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Building Character and Knowledge in Middle School

Educators at Day Creek Intermediate School realize that middle school is a unique moment in students’ academic, social and emotional lives. As Principal David Apodaca notes, “you have to respect the fact that this is a huge transition time in their lives … And if we don’t recognize that and respect that, then academic success will never come.” To support the needs of all students, this large and diverse middle school has implemented a program called Personally Achieving Character and Knowledge, or PACK – a daily embedded class period where all students received targeted enrichment, intervention, and social-emotional development.

Day Creek Building Character

Read the accompanying video Reflection Guide to help prompt further ideas for your school or district context.

Read a transcript of the Day Creek Intermediate School video.

Read Day Creek Intermediate School’s 2019 National Blue Ribbon School application.

School Information

Day Creek Intermediate School

Mr. David Apodaca

Principal at time of Nomination

12345 Coyote Drive
Etiwanda, CA 91739-9031
(909) 803-3300
Student Demographics 2019
Number of students 6-81288
Students eligible for subsidized meals29%
Students receiving special ed services8%
ELL Students5%
African American students6%
White students29%
American Indian or Alaska Native students1%
Asian students27%
Hispanic or Latino students33%
Student mobility rate3%