Manuel F. Cunha Intermediate School

The principal at the school, Mike Andrews, is a wonder! He seems to know all of his 700+ students by name. He is at the parking lot every afternoon at release. I suspect that is when he has the most face time with the families who don't have good (or bad) reasons to visit the prinicpal. He is at every board meeting and dance to shake hands and thank parent volunteers for their participation and really seems to enjoy and respect the kids. Although we are in a financially challenged district, I am grateful that Cunha offers an elective option of daily band and PE five days a week for everyone. The positive reinforcement for good grades and behavior with field trips and students of the week/month do a lot to motivate students who may otherwise think it is "cool" not to excel. The administration at the school and district level is working on community building and bully prevention at all of the school sites. This is really a two language district and the administration is working very hard to try to bridge the gap between the two communities in the area. The many sports teams, famously fun dances, and the Boys and Girls Club on campus are additional highlights of the school.
--Submitted by a parent

There are a few great teachers at Cunha. The Principal needs to learn how to handle bullying in a proactive way instead of turning his head. My daughter no longer goes to Cunha due to the fact she was not safe nor were her educational needs met.

While I can't speak directly about the teachers, the ridiculously unrestrained behavior the students displayed while on a trip to Washington D.C. suggests that there is little to no emphasis on self-control and/or appropriate public behavior. They demonstrated an unbelievable lack of respect to others; I personally would not trust a school that allows children to run openly in a hotel, or yell obscenities at strangers.

I absolutely love Cunha, their leadership program is a lot of fun, and their teachers are wonderful
--Submitted by a student

This is a great school! I was an intern there this year and, having interned at a number of schools in the Bay Area, I can say that I've never seen such a committed and intelligent collection of staff and teachers. I would send my child there in a New York second.
--Submitted by a staff

The teachers are great but the students are very harsh and rude to people of other cultures.
--Submitted by a parent

It was a great school. I miss it, the teachers and students were the best. Its a close community and and everybody fits in. It makes a comfortable learning environment and balences social fun, with friday activities, and a fabulous time to learn the academics plus more.
--Submitted by Cierra Clark