Getting MORE for your dollar

Once again last night, at our School Board meeting, our students were honored for their work on the athletic field. The recognition was provided by the Riverside County Office of Education. While the athletes were praised for their athletic accomplishments, championships, etc. the real recognition was for their work in the classroom -- they embody the oft discussed student/athlete. These teams hold the highest collective GPAs of any of the similar teams in the county. To give you an idea of the accomplishment, several of the teams had GPAs in excess of 4.0 and one team had an average GPA of 4.27 (that's a lot of Advanced Placement classes). We often talk about value-added in our Riverside Schools and THIS certainly is a great demonstration of that enhanced value. Congratulations to:

• North High School -- Boys Water Polo Team
• Ramona High School -- Girls Golf Team
• Ramona High School -- Girls Tennis Team
• Ramona High School -- Girls Volleyball Team

These athletes and teams could not accomplish these recognitions without GREAT coaches that not only require a high level of athletic performance but support the same dedication in the classroom. One of the coaches last night talked about his required "study table" BEFORE every practice. My thanks and congratulations goes not only to the athletes, but to these committed coaches and the teacher colleagues that support their students in their athletic and academic endeavors.