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News ReleasesApril 16, 2007 March 29, 2007 October 30, 2006 March 24, 2006 March 10, 2006 August 30, 2005 January 27, 2004 October 1 , 2002 June 19, 2002 October 30, 2001 October 19, 2000 May 15, 2000 April 17, 2000 April 12, 2000 February 7, 2000
News Release ###
News Release October 30, 2006 Grant and Washington Elementary Schools recognized by California Business Community for high academic achievement EUREKA— Eureka City Schools announced today that Grant and Washington elementary schools have been selected by the California Business for Education Excellence (CBEE) Foundation and Just for Kids-California (JFTK-CA) as two of 304 public schools in California to receive the title of 2006 Honor Roll school. This is Washington Elementary School’s second consecutive year of being recognized as an Honor Roll school. Grant and Washington schools will be honored at an awards dinner on November 14 in San Francisco. Schools receiving this distinction from California’s business community have demonstrated consistent high student academic achievement and have made significant progress toward closing achievement gaps among all their students. The CBEE Foundation/JFTK-CA Honor Roll is made up of two different awards, the Star Schools Award (100 schools) and the Scholar Schools Award (204 schools). “We are thrilled to be selected as an Honor Roll school and recognized by California’s business community,” said Lee Ann Lanning, principal at Washington Elementary. “Our teachers and administrators have worked tirelessly to ensure the focus is on student academic achievement and reaching grade-level proficiency.” Lanning was principal at Grant Elementary for four years prior to starting this school year at Washington. Former Washington principal Paul Gossard remarked, “We hold all our students, no matter what their background, to the same high standards because we believe they can all reach grade-level proficiency.” Gossard was principal at Washington for five years before moving to Winship Middle School for the start of the 2006-07 school year. CBEE Star Schools (100 schools) are those with significant populations of socio-economically disadvantaged students that have shown a significant increase in grade-level proficiency over four years for all subgroups. Honor Roll schools are being recognized because they are on track to meet the goal of 100% grade-level proficiency by the 2013-14 school year as required by No Child Left Behind. According to CBEE, no other school recognition program in California uses hard data, individual school and student subgroup performance data based on the California Standards Tests and the California High School Exit Exam, to evaluate school academic performance. The CBEE Foundation describes its mission as “driving the debate beyond the usual questions of “if” we should have standards or accountability or “where” those standards should be set to instead demonstrate that standards can and are being met. We focus our attention on improving student achievement and giving a voice to those that are raising academic achievement and closing achievement gaps.” The non-profit organization Just for Kids-California (www.jftk-ca.org) provides a powerful on-line data and school improvement system free of charge to everyone; parents, educators and communities. The JFTK-CA database has become the largest longitudinally linked, student achievement database in California and is receiving over one million hits per month from California schools. A full list of the Honor Roll Schools can be found at www.cbeefoundation.org. ###
Press Release March 24, 2006 Community leaders go back to school during Principal for a Day EUREKA— For one day, eight Eureka business and community leaders will go back to school as a “Principal for a Day” and learn firsthand about the challenges and the achievements in Eureka City Schools. Principal for a Day is scheduled for Wednesday, March 29 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. “Principal for a Day engages our participants to get involved at the point of change in our schools,” said Jim Scott, superintendent of Eureka City Schools. “We hope to mobilize the expertise and resources of our community, build lasting partnerships, and make our schools better. Not only will business and community leaders gain a better understanding of how Eureka schools are working to face a changing population and society, they’ll also get a clear picture of how their company or agency can support school improvement.” The media is encouraged to attend any of the participating school sites. This year’s Principal for a Day participants are: Alexis Walker, Target store team leader, at Alice Birney Elementary, 717 South Street, 441-2495. Marge Custis, retired educator and community volunteer, at Grant Elementary School, 3901 G Street, 441-2552. Bonnie Neely, Humboldt County supervisor, at Lafayette Elementary School, 3100 Park Street, 441-2482. Lynn McKenna, retired teacher and community volunteer, at Lincoln Elementary School, 216 West Harris Street, 441-2446. Julie Ryan, AmeriCorps volunteer coordinator for Volunteer Center of the Redwoods, at Winship Middle School, 2500 Cypress Street, 441-2487. Brent Rasmussen, owner CoxRasmussen & Cross advertising agency, at Zane Middle School, 2155 S Street, 441-2470. Bob Marino, DG Fairhaven Power Plant general manager, at Eureka High School, 1915 J Street, 441-2508 Ken Skaggs, financial management consultant, at Zoe Barnum High School and the Eureka Adult School, 674 Allard Avenue, 441-2467. During their day on campus, the new school administrators will participate in a variety of tasks as they job-shadow the school’s principal. Principal for a Day activities might include learning about school technology, facilities management, partnership opportunities, school–to–career, curriculum, service-learning, accountability measures, and classroom observations. All Eureka City Schools have ongoing educational partnerships with local business and community groups. For additional information regarding Principal for a Day 2006 contact Sheldon J. Reber, director of school at community relations, at 441-2416. ###
