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Sunday's Internet Edition, 5:13 PM, May 11, 2008.
Hoedown fun at McFarland Ranch
Boys and Girls Club benefits form farmyard follies
By Rachael Ackerman
Herald Editor
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Enjoying a steady stream of visitors all day long, the Galt Boys and Girls Club earned some much-need funds for their after school programs at their hoedown held on Saturday at Galt’s McFarland Ranch. Set in the country with plenty of space, hoedown visitors were treated to a variety of country-fried activities for the entire family. From a farmyard petting zoo, to a turkey plop, tractor pull, and toss the chicken in the pot, the Boys and Girls Club capitalized on the country concept keeping the barnyard hilarity going for the all day event. Highlighting the event was a very
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INSIDE NEWS STORIES
Scully says goodbye to Fairsite Elementary
Will take over as superintendent at Oak View Union
After 10 years with the Galt Joint Union Elementary School District, it is now time for Fairsite Principal Mike Scully to venture out. Scully has accepted the position of Superintendent/Principal
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[ Full story ]
GHS science students see through electron eye
On April 30, Galt High School’s forensic science class took part took part in a field trip to San Joaquin Delta College’s electron microscopy lab. The Center for Microscopy and
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[ Full story ]
District advisory meeting
Elementary school district hosts first advisory meeting
Galt Joint Union Elementary School District is moving forward, implementing the district wide restructuring plans with the help of a new advisory committee. For the first time in the district,
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[ Full story ]
CSD protests Wal Mart draft EIR
Agency comments critical of project impacts
Saying the city of Galt has failed to adequately complete a notice pf preparation for environmental studies of the proposed Galt Wal Mart project, the Cosumnes Community Services District has
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[ Full story ]
Fairsite target of arson?
Weekend fire on campus being investigated
A weekend fire on the Fairsite Elementary School campus is being investigated by the fire department as a possible arson. The Cosumnes Community Services District (CCSD), that provides fire and
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[ Full story ]
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Future farmers of America get first hands on the big equipment at the Galt Boys and Girls Club Hoedown held at McFarland Ranch on Saturday.
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Principal of the Year
California Continuation Education Association names Lara Principal of the Year
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Estrellita Continuation High School Principal Tony Lara greets students on the first day of school in August of 2007 on the very first day of classes at the new Estrellita facility located on Marengo Road.
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By Kymm Griffin
Staff Writer
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Estrellita High School Principal Tony Lara was awarded the Principal of the Year award by the California Continuing Education Association.
The fruits of Lara’s success are easily recognized. This year Estrellita High School will host its largest graduating class. To date 54 students have earned enough credits to graduate and 20 more students are on the verge of accomplishing that same goal.
But, for Lara, being principal is about much more than pushing students through an exit exam. Lara frequently finds himself involved in many projects that a traditional high school principal would not be involved in.
“You have to do a little bit of everything,” said Lara, having just returned from Lowe’s with a truck full of gardening supplies for the next day’s work. “That’s what I love about this program; you get hands-on with the kids.”
On the sunny spring morning of Thursday, May 1, Lara works with a small team of seven students building planting boxes that will grow vegetables for the school’s culinary program. This is just one of the many activities that makes Lara’s job outside of the norm.
Lara first started working with youth as school resource officer with the Galt Police Department in 1991. He then became a counselor at Estrellita High School for four years before returning to Galt High School as a counselor for two years.
“When I was a counselor, I saw many things I thought I could improve for the kids. I wanted to change the image in the community,” said Lara.
Lara says that he knows every one of his kids, which is an accomplishment he isproud of and knows that it would not be possible at a high school as large as Galt High.
Lara has been principal at Estrellita High School for the past six years.
Lara says that he can tell when a student is turning around, when their attendance starts to improve and they start taking pride in their work.
“We see it in the amount of dedication in their work and usually in their attendance,” said Lara, when asked how he spots a successful student.
Most of the students who attend Estrellita have fallen behind in earning their credits required for graduation because of low attendance, but as students begin to feel at home at Estrellita and move from just showing up to plugging in, then Lara knows they’re on the right track.
On average Estrellita has a five percent dropout rate. But even those students receive follow-up attention and are encouraged to attend adult education classes. Lara welcomes back students who may have changed their mind about the necessity of an education.
“They’ve tasted what it’s like to be out there without an education,” said Lara.
While Estrellita is enjoying high success rates, Lara would like the school to move to a more comprehensive teaching style, further develop their ROP food service program, and also build athletic fields for physical education classes.
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