Greetings Bearcat Families,
Welcome to Oraze Elementary, home of the Bearcat Champions. Oraze Elementary, named after Dr. Roger Oraze, opened in 2011 with the mission of “Building Champions for Life”. Located on Armstrong and Dakota in Fresno, California, Oraze is part of the Nationally recognized Clovis Unified School District and upholds the Sparthenian concept of excellence in Mind, Body and Spirit. The vibrant and energetic Bearcat campus is filled with opportunities to connect students to their passions, bursting with activity that makes learning and school fun, and above all, committed to academic excellence and achievement. Students R.O.A.R. on campus demonstrating Respect, staying On-Task, focusing on Achievement, and making Responsible choices. With a committed staff of high-quality educators, and a collaborative partnership with families, the Bearcat community shines bright and aims high.
It is my distinct pleasure to serve the Bearcat community as the Oraze Principal. A former CUSD student myself, I have been serving the students and families in Clovis Unified for over 20 years. My educational career is grounded in elementary teaching and a background in Early Childhood Development. I have been married for 24 years to my wonderful husband Shawn, who serves the community of Reyburn Intermediate School as the Athletic Director. We have two amazing children that both graduated from Clovis Unified and currently attend our alma mater, CSU Fresno. My daughter is a nursing student, and my son is an Agriculture major and a member of the Fresno State Bulldogger’s Rodeo Team. The McAvoy family is bursting with CUSD pride and grateful to be part of the Oraze family.
I am thrilled to announce that Oraze Elementary students and staff earned the CLASSI award for the 2022-23 school year! Unique to the Clovis Unified School District and in pursuit of truly effective, well-rounded programs, CLASSI award evaluations include elements that affect the total operation of a school. To achieve this comprehensive approach to evaluation, CLASSI is composed of three distinct components including, first, academic achievement based on district standards and multiple measures. In addition, the school’s effectiveness regarding specific elements of school site management, parent involvement and co-curricular programs based on quality indicators is analyzed. Finally, school and district personnel examine the school’s policies, practices, programs and operating procedures through a self-study. Oraze earned the CLASSI Award by reaching or exceeding set standards in these components. Congratulations to the remarkable Bearcat students and Staff on this achievement!
This Year’s theme A League of Our Own, celebrates the unmatched uniqueness and extraordinary “Champion” culture at Oraze. On behalf of the Bearcats staff and community, I would like to wish you an O’mazing school year. Let’s “Play Ball!”
Oraze Elementary Principal