2 County Schools Garner Blue Ribbon Awards

Two elementary schools in Ventura County will receive the National Blue Ribbon Award for educational excellence this year, school officials learned Tuesday.

Hollow Hills Fundamental School in Simi Valley and Westlake Hills Elementary in Thousand Oaks are among 17 California schools to be recognized as federal blue ribbon schools.

“We’re on cloud nine right now,” Westlake Hills Principal Rachelle Morga said Tuesday afternoon. “This validates everything we try to do here. Our teachers and parents work so hard and put 150% into everything they do.”

Hollow Hills Principal Leslie Frank also said she was happy to hear the news, and attributed the award to the school’s “commitment to excellence.”

“We just don’t accept a mediocre effort here,” Frank said. “It shows in the achievement of students, in the excitement of the faculty and in the dedication of our parents.”

Of the more than 100 schools that applied, 49 were finalists for the prestigious award. Each was judged on student support; curriculum; teaching techniques; leadership; school, family and community partnerships; and student achievement on a variety of tests. Parents, teachers and students were also interviewed, and judges toured the campus.

Both of Ventura County’s winning schools tout innovative technology programs, impressive standardized test scores and significant parent involvement. Westlake is a neighborhood school; Hollow Hills is a magnet school that chooses students through a lottery.

Students at Westlake Hills also take intensive computer training, do community outreach and have access to an artist-in-residence program. At Hollow Hills, teachers and parents stress personal responsibility and traditional teaching methods.

“This is a great day for the students, but think of what a great day it is for their parents and teachers,” said Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley).

Gallegly said becoming a blue ribbon school requires bright students and a program that cultivates their minds and helps them grow.

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) congratulated Westlake Hills, which is in his district.

“Since the beginning, the school has been committed to developing the total student--one who learns in and out of the classroom, participates in after-school programs and plays an active role in the community,” Sherman said.

Since the blue ribbon program was created in 1982, 11 Ventura County schools have received the coveted award, which recognizes elementary and secondary campuses in alternate years. In 1998, Camarillo High School won the award, and in 1997, Meadows Elementary School in Thousand Oaks won.

The U.S. Department of Education is expected to make the official announcement next week.