Ponderosa High School

December 2007 Letter from Principal Moore
  I am proud to announce that Ponderosa High School was one of only 35 schools in California to be nominated by State School Chief Jack O’Connell for the national honor of becoming a 2008 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School. Ponderosa was selected because the students demonstrated a proficiency level that places the school at the 90th percentile in English-language arts and mathematics in the highest grade tested when compared to other schools in the state.

NCLB-Blue Ribbon Schools is a national recognition program of the U.S. Department of Education. The 24-year-old program encourages states to nominate public kindergarten through grade twelve schools that are either academically superior or demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. Each state is designated a number of schools it can nominate. California, with more than six million students and more than 9,300 public schools, is entitled to nominate 35 schools. Because there is no limit to the number of nominees that can be selected under the program, it is possible for all 35 nominees to be named Blue Ribbon schools.

Ponderosa High School will submit an application to the U.S. Department of Education in February 2008. The weight of the review criteria will rest overwhelmingly on growth and achievement in English-language arts and mathematics over three years, including significant subgroups. The schools will need to meet 2008 AYP and API schoolwide and subgroup growth targets next fall. Those that meet these final targets will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2008.

In a news release, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell stated, "These schools have made great strides in ensuring their students are learning to their full potential." This nomination is a reflection of the combined efforts of students, teachers, parents and staff. High expectations combined with motivated students and supportive parents have created a positive school climate with high academic achievement.

I am very proud of our students, staff, and families. I am confident that we will continue to work together to ensure that students have many meaningful opportunities available to them upon completion of high school. Go Bruins!