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Jesse G. Sanchez Elementary reports attendance gains, ELPAC reclassification push and new after‑school supports
Summary
Principal Genaro Anaya told the board that Jesse G. Sanchez Elementary has 631 students, 72% classified as English learners, improved attendance (93% to 96%) and a drop in chronic absenteeism, and described new site programs including an ELPAC Academy and partnerships with Rubio's Foundation and Brighter Bites.
Principal Genaro Anaya presented a school‑site update for Jesse G. Sanchez Elementary at the Jan. 29 board meeting, describing enrollment, program mix, reclassification goals and student supports.
"My name is Genaro Anaya and I am the principal of Jesse Sanchez Elementary School," Anaya said at the start of his presentation. He told trustees the school serves preschool through sixth grade and reported total enrollment of 631 students. Anaya said the school offers 12 one‑way bilingual classes, 11 English classes, two structured English immersion classes and three moderate‑to‑severe special day classes.
Anaya highlighted English learner statistics: 72% of the school's students are classified as English learners (448 students), with 71 students previously reclassified as fluent and 11 classified as initial fluent. He said school staff identified 91 English learners who met Lexile criteria for reclassification and that the school has started an after‑school "ELPAC Academy" (more than 80 students enrolled) to support students who need a level 4 on the ELPAC to complete reclassification.
On attendance, Anaya said the school's yearly attendance improved from 93% to 96% in 2023–24 and chronic absenteeism fell from 19% to 9.6%. He credited an incentives program and an attendance task force; the school partners with Rubio's Foundation, which donates 14 bicycles each trimester for raffle prizes for students with perfect attendance.
Anaya and assistant principal Magdaleno described schoolwide systems including PBIS (positive behavior interventions and supports), a wellness and counseling team that provides tiered supports and several extended learning options: a before‑school program, after‑school enrichment in arts and STEM, and sports for upper grades. The site also partners with Brighter Bites to provide fresh produce twice monthly and nutrition lessons.
Why this matters: The site presentation showed measurable gains in attendance and a targeted program to accelerate English learner reclassification. The ELPAC Academy and intervention structures are intended to move students through the district reclassification criteria and improve instructional outcomes.
Trustees thanked the principal and staff for the presentation; several trustees accepted an invitation to the school's Feb. 7 assembly honoring the school's namesake.
