Marquez Principal Phillip Hollis received a call from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell last week to personally congratulate him because Marquez Charter Elementary had won a coveted California Distinguished School Award. “I am so proud to have this honor awarded to Marquez,’ Hollis told the Palisadian-Post. ‘Two years ago when I accepted the position of principal this was a goal that I knew we could achieve. I am excited that I was able to help Marquez receive the distinction it so deserves.” In a public announcement about the winners, O’Connell noted that 343 Elementary schools had received the reward, including 23 from LAUSD. ‘Sixty-four of these schools come from small, rural communities, 11 are charter schools, and nearly half or 156 schools have significant populations of students living in poverty and are supported by federal Title I funding,” he said. Statewide, 839 schools entered the competition. Marquez joins Palisades Charter Elementary, Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Palisades Charter High in receiving the California Distinguished School designation. Elementary and secondary schools are recognized during alternate years. In order to be selected, schools must first meet the eligibility requirements, including an Academic Performance Index (API) greater than 800 (Marquez had an API of 880 last year) and demonstrating adequate yearly progress. Hollis filed for a nomination and started the process of preparing the 40-page application. He credits the PTA and Friends of Marquez for holding brainstorming sessions to come up with ideas and arguments they felt were important to include in the application. PTA President Katy Anastasi helped summarize all ideas onto an organizational chart and a group of four teachers–Julia Yoshida, Dana Fein, Nancy Seid and Vida Brucker–helped Hollis write an exhaustive rubric that covered rigorous standards; curriculum, instruction, and academic support; assessment and accountability; leadership and collaboration; professional development; students with special needs; student support; family and community partnerships; and school environment and culture. After reading Marquez’s application, two judges recommended that Marquez receive a site visit to verify the accuracy of the information provided. A team of four validation review personnel visited Marquez on March 13, just before spring break. This team interviewed students, parents, teachers and a leadership team that included Hollis and Local District 3 Superintendent Michelle King. In addition, the team went into every classroom and also observed the newly developed Caring Adults Teaching Children How (CATCH) program. After the visit, the lead member of the review team, Annette Star, told Hollis, ‘You understated your application.’ On April 7, the school learned it received the award. Hollis and four teachers will attend the awards ceremony in Anaheim on May 16. A recognition ceremony unveiling the official Distinguished School seal above the Marquez auditorium will be held on May 18.
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