April 30, 1997

For Immediate Release (Briggs) RE: NYE AND CARVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS NAMED "CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS" Two of the district's elementary schools have been identified by the California Department of Education as "California Distinguished Schools." Martha Nye and George Washington Carver elementary schools have recognized for excellence among the state's elementary schools through the state's School Recognition Program. "If these schools were businesses, they would be recipients of the Malcolm Baldridge Award," said State Superintendent Delaine Eastin. Opened two and one-half years ago, Nye was recognized for its many initiatives designed to "insure that all students succeed." Special assessment tools regularly monitor the progress of each individual student. In addition to a technology-rich curriculum, Nye teachers emphasize the value of reading, not only at the primary level but also in the upper grades as well. Nye was also recognized for emphasizing the "home-school connection" and the character of its parent and teacher involvement. Parents are active in both the classroom and in governance issues. Teachers take an exceptional interest in students' after-school activities including participating in student clubs and monitoring homework, principal Barbra Balser said. "There is a special quality of involvement at this school," said Balser. Classes at Carver were recognized as well-organized and well-disciplined, as well as being warm and caring. Noted also were teacher planning groups, know as "cluster teams," which share weekly common preparation time while students from all programs participate in enrichment curriculum. Special assessment strategies provide for the early identification of students performing below standards, thus prompting earlier intervention. Daily participation in classroom instruction by both the principal and vice principal strengthen the school's focus upon the importance of the role of the teacher. Since many of the school's teachers are new to the classroom, two-third's have two years or less experience, there is a significant emphasis upon teacher training and mentoring. Language and literacy are recognized as a priority in the school's curriculum, principal Wilma Kozai said. A site literacy coordinator works as a mentor teacher to classroom teachers in guiding literacy instruction. In addition to participating in Reading Recovery and Spanish literacy groups, students receive additional assistance from peer and cross-age mentors. Students at Carver are especially enthusiastic about their school. Students benefit from a large number of supplementary activities that complement the classroom including ethnic-based student clubs, after school tutors, and an adult mentoring program. There are also numerous collaborations with sports programs, recreation centers and the public library. Representatives from the two schools will participate in the 1997 California Distinguished Schools awards ceremony on May 22 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. The state's school recognition program, initiated in 1985, utilizes an elaborate screening and selection process to identify exemplary schools throughout the state. The 225 schools named represent approximately four percent of the state's 5,000 elementary schools. The program rewards achievement and serves to motivate others to strive for excellence. It honors outstanding elementary and secondary schools in alternate years. Adams Elementary, Kroc Middle, Gompers Secondary, and Clairemont, Mission Bay and Scripps Ranch high schools have all been recognized by the State as "California Distinguished Schools."