News Release March 10, 2006 Healthy Kids Survey given in April EUREKA— Eureka City Schools will be administering the California Healthy Kids Survey in April. It is given every other year to 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students. It is voluntary and anonymous. Students do not have to participate and no names are used. The survey results will help us plan programs to assist students. The survey asks questions about student behaviors, such as: physical activity and nutrition use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs bullying, teasing, weapons, and school violence feelings of safety at school and out of school feelings of connection with a teacher or other adult (does someone care about them at school and out of school) Signed consent is required for all 5th grade students from their parent or guardian. Parents/guardians must sign and return the form, either giving or denying consent. Signed consent is not required for 7th, 9th, and 11th graders’ parents or guardians. If you do NOT want your child to participate, fill out and return the withdrawal form. If you allow your child to take part in the survey you do not have to return the form. Consent/withdrawal forms were mailed to all 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th grade student addresses. If you did not receive it, call your child’s school or 476-1601. You can read a copy of the actual survey at your child's school. Each school office has a copy in English and in Spanish. ###
Press Release August 30, 2005 Eureka City Schools expands award-winning EAST program EUREKA— Eureka City Schools has big plans to offer its award-winning Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) program to four elementary schools, the Transition Opportunity Program (TOP) and Zoe Barnum High School during the 2005-06 school year. “We are the first school district in California and third in the nation to bring EAST to this level,” said Michelle Hutchins, the district’s learning director of education technology. Eureka City Schools recently received a $230,000 Enhancing Education Through Technology competitive grant from the State of California, to expand its EAST program, offered at Eureka High School and Winship and Zane Middle schools, to include four elementary schools, TOP and Zoe Barnum High School. “We are now the only district in California where students in grades 4 through 12 can experience the collaborative learning environment provided by the EAST experience,” noted Hutchins. “The EAST program will now serve a total of 800 students as 500 additional students join from fourth through twelfth grades.” Eureka City Schools pursued the expansion of EAST to include grades 4 and 5 with the belief that early introduction of EAST program tenets will increase student commitment to their learning process. EAST students are encouraged to find a school or community problem to solve, document their progress, and present their results/status using technology. The EAST model was chosen because of a nationwide history of success and the success experienced by Eureka City Schools’ students. Based on a limited study over the past four years, Eureka EAST students experienced a 15 percent increase in attendance and a 40 percent decrease in incidences involving discipline. In addition, at-risk students are less likely to transfer to independent study or alternative education if they are involved in EAST. Almost 90 percent of Eureka EAST projects directly involve the community and 20 percent of student projects concern issues about race and ethnicity. Students from the Eureka High School, Zane and Winship EAST programs attended the 2005 EAST Partnership Conference held in Sacramento where each program received “Superior” ratings. Several EAST projects with significant community impact were recognized with awards at the annual conference including “Youth Relay for Life,” “Gotta Serve Somebody; Humboldt Vietnam War Memories,” and “Youth Ready to Respond,” a cross-age disaster preparedness education program. More than 2,000 middle school and high school students were there to represent the hard work of over 20,000 EAST students from over 220 schools in 6 states. Hutchins credits the EAST Lab facilitators for creating a dynamic program. “The success of our EAST Labs is a testimonial to the awesome instructors we have directing these programs; Jennifer Johnson and Ron Perry at Eureka High, Jamie Bush at Zane, and Dana Jacobs at Winship.” The new elementary EAST program, serving students in grades 4-5, will allow teachers to develop lessons rich in real-life experiences. Much of their initial work will focus on analysis of instructional methods and student learning through video work. With this information, they will refine their lessons and include technology as a component for increasing student access and achievement. “Assuming we can secure the funding, we plan to include the remaining two elementary school in the near future,” said Hutchins. Both Washington and Grant Elementary Schools will each receive 32 laptops with wireless network capabilities that will all connect to the Internet from several buildings on the campuses. Adding to the existing technology, the laptops will be dispersed between target classrooms to ensure daily integration of EAST philosophy. Laptops provide flexibility to the number of computers used with students on a given day resulting in the number of students per computer averaging 2.4 students per computer at Grant and 3.4 students per computer at Washington. Jefferson Elementary School will receive 10 multimedia workstations dispersed throughout 3 classrooms that will bring the number of students to computers to 5:1. Lafayette Elementary School will receive 15 multimedia workstations located in one classroom that teachers will rotate their students through on a daily basis. The shared classroom will provide 2 students per computer initially, but after renovations are complete and computers are dispersed, classrooms will have a 7:1 student to computer ratio. All computers purchased are designed to run advanced software applications. Several of the applications come with campus licenses and some with home licensing for students. “The home licensing and laptop check-out programs will address the needs of students who would not have the means to acquire experience in these applications any other way thus helping to address the “digital divide,”” remarked Hutchins. The four elementary schools will have their EAST programs up and running by October, according to Hutchins. The EAST program at TOP School and Zoe Barnum High School will serve academically at-risk students, provide teachers a professional development center and host family technology nights. The classrooms will be used after school for various programs and become a place where students and their families will have access to technology for the purpose of learning. ###
