To the Editor:

El Cerrito High School’s new Principal David Luongo predicts that, within 5 years, ECHS will be recognized as a California Distinguished School. No greater goal could reflect better our community’s identity, values or priorities. Our faculty is ready. Our kids are bright. We have leadership with a vibrant vision of our true potential. As a community, we must see that ECHS has the resources to make this goal reality. Please help through the following activities:

• Help us find WriterCoaches http://www.writercoachconnection.org/. ECHS has set an ambitious goal of providing every incoming student with a personal writing coach. We need scores of new volunteer coaches to support this important program. You can help an ECHS student become a better writer. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
• Join the ECHS PTSA. Contact echsptsa231@yahoo.com to join. Community members are welcome.
• Support ECHS by obtaining a Lucky S.H.A.R.E.S. card or Safeway Escrip. You will support our school through your everyday shopping. Again contact echsptsa231@yahoo.com for details.
• Contribute to ECHS academics through Investing in Academic Excellence. You tax-deductible contributions will support programs vital to academic growth. Send contributions to PO Box 2396, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Call Todd Groves, 558-8018, with questions.

The elements for success are in place, but resources are scarce. Through the means above, you can make potent contributions to crucial programs. Our schools are the bellwether of communal vitality and glimpse of our future. El Cerrito High is the heart of our city, and forging a Distinguished School will take a communal effort. The benefits of success will spread far beyond the school walls. Pitch in, give a little and we will soon share this triumph with all of El Cerrito, Kensington and south Richmond.

Todd Groves
El Cerrito