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Walnut Canyon School awarded grant for innovative programs
The national educational association, based in Washington, D.C., provides grants to schools that demonstrate they promote desegregation, equity and excellence through magnet, theme or school-of-choice programs. Walnut Canyon opened in 1998 in response to the community's desire for a school students could choose for its creative program and the opportunity to learn about technology. Arts and technology themes are integrated into the regular curriculum. Students also have the option to participate in numerous enrichment programs after school. The campus is now home to about 580 students from kindergarten through fifth grade who come from all neighborhoods in Moorpark. "Former Moorpark Unified School District Superintendent Tom Duffy had this idea to have a theme and a school of choice to promote diversity on all campuses," said Teresa Williams, assistant superintendent of curriculum for the Moorpark Unified School District and the former principal of Walnut Canyon. Magnet and extended day programs both serve the interests of the community and enable parents to make choices about the type of education their children receive, said Walnut Canyon program coordinator Stephanie Brazell. The school reduces the isolation felt by minority groups, and is developing a climate that embraces multiculturalism, she said. When music and technology are blended into the standard lesson plan students learn with more ease and they are better prepared for the future. This type of instruction is also helpful to English learners, Brazell said. Flory Academy was also designated as a magnet school for the same reasons. That school received a $1 million grant from the Magnet Schools of America when it opened about three years ago. The grant money is disbursed over a three year period and used to enhance magnet programs, buy supplies and train teachers. Teachers at Walnut Canyon will be trained to write lesson plans that include music and technology, said Williams, who credits district special projects coordinator Marylyn Green for the successful grant request. "She is to be applauded for her efforts. She knows what objectives and goals to set and develops a vision for the grant," Williams said. The effects of making programs attractive to students and their parents were apparent after the last school bell rang at Walnut Canyon on a recent afternoon. About 300 students stayed on campus to participate in extracurricular programs. Music resonated through the halls as groups of children rehearsed on guitars, violins and keyboards, while other clusters of students gathered around computers to work on desktop publishing and pod casting projects. Several girls were busy working on embroidery designs, quietly sewing under the supervision of Barbara Maki. Young artists created multidimensional drawings with the help of Candace Seal, a Moorpark High School graduate who is studying to become a teacher. Spacious outdoor playfields were bustling with activity as kids played soccer and practiced cheerleading. These programs develop students' learning skills and creativity, said Brazell. Twentyfour classes are offered after school from Monday to Friday each week, including homework tutoring, drama, dance and ceramics. Monthly fees for the afterschool programs are $125 for one class, $229 for two classes and $280 for three classes. Lowincome families pay reduced fees based on a sliding scale, Brazell said. Walnut Canyon also has extended daycare until 6 p.m. and before-school care from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. for $83 per month. Recitals let students have several opportunities to showcase what they have learned. The next strings concert performance will take place in the school's multipurpose room at 6:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 5. |
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