Two Encinitas schools 'distinguished' Theron Korda ENCINITAS
-To of the district's elementary schools have received the California Distinguished School Award, making the district's schools eight-for-eight in receiving the award over the past three years. Both
Flora Vista and Ocean Knoll Elementary are first-time
recipients of the award, though they
won "honorable mentions" in 1997. "It's a really special
recognition for our school and our kids"
said Ocean Knoll Elementary Principal Owen O'Connor. This year workers finished a $3.5 million building program at the Melba Road school that included five new
classrooms. Ocean Knoll serves 588 students.
"We believe our school is a
distinguished school," O'Connor said.
The
schools will receive a plaque and a flag in a
state ceremony, and will celebrate the award
with students and teachers at a school assembly.
On May 5, winning schools will
be honored at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. Gail
Patterson, principal of Flora Vista
Elementary, said she felt the school has
always done a good job and the award gives the school recognition from the community and the state for its success. Flora Vista, on Wandering Road in Encinitas, serves 565
students. To
apply for the award, the schools had to
complete applications and undergo interviews of staff and students during an on-site evaluation. The schools' staff and children's parents collaborated on
answering questions pertaining to the schools' curriculum
and community. The next step for both schools will probably be to apply for the National Blue Ribbon Award, Patterson said. The Blue Ribbon is considered the highest honor a school can receive. |
