Two CVUSD schools are Blue Ribbon
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Redwood Middle School and Newbury Park High School were named No Child Left Behind/ Blue Ribbon schools, board members announced at last Tuesday's CVUSD meeting.

"We are very proud to have received the highest honor bestowed upon any school," said Redwood principal Luis Lichtil, who credited the award to the hard work of the students, staff and teachers and the support of the community.

Lichtil played a film in which student host Jen Smith interviewed students on campus about why they think Redwood was awarded the Blue Ribbon. Among the many reasons given were the "awesome" principal, the great cafeteria food, the dances, clubs, counselors, teachers and school spirit.

Steve Lepire, assistant principal of instruction, said the Newbury Park High School community has been looking forward to receiving the honor.

"This has been building up over the last few years," Lepire said. "After being recognized for our test scores and achieving California Distinguished School (status) and all the other accomplishments we've had, it sets the foundation. Everyone knew what it was going to take to apply, and with the help of the teachers and the success of the students, we met the goals we needed to meet."

NPHS Principal Athol Wong pointed out that all CVUSD schools have achieved the Blue Ribbon honor.

The No Child Left Behind/ Blue Ribbon Schools program honors public and private K-12 schools that are either academically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student performance.

For more information, visit www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs.