A look at three Distinguished Schools
 |
| Photos by Keri Wood - The teachers, students and staff at Elliott Ranch Elementary School have worked hard and are honored and pleased to receive their first Distinguished School award. |
Dedicated teachers, strong parent support carry schools during tough budget times
By Cameron Macdonald - Citizen News Editor
State education officials declared earlier this month that three Elk Grove elementary schools were models for other schools across California to follow.
They were among 484 public schools honored as 2010 California Distinguished Schools.
A mix of general academic success, strong educational practices, and progress in narrowing an ethnic achievement gap between students all added up to the recognition.
“I encourage educators throughout our state to review the signature practices that Distinguished Schools are using to improve student achievement,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell said in a press statement.
He noted the schools’ success during uncertain and painful times after the state legislature had deeply cut education spending. More than $17 billion has been cut from the state
They were among 484 public schools honored as 2010 California Distinguished Schools.
A mix of general academic success, strong educational practices, and progress in narrowing an ethnic achievement gap between students all added up to the recognition.
“I encourage educators throughout our state to review the signature practices that Distinguished Schools are using to improve student achievement,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell said in a press statement.
He noted the schools’ success during uncertain and painful times after the state legislature had deeply cut education spending. More than $17 billion has been cut from the state
Bera opens campaign office in EG
 |
| Photos by Cody Kitaura - Dr. Ami Bera, right, talks about his campaign for Congress alongside his wife, Janine. |
By Cody Kitaura - Citizen Staff Writer
Elk Grove resident Dr. Ami Bera’s campaign supporters for U.S. Congress celebrated the grand opening of a local office last week, but he stressed he wants to share it.
“This isn’t my campaign – this is our campaign and that’s what this symbolizes,” Bera told a crowd of about 40 supporters gathered at the East Stockton Boulevard office on April 24.
The office has been open for about a month.
Bera will face Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Gold River) and Libertarian candidate Art Tuma in the November election; the three are running for Congress in the third Congressional District, which includes Elk Grove.
Bera, a longtime physician and former Sacramento County health official, encouraged attendees to get involved with the campaign, telling them the country is “at a crossroads.”
“Now is not the time for us to be passive observers,” he said. “Now is the time to step forward and create the future we desire.”
During the event, some attendees recorded video testimonials to be used in campaign videos; others signed up to host house
“This isn’t my campaign – this is our campaign and that’s what this symbolizes,” Bera told a crowd of about 40 supporters gathered at the East Stockton Boulevard office on April 24.
The office has been open for about a month.
Bera will face Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Gold River) and Libertarian candidate Art Tuma in the November election; the three are running for Congress in the third Congressional District, which includes Elk Grove.
Bera, a longtime physician and former Sacramento County health official, encouraged attendees to get involved with the campaign, telling them the country is “at a crossroads.”
“Now is not the time for us to be passive observers,” he said. “Now is the time to step forward and create the future we desire.”
During the event, some attendees recorded video testimonials to be used in campaign videos; others signed up to host house
