LOWER LAKE— All students can learn and grow – this is the belief that drives Konocti Unified School Districts’ pursuit to have every student gain one or more year’s growth in one year’s time. Becky Salato, the new Superintendent for Konocti, shares the belief that everyone can learn and it is one of the aspects that attracted her to Lake County. Becky has over 25 years’ experience in education as a general education and special education teacher; as an elementary and secondary principal; as a director of instruction support services; and was the Chief Operating Officer for Action Systems Learning, an education reform company focused on increasing student achievement. In researching districts and during the interview process for superintendent, Becky sensed that Konocti “had a heart for kids,” and is excited to involve the community, staff, and students to ensure everyone is moving forward together.
Konocti Unified demonstrates a “heart for kids” through the variety of programs, services, and offerings for students. At the elementary level, after school enrichments, district sponsored science camp, elementary counselors and a full summer program are all offered to provide a well-balanced educational experience both academically and socially. On a typical after school day, one can walk on an elementary campus to find students taking cooking, computer program, clogging/dance, gardening, crocheting, yearbook, fishing and life skills classes. Classes are taught by teachers and community members that offer new experiences beyond academics and allow students to build positive relationships while being creatively engaged.
The secondary schools emphasize a rigorous academic experience by focusing on College and Career Readiness. Career and Technical Education (CTE) program offerings include the Agriculture program, Culinary, Law Enforcement, Medical Internships and more through the Lower Lake High School and Konocti Education Center course schedules. Konocti is proud to have partnered with Woodland College in securing a Middle College grant that allows high school students attending Konocti Education Center to enroll in college-level courses that apply towards their high school credits and graduation. It is now possible for students in Konocti Unified School District to graduate high school with an Associate’s Degree! All of the college courses and textbooks are free for high school students which reduces the financial burden for families interested in having their children go to college.
Staff are instrumental in establishing a district culture that values positive relationships, provides quality first instruction and reinforces the belief that all kids can learn and grow. Staff do this by participating in collaboration meetings and professional development that focus on student learning. By continuing to ask the questions, A) “What are you learning?” B) “Where are you in your learning?” and C) “What is next in your learning?”, the focus remains on student learning and student growth.
