Raising School Spirit

FULLERTON — In two years, Nicolas Junior High has undergone a massive transformation that changed its image and sparked a spirit of pride.

“It’s a total metamorphosis,” said Karin Lynch, assistant superintendent of the Fullerton School District.

“It is really becoming a lighthouse of schools in many aspects, from the physical plant to the student instruction and the way staff members and the community are working together.”

Lynch, other district administrators, the school’s parents, teachers and students all credit Principal Steven E. Keller, 33, who has been at the helm of the changes since July 1995.

However, Keller has been hired by the Baldwin Park Unified School District to serve as director of educational programs. He will start his new job in January.

He said he hopes to do for that district what he’s done for Nicolas.

First, Keller set out to change people’s perceptions of the school, which suffered from a reputation for gangs and unmotivated students.

Critical community members were invited to visit the school to see for themselves whether their concerns were warranted.

Parents were invited to attend informal chats with Keller twice each semester.

Through the meetings and tours, the community and parents began rallying behind the school, and attitudes started changing, Keller said.

The teachers and staff worked with Keller to devise innovative plans aimed at helping the students, half of whom come from low-income families or one-parent homes, succeed in school and life.

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There’s the Opportunity Class, in which youths with behavioral problems receive one-on-one instruction for nine weeks.

“Instead of shipping kids out, we try to change their habits, because it is our problem and we need to deal with it,” Keller said. “These kids are nickel and dimers. They’re disruptive or they cut class. They’re not violent criminals.”

When classes began this fall, Keller implemented another program in which boys and girls are separated for algebra class.

Armed with research showing that male students begin to outperform their female peers at the junior-high level in math and science, supporters of single-sex math classes convinced Keller to make the change.

“I’m flexible,” he said. “I can be sold.”

Casey McCabe, 13, who is taking a single-sex class, said, “I feel more comfortable asking questions now. Last year, I got a C- in pre-algebra, and now I’m getting an A. I feel better about speaking up, and I’m not embarrassed or worried that the boys are going to make fun of me.”

Another success story at Nicolas is its HOSTS (Helping One Student to Succeed) program, the only one in Orange County.

Keller proudly boasts about the national program, which, at his school, pairs 85 students who are reading below seventh- and eighth-grade levels with volunteer mentors.

Three days a week, the mentors and pupils spend half an hour improving reading skills.

In 1996, 92% of the kids in the program increased their reading skills by at least two grade levels.

Keller, who serves as a HOSTS mentor, pointed out that 39% of the pupils jumped four grade levels.

For its success, the program will receive the HOSTS National Exemplary Award at a school board meeting Tuesday.

In addition to the academic programs, Keller got computers installed in every classroom and is working on getting them wired with access to the Internet and electronic mail so that teachers can communicate with each other and with educators around the world.

The principal, who visits each classroom daily, also asks each teacher to submit the name of a student who is doing well, and he personally delivers a hand-written note to the student.

The notes say things like “Keep up the good work” and “Your teacher and I are proud of you.” By the end of the year, everyone receives a note.

“People don’t think it’s a bad school anymore,” said Katrina Weed, 13. “Kids used to think that this school had a lot of violence and gangs, but it’s not like that at all.”

Keller said he tries to promote racial harmony in a school where 45% of the student population is Latino, 35% is white, 8% is Asian and 5% is African American.

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His efforts were rewarded earlier this year, when he received distinction from the Assn. of California School Administrators.

“He is very conscientious and places a high value on diversity,” said Sidney E. Morrison, president-elect of the association.

Nicolas’ teachers said they also appreciate Keller’s work and his style.

“It’s an atmosphere thing,” resource specialist Ron Lawson said. “He displays visible leadership. In the short time he’s been here, he’s changed the atmosphere and attitudes.”