Joel J Hidahl Elementary School

Welcome to the Empire Union School District website. Our district is composed of four elementary schools serving grades Kindergarten - 6, one elementary school serving grades Kindergarten - 8, and one middle school serving grades 7 & 8. This website is designed to provide information and links to district policies, procedures, and activities. The Empire Union School District has developed a reputation for outstanding programs to provide students with the skills and experiences they will need for future success. We have a staff comprised of dedicated and talented teachers, administrators and support personnel all working together to provide an excellent educational experience for our students. We have worked hard to develop, deliver, and assess our instructional programs to meet the individual learning needs of all students. Students experience challenging standards-based core instructional programs in Reading/Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Science as well as educational opportunities in music, arts, and physical education. In addition, students receive support in the form of counseling services, character education, and anti-drug and anti-bullying programs. We are proud to announce that both Capistrano and Sipherd Schools join Alice Stroud Elementary as having earned California Distinguished School designations. Empire Elementary and Capistrano have also received Golden Bell Awards from the California School Boards Association for outstanding and innovative programs for students. Empire Elementary and Bernard Hughes Schools have received designation as High Performing Title One Schools. The district recognizes the important role parents play in the education of their children and the need for an active partnership between home and school. In addition, we partner with city and community leaders, businesses and higher education institutions which support our efforts to provide an outstanding educational experience for our students. As I visit schools, it is exciting for me to see students actively engaged in learning and enthusiastic teachers and support personnel who truly care about their students. Working together we can fulfill our mission to inspire students to think, learn, achieve, and care. Dr._Robert_Price began his tenure as Superintendent of the Empire Union School District July 1, 1993. Prior to coming to Empire, Dr._Price served as Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services in the Tracy Unified School District. His other administrative experiences include positions as a Middle School Principal and Assistant Principal, also in Tracy. Dr._Price began his career as a middle school teacher in the Turlock School District. He holds a BS Degree in Child Development from CSU, Hayward, an MA Degree in School Administration and Supervision from CSU, Hayward, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Curriculum from the University of the Pacific. Dr._Price is the 2008 recipient of the Ferd Kiesel Memorial Distinguished Service Award, presented by the Association of California School Administrators. This award is the highest honor this association can present to an individual. He is also the current President of the California League of Middle Schools, an organization dedicated to the support and reform of middle level education in California.