SBCSS News and Press Releases

Art, Writing Students In West End SELPA Receive Recognition

2011-05-05

RANCHO CUCAMONGA - The 13th annual If I Was President Art and Writing Contest recognized more than 200 West End students with special needs at its event on May 3.

The students received first, second and third place awards in the event, sponsored by the West End Special Education Local Plan Area and its Community Advisory Committee. The event was held at Ruth Musser Middle School, 10789 Terra Vista Parkway in Rancho Cucamonga.

The winners were selected from a pool of 210 entries from students in 10 school districts, as well as students served by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Students were judged in visual arts, essays, poetry, photography, musical score and class performance.

"The Art and Writing Celebration provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their talents and interests, which may not otherwise be recognized when focusing on academic standards," said Joann Reilly, administrator for the West End SELPA. "It is also an opportunity to celebrate the families and teachers who nurture these individuals and provide the support needed for them to develop their abilities."

Along with the students' work being recognized, parents and guardians were encouraged to nominate their child's teacher or another staff member who was instrumental in their child's growth in all areas with a parent appreciation award. There were 26 district staff members nominated and received a parent appreciation certificate.

The West End SELPA is a consortium of participating school districts that provides quality special education programs and services to meet the individual needs of special education students in the region. The West End SELPA consists of Alta Loma, Central, Chaffey Joint Union High, Chino Valley Unified, Cucamonga, Etiwanda, Mountain View, Mt. Baldy Joint, Ontario-Montclair and Upland Unified school districts, as well as San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools.