'Distinguished' honor goes to 3 Conejo schools
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Meadows Elementary, which is slated to close its doors in 2009, is one of three Conejo Valley Unified elementary schools to be named a 2008 California Distinguished School.

Jack O'Connell, state superintendent of public instruction, announced last week that Lang Ranch, Sycamore Canyon and Meadows elementary schools were among the 343 schools from 189 districts chosen for the award this year.

"Most heartening, many of the schools we are recognizing today as the 'best of the best' have overcome significant educational challenges, showing that it is possible to provide opportunities for success for all students," O'Connell said.

This year, schools were required to submit a substantial narrative application and were then subject to a site visit.

"It's exciting news," said Bob Iezza, director of elementary education at CVUSD. "We have great schools, great staff and a very dedicated community. We have really outstanding people that work for the district and an incredible community that donates a lot of time. And that's very much true in the schools named. If you look at the amount of apparent volunteer hours, you can't go to those schools and find a parking place."

O'Connell said he called each school principal to deliver the good news.

"I was honored to be able to join in the excitement as these dedicated educators learned their schools earned this coveted title," he said. "From their stories, it became clear that they share a schoolwide vision of excellence where every student can succeed and achieve at the very highest level."

Pam Chasse, principal of Sycamore Canyon, said for a new school the news is particularly exciting.

"I think it's great news for teachers and parents because it lets you know what you are doing is making a difference," Chasse said. "Being a new school, we set out with some goals and some dreams, and this lets us know we are on the right track."

Iezza acknowledged the delicate nature of Meadows' honor, as the CVUSD school board had voted to close the facility next year.

"We certainly work hard and strive to become distinguished schools," Iezza said. "When the school closure process began, performance and school honors weren't part of the criteria."

Lang Ranch, Meadows and Sycamore Canyon elementary schools will be honored along with other California Distinguished Schools during an awards ceremony and dinner at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 16.

The California School Recognition Program is now in its 23rd year. This year, 839 elementary schools submitted applications. The selection process was conducted by the California Department of Education, with the help of local educators, and in partnership with the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association.