Reyes Elementary principal highlights reading, math growth and rising absenteeism at school showcase

Reyes Elementary Principal Alicia Reyes told the Merced City School District Board on March 11 that her school serves about 634 students (including preschool) and employs roughly 80 staff to support a range of programs, including special education and mobile therapy services.

Reyes said the school’s DPA2 results show 28% of students met typical growth in reading and 30% met it in math at midyear; kindergarten results were higher (about 40% reading, 45% math). "We are data‑driven," Reyes said, describing grade‑level differences and targeted teacher planning to address lower performing cohorts.

She outlined behavioral and attendance figures: 106 incidents recorded in the district’s ARIES system for her site at the time of the presentation, of which 93 were infractions and 13 were suspendable, and the site was using restorative practices to reduce out‑of‑school suspensions. Reyes said chronic absenteeism at the school was about 20% and described home visits, ParentSquare notifications, a daily SEL block (7:45–8:00 a.m.), and gate greetings as tactics to raise daily attendance.

Reyes described Reyes as an AVID school using small, regular professional development and data analysis to adjust instruction. She said staff take ‘‘little bites’’ to improve practice, restructure schedules where needed, and run frequent planning days. The principal also praised volunteers and student‑teacher placements as part of staffing support.

Board members thanked Reyes for emphasizing attendance and the visual reminders for families. Trustee Brooks noted the value of staff greeting students at arrival, and President Lacetti recognized volunteers who support morning routines.

The presentation concluded with applause; the board moved on to recognitions and other agenda items.