Three local schools get high rankings

<p>Three Petaluma schools have received the highest ranking when compared with their peers throughout the state.</p><p>Meadow, Liberty and Two Rock elementary schools earned a top score of 10 out of 10 when compared to similar public schools in California, according to information released last week by the California Department of Education. </p><p>Scores are calculated by achievement on the Academic Performance Index based on tests in English, math and science at the different grade levels given in spring 2010. Schools receive an index score of up to 1,000 and that score is used for a comparison ranking of 1 to 10.</p><p>Schools are compared with other schools with similar demographics, such as poverty rates and number of students who are learning the English language. </p><p>Countywide, only 10 schools achieved a 10 out of 10 similar-schools ranking.</p><p>Meadow School Principal Melissa Becker said her school's ranking was no accident.</p><p>“It was the result of a lot of hard work from the students, the parents, the teachers and the administration,” she said. </p><p>“Despite all the cutbacks, every person on our staff has risen to the occasion and pushed the students to excel.”</p><p>Becker said her favorite quote to the students is “One person, no matter how small, can make a difference.”</p><p>“The students know that,” she explained. “It is important for us that no child fall through the cracks.”</p><p>She said that doesn't just mean in academic achievement. “We stress good morals and doing what is right in the world,” she said. </p><p>A 10 ranking is nothing new for Liberty School where it has become an annual achievement. </p><p>“It is definitely an expectation here,” said principal Chris Rafanelli. “If we don't receive a 10, we are not going to be happy. We think we should be a 10 every year.”</p><p>Liberty, which has often been ranked No. 1 in the state in comparison to its peer schools, was No. 2 overall this year. </p><p> Rafanelli says one of the reasons for Liberty's success is that it has been able to maintain enhancement programs such as tutoring and summer school despite budget cuts that have impacted other schools. </p><p>But, mostly he said the Liberty success results from hard work. </p><p>“The ranking just reflects the work done by our teachers, our school staff, our parents and our teachers,” he explained. “Everyone works together for the benefit of our kids.”</p><p>(Contact John Jackson at johnie.jackson@arguscourier.com)</p>