C. J. Foss named new Calabasas principal

C. J. Foss Her experience as a certified International Baccalaureate theater arts teacher and the coordinator of a technology magnet school were just two of the reasons Catherine Jo (C.J.) Foss was hired as the new principal of Calabasas High School.

Las Virgenes Unified School District Superintendent Donald Zimring said Foss, who will replace former Principal Vince Jantz this fall, brings a perfect blend of experience to her new position.

In 2007, Las Virgenes forged a partnership with the four cities it serves to help pay for teacher training in technology while bond funding paid for upgrades in computer, projectors and other hardware.

"Technology is changing the way we do business, in and out of the classroom," Foss said. "As staff, students, parents and community members increase the use of technology, all stakeholders will be more efficiently connected and up-to-date."

Foss said that in addition to email, the high school website and phone communications, a counseling program called Naviance will allow students and parents to create and monitor a four-year college plan, register for classes online and receive current college information.

Technology, she said, will help teachers and students create "relevant, innovative and real-world projects that demand the use of real-world technology tools."

Foss started her career in education as an English and theater arts teacher at Taft High School in Woodland Hills. She moved to Birmingham High in Van Nuys in 1991 to develop a Visual and Performing Arts Academy and teach theater arts, stagecraft and Advanced Placement language arts.

"Art teaches critical thinking, communication skills, creativity, problem-solving and the hopes, dreams and values of all cultures," Foss said.

While still at Birmingham, Foss was certified to teach International Baccalaureate theater arts and English.

LVUSD will be introducing the IB program to Agoura High School next year. It takes two years to qualify for the program. District students may attend AHS in order to take IB classes, which are similar to advanced placement classes, "challenging students to think critically, communicate effectively and (synthesize) information," Foss said.

The classes "emphasize a global perspective and are offered as a series of courses designed to result in the student earning a Baccalaureate diploma in addition to their high school diploma," she said.

Foss became the coordinator of the Birmingham Communications/Technology Magnet, then assistant principal a t the school. Later, she accepted a district office job with L.A. Unified School District, developing small learning communities.

The learning communities, Foss said, are "schoolswithinschools, often organized around a career theme. They are a way to personalize education for students who may otherwise feel disconnected from school."

Although Calabasas High is a high-performing school, Foss said there are components to the small learning community movement that she may want to pursue.

"For example, increasing career awareness and providing students with mentors, tutors and advisers; making learning more meaningful by linking it to life experiences and community partnerships," she said.

Foss has spoken at educational forums throughout California, including the State Superintendent's High School Summit, On the Right Track Symposium and the Apple Education Forum.

"We are delighted to have Ms. C.J. Foss join the district and look forward to her contributions as the Calabasas High School principal to our community," Zimring said.