Schools Roundup
Local assemblyman
makes teaching easier
St. Nicholas Catholic Elementary School in Los Altos Hills opened the doors of its new science and extended care building Oct. 17 during a special ceremony honoring the late Lino Guslani,for whom the Lino Guslani Memorial Center is named. Guslani was a long-time parishioner and member of the school's first board. About 35 Guslani family members attended the dedication.
The new 3,674-square-foot building, next to Pritchard Hall at the front of the school, features a computer lab, office space and an extended care area.
"It's an outstanding facility. I think (the center) has built a tremendous amount of excitement and has brought more focus to the program," said Principal Mary Williams. "I think science will become a much more hands-on program because now we have the space and resources."
The parish raised funds for the building through a capital campaign after a 1995 school study showed that St. Nicholas needed an updated science building and room for extended care. The community broke ground for the building last April.
More professionals could be lured into teaching next year thanks to Assemblyman Ted Lempert's new legislation that promises to make earning a teacher's credential easier.
When Assembly Bill 1242 takes effect in January 2000, it will provide a means to obtain preliminary credentials for individuals who have a graduate degree and a minimum of five years of professional experience in the field. A person would be eligible for a "professional clear credential," after participating in a two-year induction program and passing a teaching performance assessment. Lempert said he hopes the legislation will reduce the state's teacher shortage by attracting qualified professionals into the teaching profession. He said the state needs to hire at least 250,000 new teachers over the next 10 years.He said the bill "...will help put experienced professionals in the classroom without a lengthy red tape process."
IN BRIEF: Homestead High School celebrated its annual Homecoming Oct. 15.
Haley Cox was crowned homecoming queen and Tommy Williams of Los Altos was crowned king.