Press Release January 27, 2004 Grant School Completes Strategic Plan EUREKA— A group of 20 people, including parents, teachers, students, staff, and community members, gathered on January 22 and 23 at the Humboldt Area Foundation to update Grant Elementary School’s Strategic Plan. The new site strategic plan plan will serve as a guide for the school over the next five years. Grant’s new mission statement reads, "Grant School, an innovative educational community dedicated to excellence, prepares our students to be responsible citizens in this global society by engaging them in a creative and diverse curriculum that promotes exploration and celebrates learning." According to Grant School principal Lee Ann Lanning, “Strategic planning provides an opportunity for our school community to dream of where we would like our school and our students to be five years from now, as well as the necessary steps to be able to reach our goals.” In speaking about the new school plan, Lanning commented, “Our new strategic plan will be our standard when we discuss our academic goals. We will look to the plan when committing our fiscal resources to achieve those goals.” A complete copy of Grant’s Strategic Plan, including the objectives and tactics, can be found in the school’s office and on the school’s Web site: www.eurekacityschools.org/grant. All Eureka City Schools have developed site strategic plans with input from staff and the community. Eureka City Schools initiated its district-wide strategic planning process in 1994. For more information call Lee Ann Lanning, principal at Grant, at 441-2552. Grant School is located at 3901 G Street, Eureka. ###
Press Release October 1, 2002 Creature Features Night comes to Grant School EUREKA— The community is invited to a Creature Feature Science Night at Grant School on Friday, October 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. As part of Grant’s Oceans Month, students and their parents will get to explore 14 different activities that focus on the “creatures” of the marine environment. Families sharing and experiencing the fun and learning together is the goal for the evening. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The event is being presented by the Families and Schools Ocean Immersion Project in Northern California. Participating in the event will be members of the University of California’s Lawrence Hall of Science. Grant Elementary School is located at 3901 G Street in Eureka. For more information call 441-2552. ###
Press Release June 19, 2002 Eureka elementary readers help their schools gain $5,000 state award EUREKA— Between October and April, Eureka elementary students at five schools read well over 2.7 million pages to qualify their school for the Governor’s Reading Award. On June 18, The Secretary of Education’s office announced the $5,000 award will be given to Grant Elementary School (442,576 pages), Lafayette Elementary School (1,031,878 pages), Lincoln Elementary School (539,250 pages) and Washington Elementary School (741,207 pages). Locally 17 schools received the reading award and up to 800 statewide could qualify. This is the third year of the Governor’s Reading Award program. Eureka school librarians have encouraged students and parents to create a good reading environment at home and the importance of reading 15-20 minutes every day in a quiet area with no distractions. For more information visit www.ose.ca.gov/ose_programs/reading/index.html or contact Sheldon J. Reber at 441-2416. ###
Public Service Announcement October 30, 2001 Grant School looking for pictures for 50th birthday party EUREKA— Grant Elementary School in Eureka is asking former students and staff to provide old school photos for their 50th birthday presentation slide show. Photos can be dropped off at Grant’s office to be scanned, and all photos will be returned safe and sound. Grant’s 50th birthday celebration will be held on Thursday, November 29 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The school is hoping to gather as many current and former students, teachers, PTA officials, and administrators to honor and remember their time at Grant. Student performances, guest speakers, and refreshments will be enjoyed. Grant Elementary School is located at 3901 G Street. For more information contact Kevin O’Brien, Grant principal, at 441-2552.
October 19, 2000 EUREKA-Ann Desmond, director of legislation for the California State PTA, will speak at Grant Elementary School on Propositions 38 and 39 at a free community forum on Wednesday, October 25 at 7 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. Desmond will present the initiatives, answer questions, and offer PTA's position on the initiatives. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided. Childcare will also be available. Proposition 38 would amend the California Constitution to: 1) Offer a tax-free "scholarship" of at least $4,000 for private school tuition for all California public and private K-12 students and 2) Require California to maintain per pupil funding for public school students at the "national average" if the state reaches that level. Proposition 39 would reduce from two-thirds to a 55% "super-majority" the vote school districts and community colleges need to authorize local general obligation bonds for school construction, rehabilitation, and replacement. Grant Elementary School is located at 3901 G Street in Eureka. For more information call the school at 441-2552.
