By Khalida Sarwari
Forest Hill and Marshall Lane elementary schools have been designated as 2012 California Distinguished Schools.
The two Campbell Union School District schools are among 31 public elementary schools in Santa Clara County that were selected for the award.
Schools with the designation are honored for demonstrated educational excellence for all students and progress in narrowing the achievement gap. The schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria and API requirements before they can be invited to apply for the award. A written application is followed by a site validation review.
“It’s an honor to be acknowledged for the impact on student learning and the hard work we do as a community, as parents and as teachers to make sure all students thrive and succeed,” Marshall Lane’s principal Carrie Andrews said. “We know that students always come first, and we have a direct impact every day; the time to reflect on our practices is wonderful.”
Marshall Lane’s application highlighted two practices that reflect student learning at the school: teacher collaboration focused on student work, and building community by creating a positive student climate, said Andrews.
For the past three years, teachers at Marshall Lane have been meeting regularly to share strategies and lesson plans with other teachers in the same grade level and analyze student work to identify key standards that need to be retaught, Andrews said.
The school has also implemented the ABC Parent program offered by Project Cornerstone, an organization that provides programs and services that support children and teens in Santa Clara County, in which parent volunteers spend 45 to 60 minutes in a classroom once a month reading a book and teaching a lesson focused on topics such as anti-bullying, character development and social skills.
Forest Hill was honored for its English language development program and efforts in integrating special needs students with general education students.
Principal Denise Khalid said instructors teach the nearly 80 English language learners at Forest Hill through posters and other engaging activities that facilitate dialogue. The class meets daily for half an hour and is taught by a credentialed teacher who uses a program called systematic English language development that includes a rigorous assessment given to students four times a year.
Forest Hill was also recognized for taking steps toward promoting awareness and respect for students with special needs. Teachers integrate special needs students by regularly pairing them with students in general education classes in activities such as gardening and reading.
“I’m extremely proud of our students, staff and families for this recognition,” said Khalid. “It is the highest honor that California gives to schools. This is a recognition for all of the hard work that we have done.”
An awards ceremony hosted by the Santa Clara County Office of Education with state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and county Superintendent of Schools Charles Weis will be held on May 30.
Campbell’s Forest Hill, Marshall Lane are Distinguished Schools
