Becker takes Blue Ribbon

Ernest A. Becker Sr. Middle School in Summerlin received a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School award for the 1999-2000 school year.

Principal Cathy Andrews cited the partnership between the school and the Summerlin community as one reason Becker -- the only school in Nevada to win the award -- was named one of the nation's most successful schools.

"The (selection) process gave us a chance to come together as educators and community members to scrutinize every aspect of our school to reach a greater knowledge of what we're about," said Andrews, who accepted a plaque and flag for the school at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. "Whether we won Blue Ribbon recognition or not, it was a valuable experience."

The Department of Education cited the school's seven-period extended school day, interdisciplinary team-teaching organizations, homeroom reading programs, staff development program, effective use of technology, and challenging curriculum.

"The teachers and staff (at Becker Middle School) are dedicated to a process of continuous self-renewal and pursuit of excellence through the creation, refinement and evaluation of the educational program," the report said. "Consistently high expectations for student achievement across the curriculum together with a nurturing, safe and supportive school environment, have produced successful students who are ready to meet the challenges of high school, and the demands of the greater world around them."

The Blue Ribbon School program was established in 1982 to set national standards of educational excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, pupil achievement, parent involvement and community support.

Of the almost 4,000 schools honored since the program began, seven have been in Las Vegas. Each state nominates schools for recognition at the national level. A panel of 100 public and private school educators then selects the most promising schools for a two-day, on-site visit by experienced educators, whose written evaluations are used for final selections.

"These schools are fine examples of places where parents, teachers, administrators and the community have formed partnerships to help all students learn to high standards," Education Secretary Richard Riley said. "Their hard work, dedication and commitment should serve as a model for other communities that are deeply concerned about the education of America's students."

Opened in 1993, Becker Middle School is located adjacent to Hills Park, where students have enjoyed many school- and community-sponsored activities over the years. The school sponsors 29 after-class clubs and activities for pupils. Various teachers are part of teams that plan for a common group of pupils, forming several learning communities at each grade level. In addition to core courses, classes in fine and performing arts and physical education are taught.

The community is home to 16 public and private schools, eight golf courses, 12 major parks, more than 45 neighborhood parks, more than 45 completed miles of the 100-mile Summerlin Trail System, houses of worship, cultural facilities, shopping centers, medical centers, and more than 150 model homes.

Single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums are available, priced from $90,000 to more than $700,000. Custom lots from one-quarter acre to half an acre are priced from $100,000 to more than $1 million. Custom homes are also offered, priced from $500,000 to more than $1 million.

To visit the Home Finding Center, go west on Sahara Avenue, past Hualapai Way, to Town Center Drive. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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