Two Moorpark schools receive state distinction

Arroyo West and Campus Canyon elementary schools were among 377 elementary schools selected as 2006 California Distinguished Schools.

Award recipients included 190 school districts in 40 counties, the largest number of elementary school awardees in the 21-year history of the California School Recognition Program, according to State School Chief Jack O'Connell.

"California district schools are the best of the best. You can be proud of your accomplishments," Principal Susanne Smith-Stein said over the loud speaker during lunch at Arroyo West Elementary School on Tuesday.

"Our teachers are very talented and professional and our children work very hard, so this award validates all our hard work," the principal said in an interview following the announcement.

Spirits were also high at Campus Canyon on Tuesday.

"We're extremely proud," said coordinator Chris Kelly. "Everyone worked together to achieve this honor through commitment, community, cooperation and a connection with Moorpark College," The college is about half-mile from the elementary school.

Campus Canyon Principal Linda Bowe said the application process for the award is difficult and time-consuming.

"Being a Distinguished School is important because the community judges schools based on this and other accreditations. It shows that the school is doing a quality job educating children," Bowe said.

Parents look at the Academic Performance Index scores and at these awards when they select a school, she added.

Campus Canyon's attempts at distinguished accreditation in the past were hampered because the school taught only kindergarten through third-grade students. Now that the school is expanding to include fourth and fifth grade, officials can more readily preapre students for middle school.

"What helped us to stand out was our recent college connection and how we help kids to think forward and look beyond what's happening at the elementary level," Bowe said.

Campus Canyon was also recently given the Title One Academic Achievement Award, the first school in Moorpark to receive this national recognition.

The award is especially prestigious because it shows that all students, including English learners and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, have progressed significantly, Bowe said.

Arroyo West, which serves third through fifth-graders, has implemented a continuous improvement cycle to ensure that students master the curriculum.

"Our vision is academic excellence and high expectation for all and we really live that vision," Smith-Stein said.

Arroyo West also strives to offer a unique curriculum that goes

beyond basic education. Its strong music program includes band, chorus and orchestra. The student council strives to connect academics, school and community service, Smith-Stein said.

"This is a tribute to all who contribute to the excellent education our students are receiving in the district," said Moorpark Unified School District trustee Tom Laguardia.

Moorpark schools seem to be taking their turns in the spotlight, he said.

The National Blue Ribbon, another top recognition, has been awarded to Chaparral Middle School, and California Distinguished School awards have already been earned by other local schools.

The Flory Academy of Science and Technology was named a NASA school, and Community High School is a model for alternative education.

The High School at Moorpark College, where students can earn credits for both high school and college, stands out as an unique alternative program that fills a need in the community, Laguardia said.

The Distinguished School award is valid for four years.

"These schools are the best of the best. They share a vision of excellence and they have brought that vision to life," O'Connell said.

Schools are judged on criteria that include academic performance, leadership, teaching, safety and family involvement. Schools submit comprehensive applications and participation is voluntary.

Winners are chosen by the California Department of Education and the California County Superintendents Education Services Association. The award is valid for four years.

Local schools will be recognized at a dinner ceremony in Anaheim on Fri., May 26.

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