WASC Self-Study Page 134