TURNING YOUNG LIVES AROUND STATE RECOGNIZES CONTINUATION HIGH AS SUCCESS MODEL.Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer THOUSAND OAKS Thousand Oaks, residential city (1990 pop. 104,352), Ventura co., S Calif., in a farm area; inc. 1964. Avocados, citrus, vegetables, strawberries, and nursery products are grown. - When Alejandra Ortega entered Conejo Valley The Conejo Valley is a region spanning both Southeastern Ventura County and Northwest Los Angeles County in Southern California, United States. It was discovered in 1542 by Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, and eventually became part of the Rancho El Conejo land grant by High School three years ago, she was a habitual truant with dismal grades and no aspirations for the future. Now, as she prepares to graduate from the continuation high school A continuation high school is an alternative to a comprehensive high school primarily for students who are considered at-risk of not graduating at the normal pace. The requirements to graduate are the same but the scheduling is more flexible to allow students to earn their credits , Ortega has a clear vision of the next few years. She plans to enter Moorpark College Moorpark College is a California-state funded community college located on a 134 acre (542,000 m²) property reclining on a hill in Moorpark, a town in Ventura County, California. this fall, then graduate in business from California State University, Northridge CSUN offers a variety of programs leading to bachelor's degrees in 61 fields and master's degrees in 42 fields. The university has over 150,000 alumni. It's also home to a summer musical theater/theater program known as TADW (TeenAge Drama Workshop) that leads teenagers through an , before opening a teen club in Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. . The 17-year-old credits the turnaround in her life to the staff at Conejo Valley High. ``All the teachers here are so dedicated to their students to do better in life,'' said Ortega, whose older brother also graduated from the school and now has a career in computers. ``They are just pushing me and I thank them for that because without that I wouldn't have amounted to anything. ``Everybody came through for me. I needed a second chance and I found it,'' she said. ``I love everybody here.'' The success of the school - already known by staff and students - is now being acknowledged by the state. Conejo Valley has been named one of 14 model continuation high schools in the state by the California Department of Education The California Department of Education is a California agency that oversees public education. The Department oversees funding, testing, and holds local educational agencies accountable for student achievement. , which reviewed dozens of criteria in making its choices. ``We don't just give these out, they have to make the case that they are exceptional,'' said Dennis Fisher, program consultant with the state. ``To be selected is a very great honor.'' The ``model school'' designation extends for five years, and there are currently 66 other campuses among 523 continuation schools continuation school: see vocational education. in California that carry the title. ``The schools typically are able to create a culture of learning and help those students who have never been successful before,'' Fisher said. ``It's a very powerful experience.'' Principal Jim Martin attributed the school's success to the wide variety of programs offered - from wood shop to business and career programs - and to the caring attitude of the teachers and staff. ``We are proud of our success rate with the kids,'' said Martin, adding that Conejo Valley will graduate 110 of its 200 students next month. ``We are proud of our school.'' Conejo shares the title with Century High School, a satellite campus housed at Westlake High School Westlake High School may refer to:
``We have a huge support staff,'' Martin said, including a librarian, nurse psychologist and full-time counselor. ``Our staff cares for the students.'' In addition to academic programs, Martin said, the school also offers a number of extracurricular activities, including a televised prom fashion show and a talent show. ``We allow them to do things that are fun,'' Martin said. Student Billy MacKelvey, 18, who has attended the school for two years also finds the school a great alternative to traditional campuses. ``I think it's great for kids who messed up in the past and need a second chance,'' MacKelvey said. ``They've helped me plan and stay on track.'' MacKelvey, who transferred between several schools during his freshman and sophomore years, said Conejo Valley High inspires students to continue their education and to pursue their dreams. He wants to enroll in the Exotic Animal Training program at Moorpark College, then pursue a veterinary degree at University of California, Davis The University of California, Davis, commonly known as UC Davis, is one of the ten campuses of the University of California, and was established as the University Farm in 1905. . ``They help us get our work done and get us motivated,'' MacKelvey said. ``They are very much in tune with each student and try to help them as much as possible.'' CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Conejo Valley Continuation High School teacher Dixie Burton helps Nathalie Estrada solve a problem in a business class. Michael Owen
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