Schools get state accolades

The principals of Laguna’s two public elementary schools received a surprise gift in the mail Tuesday.

Top of the World and El Morro each received notice from State Superintendent of Schools Jack McConnell that they were selected to be state Distinguished Schools.

The award, which is valid for four years, is given to the top 5% of schools each year.

This is the first time both campuses have received the award simultaneously, and the first time in several years either has been bestowed the distinction.

“The scores for the schools were off the charts,” Superintendent Robert Fraisse said at Tuesday’s school board meeting.

Top of the World Elementary pulled an “unheard-of” 8.0 perfect score; El Morro Elementary received a still-stellar 7.8.

The scores are determined based on federal and state criteria including the No Child Left Behind program, Academic Performance Index and Adequate Yearly Progress.

The Academic Performance Index, a key component of the 1999 state Public Schools Accountability Act, is determined by results from standardized test scores; scores can range from 200 to 1,000.

Both Laguna Beach public elementary schools well exceeded the 800-point statewide interim performance target.

In 2007, 368 El Morro students garnered a score of 871; five points over the 2006 score of 866.

Top of the World’s 382 tested students achieved 903 points — 10 less than the 913 points they earned in 2006, but still more than enough to propel them into Distinguished status.

Neither school was in the top 10 tested schools in Orange County, which ranged from Oxford High in Anaheim Union School District, which had 981 points, to Laguna Road Elementary in Fullerton Elementary School District, at 937 points.

Only 65% of schools statewide met their performance targets in 2007.

Following mandatory visitations next month, the schools will officially be named Distinguished.

“We are thrilled at the validation of the hard work of all the staff, teachers and parents,” Top of the World Principal Ron LaMotte said. “Their extra effort has resulted in this great nomination to be a Distinguished School.”

“We’re very pleased,” El Morro Principal Chris Duddy said; he added that he looks forward to the site visit. “It’ll be a great day for us to show off.”

This is Duddy’s second Distinguished School nomination at the district; his first came while he was at the helm of Thurston Middle School.

The Distinguished School program alternates between elementary and secondary schools in alternate years.

All four of the district’s schools have received the designation in the past.