On Monday, April 11, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, visited the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD). Superintendent Thurmond was welcomed at the CNUSD Parent Center where he met with district administrators, educators, and students.
As part of the morning’s visit, Superintendent Thurmond visited Raney Intermediate to learn about the Raney ROCKS mentorship program which is aimed at transforming school culture and was recognized by the California School Board Association (CSBA) with a Golden Bell Award in Oct. 2021. Learn more about the Raney ROCKS program below.
About Raney ROCKs
Raney ROCKs is a series of programs at Raney Intermediate School aimed at transforming school culture. It was developed to address the behavioral needs and to decrease a high suspension rate. The program includes student mentor programs, school-wide social emotional lessons, all staff restorative practice training, and school-wide community building circles. Together, these programs have brought forth student engagement and a sense of community on the Raney Intermediate campus.
After a three-year implementation, statistics show a decrease in suspensions and chronic absenteeism. At the inception of the program in the 2017-2018 school year, Raney Intermediate had a 15.4% suspension rate with many repeat students. Since implementing this comprehensive program, the suspension rate has dropped 12.4% from 15.4% in 2017-18 to 3% in 2020-21.
“The District is so proud of the comprehensive work Raney Administration, educators and community partners have done in order to see a vital shift in the culture of this school,” said CNUSD Superintendent Dr. Sam Buenrostro. “This is
what successful implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports provides for our students: a positive school culture which sets all students up for success.”
After thorough research and planning, a mentoring program was developed. The goal of Raney ROCKS was to create a culture on campus where students and parents felt safe and connected to school and staff. The focus on building relationships became the foundation of the program. Student mentors became an important part of building the program and were instrumental in de-escalating issues as they happened and a part of the restorative process with other students and staff.
Rescue a Generation
Raney collaborated with an outside organization, Rescue a Generation, for the past two years to help students escape the traps of their own mindsets, circumstances, and environments. This program supports at-risk students to make decisions that will guide them on a more productive path and perform at a higher level. Raney Success Club students meet with Rescue a Generation twice a week. Students in Success Club are selected through data review as well as staff recommendations. Success Club supports students through a coaching process, meeting them where they are to help them to become successful. The program includes goal-setting, breaking barriers that are hindrances, and connecting them with the right people in order to achieve success in every area of their lives. Students in Success Club have shown an increase in GPA, school engagement, and participation.
The Four Traits
The four traits of the Raney ROCKs program are: Respect, Ownership, Commitment and Kindness. Raney ROCKs! and You ROCK! are now common phrases heard around campus. Raney has revamped school wide expectations to align with Respect, Ownership, Commitment, and Kindness in the classroom, in the community, and at any activities where students are representing Raney.