It was celebration time Friday morning for students, staff and parents of R.J. Neutra Elementary School, located at Lemoore Naval Air Station.

Neutra was named in April as among the best schools in the state, with the title of California Distinguished School for 2008. Neutra was the only school in Kings County to earn the title this year, scoring 7.8 out of a possible 8.0 on the application.

Assistant Principal Scott Chennault said in commencing Friday's ceremony that though they have always known Neutra was a great school, everyone in the state would now have a chance to recognize it.

"We are here for a celebration," Chennault said to students and teachers. "A celebration that you have earned."

John Partin, Neutra's principal, recapped the school year highlights that included an increased Academic Performance Index, or API, a ranking among the top 10 percent of similar schools in the state and a ranking in the top 20 percent of all schools in the state.

"That is an absolute incredible feat," Partin said. "Without the type of student body we have, we could never get an honor such as the distinguished school."

Partin also recognized the students' parents for their support and volunteering at the school. He spoke highly of the school's staff and former principal, Elizabethe Lozano, as well as district Superintendent Ron Seaver, to whom he attributed many of the school's successes and opportunities.

The school is aiming to reach an API of 890 or 900 based on results of the most recent state testing, far above the state's proficiency score of 800.

"I think they can do it," Seaver said.

Capt. Ronald Townsend, commander of LNAS, congratulated the school on its award.

"There are a lot of people here that care about you," Townsend said to students. He added that the world has problems that are going to require smart people to solve, so "do the best you can in school because we need you in the future."

Chris Rosander, district director for Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, also congratulated the students before the ceremony closed with everyone singing the school's song. The Distinguished School flag, which will begin to fly next week, was presented by the school's student Color Guard.

Chennault said the school services a "very different population as far as a lot of the needs and military issues." Chennault said that although students are moving in and out, Neutra teachers are aware of it and make sure that students that come in are up to the standards where they need to be.

Neutra has been recognized previously as a distinguished school -- in 1986 and 1997. Neutra is part of Central Union School District, which has had all of its schools recognized as distinguished schools at some point, Partin said.

To be invited to apply for the title, schools can't have been recognized in the last four years and must have been operating for at least two school years prior to the current year. The applying schools must also meet criteria regarding state standardized testing, including making adequate yearly progress.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2424.

(May 31, 2008)