Photograph by Kathy De La Torre

Mrs. Jane Threet reads to her first-grade class at Alta Vista School.

State names Alta Vista a 'distinguished school'

By Leigh Ann Maze

Alta Vista School in Los Gatos may not have a telephone answering machine system yet, but they do have computers in every classroom and an outstanding educational program. Alta Vista, part of the Union School District, was honored for the first time as a California Distinguished School on April 10. It is one of only 24 chosen schools countywide and 233 statewide.

At Alta Vista Elementary it might have been the abundance of enrichment educational programs that are above standard for its 405 students that made the state take notice. Programs include the glee club, a unique piloted P.E. program, art, ceramics, theater, a noon book club and foreign language.

At Alta Vista, nestled at the base of the Los Gatos foothills, the philosophy is that every student is capable of high achievement, principal Barbara Dabel said. "We will do all we can to support students in meeting that goal," she said.

The California Distinguished School Program began in 1985 as a way to recognize schools that are models of achievement. The awards are given to elementary and secondary schools in alternate years.

Applications are evaluated by local educators under the direction of the California Department of Education. A team from the state is sent to each school to validate each school's claims of excellence before the finalists are selected in April.

Winners are selected based on criteria including how well they work together with the parents and community, rigorous standards and graduation requirements, visionary leadership, research-based curriculum, learning support services for all students at all levels, modern technology, effective professional development and an overall safe, clean and healthy learning environment.

Representatives from Alta Vista Elementary School traveled to the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 5, to be recognized at the California Distinguished School Awards ceremony. They were given a plaque and a special flag by the State Superintendent and the president of the state Board of Education.

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