Chatsworth High School established an exciting new academic program in the spring
semester of 2004. The program began with forty ninth grade students who were selected from over one hundred fifty students
recommended by teachers and counselors.
The criteria for selection included good attendance and the potential
to achieve, regardless of whether that potential is currently being realized.
The purpose of CUPA is
to create a more intimate learning environment that is better equipped to address the needs of the students it serves. "CUPA kids" have common classes that will continue as students move into their sophomore, junior
and senior years. In addition to teachers who will confer about their progress, students will have the support of the Intervention
Office and will meet regularly with advisors who will monitor their achievement.
This smaller learning community will allow students, parents, and teachers
to have better communication, create more opportunities for collaboration, and allow meaningful relationships to be fostered.
CUPA will provide the following:
-
A consistent educational experience for students
-
A cohesive group of caring teachers, counselors and mentors who collaborate
and discuss the needs of their students
-
A sense of empowerment and investment in the school
- Involvement of families in the school community
In large part, the success of CUPA depends
on the active involvement of parents in their children's education.
The essential role of parents includes daily monitoring of homework
and assignments, regular communication with teachers, counselors, and the CUPA
office, checking progress reports every five weeks, and attending parent meetings.
CUPA events for the school year
will include CUPA family dinners, parent workshops, student field trips, and academic counseling sessions with Chatsworth
High School counselors.
