We are thrilled and honored to be recognized by the state of California as a Distinguished School.  We’ve worked hard to implement systematic practices to improve student achievement.  The two practices that were highlighted in our application were our response to intervention program and our writing workshops. Newport El has a great, dedicated team that includes a collaborative staff, fantastic student body, and supportive school community.  Our journey and focus on continuous improvement  will continue!

Here's the press release!

Newport Elementary School was recognized Thursday by the state as a 2012 California Distinguished School.

State Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced Newport Elementary was one of 387 elementary schools to receive the honor for "innovative education programs that encourage students to learn and help close the achievement gap," in a press release.

"The schools we are recognizing today demonstrate the incredible commitment of California's teachers, administrators and school employees to provide a world-class education to every student, in spite of the financial hardships facing our state and our schools," Torlakson said in the release. "Their dedication is inspiring, and I applaud and admire their passion and persistence."

Newport Elementary was the only school in Newport-Mesa to be recognized this year.

In 2010, Newport Coast and Paularino were named Distinguished Schools, and in 2008, Eastbluff, Harbor View, Killybrooke, Andersen and Sonora received the title.

Schools must meet specific criteria just to apply for the recognition, which includes an application process detailing two of the school's signature practices with a county-led site review of those practices. Distinguished schools agree to share those practices and mentor other schools that wish to replicate them.

Elementary and secondary schools are recognized in alternating years. Middle and high schools will be honored next year.

Early College High School and Corona del Mar middle and high schools were recognized in 2009 and 2007 respectively.

britney.barnes@latimes.com 

By Britney Barnes

March 29, 2012 | 11:23 a.m. 

What better way to celebrate our love for writing then to publish it online for all to enjoy?!  

Newport Elementary kicked off a new student writers’ blog!  We've posted some of the writing from our school wide prompt.  Kindergarten through sixth graders recently wrote about a person they admire or someone special; perfect to share on Valentine’s Day.  Each teacher selected a few pieces of writing to post.

Our students love to share their writing with an audience that reaches beyond their classrooms. A blog seemed like the perfect way to reach beyond the classroom walls.  Our hope is that people will not only read and enjoy the writing we have posted, but they’ll make comments.  

You can reach this blog by clicking on this link.   

http://bestonthebeach.blogspot.com

At Newport El our commitment is, “Every child, every day…Failure is NOT an Option!” By this we mean that we will do whatever it takes to ensure that our students get a GREAT education.  We know that not all students learn the same way or in the same amount of time.  What we are trying to share with this phrase is that we will give students multiple opportunities to succeed.  We will check on their progress along the way and guide our teaching to meet our students’ needs.  It is less about the teaching and more about the learning.  If students aren’t learning, we take responsibility.  To us, the phrase “Failure is NOT an option” means we won’t give up.  We will change what we teach and how we teach to ensure the success of all our students!    Newport Elementary is supported by the partnership and hard work of so many! Our students are surrounded by a dedicated staff, terrific parent group, and supportive community. 

Newport Elementary School is a special school. We are located directly on Newport Beach. Our students’ play structure is in the sand! We are one of only two schools in the nation that enjoys this unique setting. Our school building also holds a lot of history.

Newport Beach Grammar School was the first school in the district, founded in 1894, located originally near the Newport Pier. By 1912, the school building was bursting at the seams with no room to expand. Therefore, the school was relocated to our current address, 1327 West Balboa. On March 10, 1933, a strong earthquake damaged the building and it was soon determined that the damage was extensive enough that the entire facility had to be demolished and rebuilt. The new building was dedicated on December 17, 1935. 
 

Below, you'll find our calendar of events. If the date is blue, an event has been scheduled. Click on the individual dates to read the details of each event or click on the month to view the entire month of events. If you choose, you can download our events into your Outlook calendars. We encourage you to check here often for the most up to date information!