Ringing Endorsement for Institute

Few chapters in life are as crucial to a young person’s future as the entry into high school. Buoyed with the confidence and optimism that come with good preparation, a student can get off to a good start in an exciting adventure of growth and learning.

That’s why the Summer School Institute, an educational and leadership program for seventh- and eighth-graders before they enter Santa Paula High School, is so important.

The California School Boards Assn. has selected the Summer School Institute from among more than 260 applicants statewide to receive its Golden Bell Award. The award will be presented in San Francisco next month.

Founded in 1994, the Summer School Institute provides two four-week summer sessions for incoming freshmen. It offers an intensive reading, writing and mathematics curriculum and this year a leadership component was added. The program also provides field trips, guest speakers and information about colleges.

“We are excited to be recognized for achievement at the institute and proud to represent Santa Paula High School,” says Lisa Salas-Schmidt, a teacher and Associated Student Body advisor who serves as coordinator for the institute. “It has given us the opportunity to show what we can do to benefit students.”

Salas-Schmidt, mathematics teacher Joey Ramirez and leadership teacher Justin Schmidt deserve praise for the program’s success. Ramirez and Salas-Schmidt have special understanding of what it takes to succeed at Santa Paula High--that’s where they earned their diplomas.

The Golden Bell Awards program promotes excellence in education by recognizing outstanding programs in school districts and county offices of education statewide.

Congratulations to the Summer School Institute crew and especially to the real winners here: the students.