Principal’s corner – Fall, 2007

On behalf of the Branham High School and Campbell Union High School District staff, welcome to Branham High School. Branham is a comprehensive high school of about 1450 students that offers a full array of course options designed to meet the interests and academic needs of all students.  A broad range of athletic and extra curricular opportunities are also available to create a complete high school experience for your son or daughter.

California Distinguished School - In April, 2007 Branham was recognized as a California Distinguished School, a notable accomplishment that reflects several years of dedicated effort by the students, teachers, staff and the community. During the current school year the school has plans to continue several projects to ensure continued growth and school improvement. Considerable work was done this summer by the teachers who worked on the curriculum guide drafts that will enable teachers to collaborate more effectively and use benchmark assessments to monitor student progress throughout the school year. Many more teachers and departments are helping students improve their learning skills by incorporating research based strategies into their daily lessons and units.

The school district continues to support Branham by enhancing its technology network to improve communications and to give teachers more instructional options in the classroom. At least a third of older, student-use computers we will be replaced with powerful new ones, and the number of student-use computers will be increased. We will also be adding a secure wireless network in order to make the use of wireless laptops in the school possible at any time. 

New Guidance Advisors – Please welcome Ms. Loan LyLisa and Ms. Jennifer Herlihy to the guidance office. We are also fortunate to have these experienced guidance advisors join Branham’s staff. Ms. Ly comes to Branham after working in a similar position in Carmel, and Ms. Herlihy returns to the Bay Area after living and working in Southern California. Ms. Martin-Aguilera has moved from the Guidance Office to Deans’ Office, where she will continue to support Branham students in their varying needs.

Throughout this web site you will find more detailed information about the varied aspects of the high school, and contact information for teachers and administrators. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns.

  

Schoolloop – This is Branham’s second full year of implementing an internet based communication tool to help keep students, parents and school staff in easy communication with one another. If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to register and begin using this valuable resource. Branham has had incredible success with this program, and has the most teacher and student use of any school of its size.

Parent Involvement – Thank you to the several hundred parents who attended Branham’s Back to School Night on September 22. We are happy to have so many parents involved in their students’ education. Parents, please feel welcome to get involved in your school. Mark these dates on your calendar:

• Music Boosters meeting – Thursday, September 6 at 7:00 in the cafeteria
• Home and School Club meeting – Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00 in the school library.
• Sports Boosters – Thursday, September 13 at 7:00 in the school library.
• Latino Parent Group – TBA
• Branham Parent Workshops – Tuesday and Wednesday, October 2 & 3 in the school library. At this workshop school deans will present material on how parents can best access the school and community resources available to support their students during their high school years.

Be sure to check the Activities Calendar for ongoing athletic, music and arts activities.