LLHS serves students well
On Nov. 29, 2007, US News and World Report published the results of a study in which it evaluated 18,790 high schools nationwide and identified Lower Lake High School as “performing better than statistically expected for the average student in their state.” (www.usnews.com/articles/education/high-schools). US News used a rigorous three step analysis of data from the 2005-2006 school year in a formula developed by Standard and Poor”s Schools Evaluation Services. The key principles of this study were that a “great high school must serve all its students well, not just those who are bound for college” and that a school must have “measurable academic outcomes that show the school is successfully educating its student body across a range of performance indicators.”
Nationwide, US News identified 100 high schools at the gold level, 405 at the silver level and 1086 at the bronze level. Lower Lake High School received a bronze award. It is the only high school in Lake County to receive recognition.
In education, it is a common assumption that demographics are destiny. Statistically, across California and the nation, schools that serve poor and minority students have lower levels of achievement. Yet here we see that Lower Lake High School is receiving national recognition for beating those odds.
In the past few years the achievements of Lower Lake High School students have been notable in many areas. In both 2007 and 2006, the Academic Decathlon team competed at state level. Last year, the football and volleyball teams were league champions. In statewide SkillsUSA competitions, LLHS vocational education students have consistantly won gold, silver and bronze medals. It is clear that LLHS serves its students well.
The parents and community of the Konocti Unified School District can be rightfully proud of the staff and students at Lower Lake High School. It is the hard work, high expectations and dedication of teachers and staff and the positive response of students, which made this latest award by US News possible. It shows that when students are encouraged and supported they can overcome the challenges and barriers of their circumstances. Please join me in extending appreciation and congratulations to the staff and students of Lower Lake High School. Way to go, Trojans!
Carolynn Jarrett
Clearlake
Assessment is attempt to circumvent Prop. 13
Citizens of Clearlake and all of Lake County; do not be fooled by the recommendation for establishing a program to finance street paving and bear the major financial burden upon the residents (Observer*American, Jan. 30). Vote against it.
This is a blatant circumvention of Proposition 13 property tax limits, which require a two thirds majority vote. Property owners already pay Federal and state income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes and gasoline taxes.
Remember the completely failed promise that California Lottery proceeds would greatly benefit the schools of our state? If a federal tax rebate is needed to stimulate the economy, then over taxation must be an underlying cause of the recession.
All of these taxes are collected with the failing promise of providing government services such as education, safety, roads and streets. Ask your federal, state and local governments what they are already doing with your tax monies being collected.
California”s Governor, for example, recently hired thousands of new CHP officers yet claims to lack funding for education. The state and local governments” message is clear. Our taxes are inadequate to pave streets and educate our children yet are instead appropriated toward policing, further fining and arresting us all should we dare step out of line.
Craig Stankiewicz
Kelseyville
Don”t forget to write!
The Clear Lake Observer*American welcomes letters responding to articles and opinions that have appeared in this newspaper, as well as on topics of general interest. Letters can be sent to letters@clearlakeobserver.com or mailed to PO Box 6200, Clearlake, CA 95422. Pleases include complete name, address and telephone number. Anonymous submissions will be discarded.
