Las Palmas School Is Likely to Excel

I read with great interest your “Checking It Out,” (Oct. 18). The lead--in which it was stated, “The next Bobby Fischer could come from an unlikely place . . .,” however, left me, frankly, perplexed.

For those of us who have endured the arduous task of researching, interviewing and evaluating every school from the south Orange County border to the San Diego County line, a club of this caliber being established at Las Palmas School is anything but unlikely.

When I chose Las Palmas School for my daughter’s elementary education, its commitment to intellectual-based extracurricular activities--such as the chess club (the next nearest club is in Long Beach), a creative writers club, and the school newspaper, which is written and produced on a voluntary basis by 53 of the school’s 60 sixth-graders in cooperation with the local media, private enterprise and Saddleback College--were but a few of the many attributes this school offers that others in our area--public or private--simply do not.

Las Palmas also boasts an impressive two-way language immersion program, the envy of other immersion programs throughout the country, which, like Las Palmas, strive to better equip children whose educational needs are increasingly more global.

Other qualities tops on my list include a principal whose vision and leadership capabilities clearly articulate a student-centered plan of excellence. I am continually impressed by teachers who not only envelop my child in love on a daily basis, but who also have the professional commitment to implement extensive educational programs.

True, Las Palmas Elementary School, founded in 1927 as the original San Clemente Grammar School, is the oldest in its district. And while our buildings may be in need of fresh coats of paint, our halls are rich in the history and tradition we share with generations of San Clementians.

LESLIE BIANCO

San Clemente