Orange, CA – November 8, 2019 – Out of ten schools nationwide, two Orange Unified schools have been recognized as Distinguished National Best Practice Showcase Sites by Paxton/Patterson. Cerro Villa and Yorba Middle School received this distinction for their exceptional STEM and College & Career Readiness Labs. This honor also recognizes the exemplary leadership and educational effectiveness of Principal Lisa Ogan and STEM/College & Career Ready Lab Teacher Daniel Baker at Cerro Villa and Principal Sandra Preciado-Martin and STEM/College & Career Ready Lab Teacher Todd Roth at Yorba.
The STEM labs at Cerro Villa and Yorba utilize the Paxton/Patterson ActionLABS program, which offers ten days of instruction in 18 Integrated Instructional Units: Alternative Energy; Audio Communications; Computer Aided Drafting; Computer Graphics & Animation; Digital Manufacturing; Digital Music; Electricity & Electronics; Energy & Power; Flight Technology; Forensic Science; Laser Technology; Materials Processing; Mechanisms; Pneumatics; Research & Development; Robotics; Structural Engineering; and Video Production. The program delivers a contemporary curriculum of technological content and scientific inquiry through the balanced use of multimedia, video and hands-on activities.
The College & Career Readiness Labs also offer customizable, hand-on learning opportunities for robust career exploration aligned with business and industry standards. Sixteen Career Clusters are offered: Biomedical Engineering; Design & Marketing; Emergency Medical Technician; Family & Friends; Home Maintenance Systems; Hospitality & Tourism Management; Intro to Child Development; Intro to Computer Science; Intro to Culinary Arts; Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness; Math in the Kitchen; Nursing; Personal Finance; Science in the Kitchen; Sports Medicine; and Veterinary Medicine.
“We’re proud and excited to be offering these amazing programs and opportunities to our students at Cerro Villa,” said Principal Lisa Ogan. “We strive to be at the forefront of innovation in academic success. Our STEM and College & Career Labs are shining examples.”
A presentation will be made to the Orange Unified Board of Education by Paxton/Patterson Vice President Roland R. Johnson, Jr. at the December meeting.
Best Practice Showcase Sites are visually appealing campuses that host visitors and demonstrate effective deployment of the Paxton Content Learning Management System. Visiting educators can get a first-hand look at STEM implementation in action, including students working with the Paxton/Patterson Integrated Instructional Units.
Take a virtual tour of Yorba's Labs!