Principal's Message

Dear Families,

The start of a new school year is always a fantastic time. There is so much energy, optimism, and excitement with a new beginning. As you have read in the letter from Twin Rivers Unified School District Superintendent Frank Porter, this is a new beginning in many ways for us as well. It is with this same level of anticipation and opportunity that I look forward to meeting those of you new to Foothill Farms Junior High School. I’m also looking forward to continuing and building upon the relationship already established with those of you returning for a second year.

We are preparing for a wonderful 2008 – 09 school year at Foothill Farms Junior High School and look forward to working with you. Wednesdays are a “late start day,” with school beginning at 10:45 a.m. This later start time allows instructional staff to meet and discuss how to improve the level of instruction that we deliver each week. School hours for Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays will be 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

I would also like to let you know that Back to School Night is scheduled for Thursday, August 28th from 6 to 8 pm. If there is anything that we can do to assist you, please feel free to contact us at (916) 286–1400.

Sincerely,
Jeff James
Principal

Our Mission

We at Foothill Farms Junior High School will enthusiastically provide an environment that fosters lifelong learning and empowers all students to attain their highest personal growth and academic mastery.

Our Campus

• Core standards-based academics in areas of English, Math, Science and Social Studies.
• Exemplary GATE Program.
• Extensive Fine Arts Program, including Symphonic Band and Advanced Art.
• AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) – A college readiness program with a focus on scholastic advancement and college success
• Extensive technology, including five computer labs.
• Renaissance – A motivational program which rewards and recognizes achievements and improvements in grades, attendance and citizenship.
• TECH Yes – All seventh-graders have access to this program that utilizes five computer labs resulting in Computer Certification for Students. The program meets federal requirements for computer literacy by the end of the eighth-grade.
• Videoconferencing to connect various classrooms in the district and in other countries.
• Library has approximately 11,000 volumes, computer workstations, electronic card catalogue and multimedia presentation stations and videoconference equipment.
• Athletics - Flag football, volleyball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer.

Our Students

English Language Learners acquire English at a more proficient rate than their counterparts statewide.

Student Enrichment

In addition to having a Science Club, Foothill Farms participates in the Jason Project, an international, interactive multimedia science education program.

Faculty

Teachers have an average of 19 years of experience. Approximately 50 percent hold a master’s degree and eight teachers are GATE certified.

Parental Participation Opportunities

School Site Council, PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association), ELA - English Learners Advisory Council, GATE Parent Teacher Advisory Committee.