Ramona Elementary students, staff recognized at board meeting

Ramona Elementary principal Maria Barrow and members of her staff presented highlights from their school at the Oxnard School District board meeting on Feb. 4,

Barrow said Ramona uses whole‑group and targeted small‑group instruction and that the site runs a 50/50 English–Spanish dual‑immersion program. She credited intentional small‑group supports, flexible groupings and targeted interventions for improvements in STAR reading and math data compared with last year.

Yesenia Cedillo, the school's outreach/community coordinator, described attendance strategies that emphasize relationship‑building rather than compliance: morning check‑ins, attendance lunch groups that include peers with strong attendance as role models, and themed celebrations to reinforce positive habits. School counselor Claudia Martinez described reduced office referrals after a targeted emphasis on restorative conversations, social‑emotional lessons and small‑group supports.

Board members praised the presentations and presented certificates of appreciation to student leaders and collaborators. Multiple students answered brief questions about what they enjoy at Ramona — friends, extracurricular activities and inclusive school groups.