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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 13, No. 36
September 9, 2011
Local districts see API gains by Samie Hartley and Justin Lafferty
API Scores
Staff Writer
850
When the Academic Performance Index (API) scores were released earlier this month, local superintendents had reason to smile: four of six districts showed improvement – some dramatic – while the other two slipped only a single point. Byron Union School District made the biggest gain from 2010 to 2011, increasing its API score by 30 points, jumping from 797 to 827. Byron Superintendent Ken Jacopetti credited the staff for the tremendous gain. “As a district, that was phenomenal,” he said. “It was a real focused effort through the principals at each of the sites and working with our at-risk population and making sure students were
800 750
843 840 +3
732
848
764 +19
731 -1
779
847 -1
790 +11
827 +30 797
745
700 650 600 2010
Antioch Unified School District
2011
Brentwood Union School District
Liberty High School District
Oakley Union School District
Knightsen School District
Byron Union School District
Graphic by John Carter
achieving toward standards.” The teachers and administrators of the 1,268-student district are being asked to do more with less in these lean economic times, said Jacopetti, and they’ve delivered. The superintendent also gave thanks for the board of supervisors’ support.
“We know we have a lot less resources, but still the agenda there is for us to tackle student achievement,” Jacopetti said. “Bottom line: this staff really worked hard.” Excelsior Middle School experienced the district’s biggest gain: 36 points. Timber Point
Elementary improved by 34 API points and Discovery Bay Elementary by 19. The Liberty Union High School District API score increased to 764, up 19 points from last year. All three comprehensive high schools saw gains, but Superintendent Eric Volta is particularly proud of Heritage High, which increased 24 points to hit the score of 800, the state’s target score that signifies academic excellence. Volta said he’s proud of his teachers and staff for working together to improve teaching methods to help students learn, but there’s always room for improvement, and the district will continue to strive for greater achievement in next year’s scores. The district’s continuation high school, La Paloma, saw a dip see API page 19A
East County to give peace a chance by Justin Lafferty Staff Writers The response from last year’s International Day of Peace celebration in Antioch was so great, organizers said, that the event has been expanded into an 11-day period of reflection and learning throughout East County. The Interfaith Peace Project, a collaboration of people from a variety of religions and beliefs, starts Sept. 11 and runs through the International Day of Peace on Sept. 21. What was once a one-day ceremony grew to a weekend last year. That event has now evolved into a project encompassing 16 sites and about a dozen faith groups – including Buddhism, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Episcopalian and Presbyterian churches, and Islam. “This gives an opportunity for different groups to showcase their own sanctuaries and do something for their own populace as well as for the region,” said Chairman Walter Ruehlig. “(It’s) a the product of the times that people seem to respond to this idea – some
peaceful dialogue. I think it’s terrific. In some regards, you might expect something like this to happen in San Francisco or one of those great metropolitan areas.” The event begins on the 10th anniversary of the tragic events at the World Trade Center in New York City. Various churches in Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley and Pittsburg will hold services, reflections and scripture readings. On Sept. 12, Antioch’s City Hall plays host to the Peace Pole dedication program. The pole is slated to be planted in front of a prominent tree by City Hall, one that Ruehlig said has special meaning. The tree, complemented by a commemorative plaque, was planted in honor of 9/11. The wooden Peace Pole that accompanies the plaque translates the phrase “May peace prevail on Earth” in a cornucopia of languages. Roughly 600 attended last year’s event, a weekend highlighted by the planting of the Peace Pole at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church. Ruehlig expects the expanded offerings to atsee Peace page 19A
Press file photo
A Peace Pole, similar to the one planted last year during the International Day of Peace at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church, will be placed outside Antioch City Hall on Sept. 12.
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Esteeming the Green
Discover what local individuals, communities and businesses are doing to help leave a smaller carbon footprint. Page 1B
Fateful day not forgotten East County communities will be holding numerous observances of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Page 3A
Crucible of competition
Our BVAL girls volleyball preview spotlights players and coaches who get their thrills from digs and kills. Page 24A
Memorial march visit thepress.net
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Operation Homefront marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Double trouble
go to news/press releases Vasco Road motorists heavy on the pedal will get a lot lighter in the wallet.
Calendar ............................ 23B Classifieds ......................... 18B Cop Logs ............................21A Entertainment ................. 14B Food .................................... 12B Health & Beauty .............. 10B Milestones ........................ 15B Opinion ..............................20A Sports .................................23A Think Green ........................ 1B FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Reel good time go to multimedia/videos
Kids got hooked on the pursuit of floppy creatures at the Oakley Fishing Derby.