6 Elementary Schools Win State Recognition

Six area elementary schools have been named as a California Distinguished School by the state Department of Education.

The winning schools include Thomas A. Edison and Ralph Waldo Emerson in the Burbank Unified School District, Gorman in the Gorman Elementary School District, Sumac in the Las Virgenes Unified School District, Welby Way in Canoga Park of the Los Angeles Unified School District and Stevenson Ranch in the Newhall School District.

With accomplishments that include raising funds to buy computers and offering art and music programs, these schools were among 211 recognized statewide.

Lisa Dritz, principal at Sumac Elementary in Agoura, said her school is successful because of a shared viewpoint that the school can achieve more with teamwork and greater input from parents in decision making.

“You have to really believe that working together is in the best interest of the kids,” she said.

Stevenson Ranch Principal Diane von Buelow said her campus experienced tremendous growth after it opened three years ago. Projected enrollment was 550 students in kindergarten through fifth grades, but the school now has 1,160 students.

The school dealt with the increase by sticking together and focusing on doing what was best for the children, she said.

“There isn’t anything the community wouldn’t do for this school, and I think that shines through,” Von Buelow said.

Each school will receive a plaque and a blue-and-white flag to commemorate the award, which was established in 1985 to honor high scores on standard tests, unique and successful teaching methods, and overall excellence.