Children Host News Conference: Announce National Award

Children hosted a news conference to announce that their school, Laurel Hall Elementary School in North Hollywood is one of six private K-12 schools in the State of California receiving national honors for academic programs and high student achievement. This places the school in the top 10 percent of the nation's schools in reading and math performance. This is the second Department of Education recognition of the school. In 2002, Laurel Hall principal Kathleen Haworth was recognized as the United States Department of Education National Distinguished Principal.

(PRWEB) November 20, 2004 -- "My school is Blue Ribbon because we learn math. We get smart. And we learn Science," wrote Nikki Hemedes, age 6, 1st grade.

"My school is Blue Ribbon because we do a lot of good work," wrote Sadara Polk, age 6, 1st grade.

"My school is Blue Ribbon because of all the people doing hard work to learn and to be the best," says Stephen Hemedes, age 8, 3rd grade.

"My school is blue Ribbon because we have good teachers," wrote Connor MacKillop, 1st grade.

One after another, children from Laurel Hall Elementary School in North Hollywood drew, wrote and spoke of how proud they are of their achievements and how "smart" their school makes them as they hosted a news conference today to announce their accomplishments.

Each child's achievements, from kindergarten through 12th grade, were made official as Laurel Hall received national honors as one of six private schools in the State of California to be recognized as a No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon School - as 21-year old national program honoring K-12 schools that are either academically superior in their States or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement.

Schools receiving the award have been described by U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige as "national models of excellence that others can learn from."

In a U.S. Department of Education Letter notifying Laurel Hall School of its achievement, Director Jack Klenk wrote: "By performing in the top 10 percent of the nation's schools in reading and math, Laurel Hall has clearly evidenced a commitment to educational excellence and high academic achievement for all students. The faculty, staff, students and parents of the Laurel Hall community are to be commended for their efforts in creating an environment of success."

The Blue Ribbon Honor was presented today by Dr. Mary Pearson, Regional Representative for the Department of Education during ceremonies and amidst campus celebrations. Councilmember Wendy Greuel, City Councilmember for the Second District also joined festivities to present the school with a Council and Mayoral Proclamation recognizing the achievements of both students and teachers. Dodger Players and other celebrity guests also came to Laurel Hall to celebrate with the children.

The Blue Ribbon Award is the second Department of Education recognition of Laurel Hall Elementary School. In 2002, Laurel Hall principal Kathleen Haworth was honored in Washington D.C. as she received recognition as the United States Department of Education National Distinguished Principal.

Laurel Hall Elementary School was established in 1947 and boasts a state-of-the-art 18,000 square foot complex that includes KinderVillage and a media center consisting of an extensive library as well as quality equipment and communications.

Those interested in contacting the school directly can call (818) 763-5434. The school is located at 11919 Oxnard Street in North Hollywood, California.

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