Cayucos Elementary School Scores High Assessment
Last month, the California Department of Education (CDE) released the 2025–26 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress.
The data reinforces Cayucos Elementary School’s standing as a top-performing elementary and middle school in San Luis Obispo County and among the highest-performing public schools across California.
“These assessment results reflect the incredible dedication, resilience, and growth mindset of our entire Cayucos school community,” said Superintendent Jen Gaviola. “Our teachers and paraeducators work tirelessly every day to foster an environment where every child feels supported to give their very best. This achievement is a true celebration of our hard-working students, our dedicated staff, and the invaluable partnership we share with our parents and families.”
The results show Cayucos students significantly outperforming statewide benchmarks across all subject areas. In English language arts (ELA), 69% of students met or exceeded standards (proficient/advanced), with only 10% scoring in the minimal proficiency band. The state average is 49.26% of students met or exceeded standards, while 29% scored in the minimal proficiency band.
In mathematics, 59.7% of students achieved proficient or advanced standing, with only 15% in the minimal proficiency band. The state average is 38.35% of students scored proficient or advanced, while 38% remained in the minimal proficiency band.
Beyond top-line proficiency rates, the data highlights significant progress in narrowing performance disparities among student groups across the district.
“What stands out most in this year’s assessment data is our progress in closing the achievement gap and ensuring that every student receives the targeted support they need to succeed,” stated Board President Daniel Puett. “The Board is immensely proud of our educators, staff, and leadership for maintaining an unwavering focus on academic excellence.”
“By maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios, providing individualized interventions, and keeping minimal proficiency numbers exceptionally low, such as just 3% in 8th-grade ELA, we are ensuring that no child falls behind,” added Superintendent Jen Gaviola. “Our focus remains squarely on student growth and equity. When we pair high academic standards with tailored instruction and strong school-home partnerships, every student has the tools they need to thrive.”
Estuary Restoration Project at Estero Bluffs Underway
California State Parks is constructing the Villa Creek Estuary Restoration Project at Estero Bluffs State Park to restore and enhance natural processes between Villa Creek and the adjacent wetland habitat, improving habitat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.
The project will restore the site by removing fill dirt and grading the area to restore flows between the creek and wetland and includes the placement of log structures to promote scour and provide habitat during storm events. The project will be completed by Kevin Fees Trucking & Construction and is estimated to be complete in December.
Once construction is complete, the California Conservation Corps will restore the site by seeding and planting more than 20,000 native plant species that have been collected from the project site and nearby park property.
For the safety of the public, the project area located between U.S. Highway 1 and the foredunes is closed to visitors; however, the trails to the beach and the beach itself will remain open during construction. Changeable message signs will be posted along U.S. Highway 1 alerting the public to potential traffic delays as fill dirt is hauled offsite during construction activities.
CHP Encourages Preparation for El Niño Driving
With forecasts predicting a strong El Niño weather pattern this winter season, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Coastal Division is urging residents to take proactive measures to prepare for heavy rainfall, potential coastal flooding, and hazardous roadway conditions.
“With El Niño bringing severe weather our way, keeping our coastal communities safe is our highest priority,” said Mike Alvarez, chief of the CHP Coastal Division, in a news release. “Preparation starts today, both at home and on the road. These storms can create sudden, dangerous driving conditions, so we are asking everyone to stay alert and slow down, so we all make it home safely.”
The CHP Coastal Division will actively monitor highway conditions and collaborating with allied local agencies and Caltrans to respond to weather-related incidents. To ensure safety on the roads, the CHP recommends the following wet-weather driving tips:
• Reduce Your Speed: Posted speed limits are designed for ideal, dry conditions. Reduce your speed significantly when roads are wet to maintain control of your vehicle.
• Increase Following Distance: Stopping distances increase drastically on wet pavement. Leave extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you to provide ample time to react and stop.
• Inspect Your Vehicle: Before the heavy rains begin, ensure your tires have adequate tread and are properly inflated. Replace worn windshield wipers and check that all vehicle lights are functioning.
• Turn on Your Headlights: California law requires drivers to have their headlights turned on whenever windshield wipers are in continuous use. This helps you see the road and helps other drivers see you.
• Avoid Sudden Movements: Accelerate and brake gently. Abrupt steering or hard braking can cause your vehicle to hydroplane and lose contact with the road surface. If you do begin to hydroplane, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
• Beware of Standing Water: Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. It only takes a few inches of flowing water to sweep a vehicle away. If you encounter a flooded road, remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
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