The following individuals and organizations deserve either
CHEERS or JEERS this week:
The following individuals and organizations deserve either CHEERS or JEERS this week:
CHEERS: For Antonio del Buono School staff and students. What a marvelous accomplishment to raise API scores by 60 points. It’s dramatic and proof positive that Gilroy’s schools can achieve to the levels set forth as the district’s goal which is: “All students will improve in reading, writing and math and 90 percent will perform at or above grade level standards by June 2004.” Rucker School posted a 40-point API gain and Las Animas and El Roble school scores shot up more than 30 points. The emphasis on teacher training, data driven instruction and attainment of goals is beginning to pay dividends for GUSD students. Most Gilroy schools are headed in the right direction. Superintendent Edwin Diaz has assembled a leadership team that is focused and competent. Clearly, the roots of a sustainable turnaround in our public schools are taking hold. That’s something for this community to be excited about.
JEERS: For Santa Clara County which is considering suing the owner of a solar system that investigators believe sparked the Croy Wildfire Pursuing a lawsuit would be a waste of time and money and would do little to prevent another incident like the fire that charred more than 3,000 acres and destroyed 34 dwellings. Surely the county can think of better ways to educate residents about prevention and permits.
CHEERS: For the Citywide Christmas Committee’s decision to hold the tree lighting ceremony downtown instead of at Bonfante Gardens. Gilroy has established a tradition downtown. Though we, as a community, have not embraced downtown yet, the area still represents the soul of the city. Having the Christmas tree lighting festivities there is a natural tradition that should not be altered without good reason.
