Nominations for 2 schools

Two Newport-Mesa elementary schools have been nominated for national recognition in the No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program, and will be honored in Washington, D.C., next fall if they continue to post high marks.

On Tuesday, state Supt. Jack O’Connell announced that Mariners Elementary School and Victoria Elementary School were among 35 in California receiving nominations this week. The program rewards the campuses that make the most impressive growth each year on state and federal standards. Mariners and Victoria won California Distinguished School recognition earlier this year.

“It’s quite remarkable and we’re very, very pleased,” said Newport-Mesa school district Supt. Jeffrey Hubbard. “We know the way Jack O’Connell is nominating these schools — he really is looking for schools that have students from across all demographic categories that are scoring well. If these two schools are doing that, we’re thrilled.”

Each school nominated for Blue Ribbon status must submit an application to the U.S. Department of Education in February. If they meet state and federal requirements during this school year, they will officially be recognized as Blue Ribbon schools.

To qualify for a Blue Ribbon nomination, a school must fit one of two categories. If 40% or more of the student population is disadvantaged, the school must rank in the 60th percentile in English and math test scores. More affluent campuses must rank in the 90th percentile for both categories. Victoria qualified for the first category, Mariners for the second.

“It’s so exciting, so exciting,” said Victoria Elementary Principal Judy Laakso, whose school is on Costa Mesa’s Westside.

Mariners Principal Pam Coughlin said she heard about her school’s nomination last week, and was quick to spread the news.

“When I found out about it, I made a big announcement on the loudspeaker for all the kids and teachers to hear,” she said. “That’s what made it work. I have the most fabulous teachers; I have parents who work with their kids at night — and that combination, that’s what does it.”

Newport-Mesa has had six Blue Ribbon schools in the past, with two winning the award twice: Corona del Mar High School in 1985 and 1998, Harbor View Elementary School in 1986 and 2001, Andersen and Newport elementary schools in 1988, and Lincoln Elementary School and Newport Harbor High School in 1999.