Grant School celebrates Ocean Weeks Students at Eureka's Grant School have been busy studying various ocean habitats in preparation for the school's sixth-annual Ocean Weeks. Schoolwide and classroom activities will be going on from May 15 through June 2. The media is encouraged to attend the lively and educational events. Some of the exciting activities include: Wednesday, May 17 Third-grade students will visit the Manila Dunes from 9am-2pm Thursday, May 18 8:30-10:30 a.m. Coast Guard personnel will speak to students about water safety, pollution, and habitat protection Thursday, May 18 Stephen Arrington, former head diver with Jacques Cousteau will speak with students on his experiences and making good choices Wednesday, May 24 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. all students involved in fish printing Friday, May 26 Fourth-grade students will visit the Manila Dunes from 9am-2pm Tuesday, May 30 Lowell from local business North Coast Adventure Kayaking will speak to students about how kayaks work, differences in kayaks, ocean temperatures Thursday, June 1 Schoolwide beach party and barbeque. Grant School won the Eureka Police Department's Seat Belt Contest, EPD will treat the school with ice cream. Students bring towels, sit on lawn, listen to Beach Boys music. The schoolwide curriculum is based on Marine Activities, Resources, and Education (M.A.R.E.). Staff will be assisted by AmeriCorps members in several projects. For a specific schedule with all the events, contact the Grant Elementary School at 441-2552. Grant School is located at 3901 G Street in Eureka.
April 17, 2000 Grant PTA sponsors Bike Rodeo and Safety Fair Grant Elementary students will participate in a free Bike Rodeo and Safety Fair at Grant School on Thursday April 20 from 1 until 3 p.m. Over 150 students will learn about safety from local agencies and improve their bicycle skills. The media is encouraged to attend. Please check in at the school's office prior to going to the Bike Rodeo and Safety Fair. Participating local businesses include Henderson Center Bikes, Eureka Police Department, State Farm Insurance, Humboldt County Public Health, and American Red Cross. The event is being sponsored by the Grant PTA. For more information contact Laurie Quintrell at 441-3321. Grant Elementary School is located at 3901 G Street in Eureka.
April 12, 2000 Grant and Washington designated as California Distinguished Schools Exciting teaching strategies, a commitment to community service, and child-centered learning environments are just some of the qualities that were noted when Grant and Washington elementary schools received Distinguished School status from the California Department of Education. Grant School has previously been recognized as a California Distinguished School in 1987. Washington School has also been recognized in 1987 and 1997. The Grant report noted, "The teachers and administration subscribe to a very motivating hands-on approach. Classrooms reflect this with colorful displays of student work and engaging bulletin boards." Grant's staff was given credit for working together. "This is a very harmonious staff. There are many opportunities to interface. Collaboration is a strength resulting in Ocean Weeks, a school-wide thematic unit at the end of each year," the report stated. Grant's extensive after-school program was mentioned. "The school houses a sizable Community Learning Center which offers remediation and enrichment opportunities after school. In addition, students can receive help with math and reading before school." Washington School's distinguished school application mentions the school's high academic marks. "A key element to Washington students' continued academic success is the school's initiative in exploring and implementing innovative programs. A restructured scheduling of the school day and the development of a multi-age program at the primary grades are successful outcomes of the Washington 'can-do' spirit." The application also noted, "Every decision made at Washington is child-centered and constantly stresses the developmental needs of its students as its highest priority." A Washington parent commented that school efforts, "fuse together like a quilt of many pieces-a quilt that envelops our children. Not always definable in measurable terms, it's a thing of great beauty." On May 5, representatives from the two Eureka schools will travel to Anaheim to be recognized among 233 California schools. Applications were received from 681 schools, the largest number in the school recognition program's 15-year history. For more information contact Kevin O'Brien, principal at Grant Elementary, 441-2552. Grant School is located at Oak and H Streets, Eureka. For more information contact Kathleen Honsal, principal at Washington Elementary, 441-2547. Washington School is located at 3322 Dolbeer, Eureka.
February 7, 2000 Grant students participate in statewide vote for favorite book Students at Grant Elementary School in Eureka will cast ballots in favor of their favorite books this week as the school participates in California’s Young Reader contest. A colorful voting booth has been set up for the event in the school’s library. Each student will enter the voting booth and vote on a special illustrated ballot. The five books that are up for nomination include: Loft! by Paul Brett Johnson; Saving Sweetness by Diane Stanley; The Secret Shortcut by Mark Teague; Meanwhile… by Jules Feiffer; and Mama Provi and the Pot of Rice by Sylvia Rosa-Cassanova. All Grant students, Kindergarten through 6thgrade, will be voting for their favorite book this week. For more information contact Grant School librarian, Dee Dee Kornman, at 441-2552. Grant Elementary School is located at Oak and H Streets in Eureka. |
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Eureka City Schools 3200 Walford Avenue Eureka, California 95503 707-441-2400 |