St. Bernard High School (Los Angeles, California)

Infobox Public School
background = #f0f6fa
border = #ccd2d9
name = St. Bernard High School


motto =
established = 1956
type = Catholic school
religion =
head_name = Principal
head = Mr. Denis Munoz
city = Los Angeles, California
country = USA
campus = Urban residential area near Los Angeles International Airport
enrollment = 400
faculty =
class =
ratio =22:1
year =
SAT =
athletics = football, boys basketball, girls basketball, boys volleyball, girls volleyball, baseball, softball, golf, boys soccer, girls soccer
colors = Blue, Gold and White
mascot = Vikings
motto = Memorare Maria
homepage = [http://www.stbernardhs.com/ www.stbernardhs.com]

Saint Bernard High School is a four year (9-12), co-instructional, Catholic high school located in Playa Del Rey, California, which is in the West Los Angeles area. Its mission is "to send forth faith-filled, principled and knowledgeable young men and women by providing an exemplary college preparatory education rooted in Roman Catholic tradition." The school was founded in 1956. It is located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

The school is located next to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) across from Westchester High School.

History

Plans for Saint Bernard High School were begun in 1955 in response to the need for high schools in the Westchester-Playa del Rey area. Saint Bernard was founded as a four year, co-instructional, Catholic high school located at St. Anastasia School. It was at St. Anastasia that classes were held for one year prior to the completion of the present campus. On December 4, 1957, the present land site was blessed at a simple ceremony.

The school has undergone a series of changes in recent years. For one, the school has made strides in improving access to technology for students. The school has added a new computer lab for both the 2006 and 2007 school years. In the 2008-09 school year, a state-of-the art video production studio will be implemented to accommodate the interest of parents and students. A 7th period Academic Success Class (ASC)was developed in 2008 to ensure academic success for all students. In the fall of 2008, Academic Coach training was instituted to over 30 qualified juniors and seniors. The Academic Coaches work with students one-on-one and in teams during the 7th period. In addition, teachers post assignments and syllabi on the school's online portal, through Homelogic, allowing parents to access the site from any computer. The 21st century St. Bernard classroom disperses information using a variety of techniques and technologies throughout the the academic disciplines.

The current administrative team, led by Denis Munoz and his vice-principal Dr. Beth Polito, is attempting to stymie declining enrollment by implementing the AVEAS (Achieving Viking Excellence As Scholars) program. The program features Professional Learning Communities (PLCs); developing organizational skills for all students; integrating critical thinking; writing across the curriculum and more. Please see the school's website for a complete description.

As part of the new AVEAS program, faculty utilize authentic modes of assessment and various individual methodologies to meet the specific needs of individual students. Teacher competencies are held to the California standards for the teaching profession. Social development and physical growth occur in athletics and co-curricular activities. The school takes particular pride in its fine-arts program, presenting an annual spring musical that regularly includes over 50 students.

tudent body

The student body totals approximately 400 pupils from the surrounding areas of Westchester, Inglewood, Culver City, Ladera Heights, Venice, Baldwin Hills, etc. Currently, the ethnic breakdown is 57% African-American; 29% Latino and 10% Multi-racial and 4% being White/Asian/Other.

Notable alumni

Notable alumni of St. Bernard High School include:

* Kevin Chilton Class of 1972, Astronaut, 4-Star U.S.A.F. General
* Antonio Sabato, Jr. Class of 1991, actor, model
* Shireen Crutchfield Class of 1988, actor/model/singer (The Good Girls)
* Royce Clayton Class of 1988, baseball shortstop ( [Free Agent] )
* Sylvia Lopez Class of 1979, news anchor, KCAL 9, Los Angeles
* Michael Engh, S.J., class of 1968, recently selected president of Santa Clara University, effective Jan. 1, 2009.

References