El Morro Principal Chris Duddy Is Plugged In for the New School Year

By Kelsey Linton

What will be the secret to success for students this coming school year?

It just might be iPads, Principal Chris Duddy tells Laguna Beach Patch.

All fifth graders will be using the high-tech tool when the new year begins this coming Tuesday, Sept. 4.

"I am looking forward to seeing the cool ways iPads can be used for learning math and science" says Duddy.

El Morro is known for its academic performance, and Duddy has a few goals in mind for the year.

"We want to maintain an Academic Performance Index (API) score of 900 and higher," Duddy says.

With academic expectations for the new year in full effect, Duddy also has high hopes of the school becoming a bully-free zone for the students. Ultimately, this goal is reached if the students are kind and respectful of each other. Duddy hopes to see as few disruptions as possible, as well as students using proper behavior.

"There is always room for improvement,” Duddy says. "I really would like to see the amount of respect just be even higher this year."

The learning environment at El Morro is very academic, and focuses on raising the level of each students' learning abilities.

"This year as principal, I would like to continue the trend of improving student achievement," says Duddy.

El Morro also prides itself on having a prosperous learning environment for all students, Duddy continues.

"A successful environment is part of the trend I would like to see continuing for the students' own personal achievement, as well as having the teachers on board.” Duddy says.

And having the El Morro teachers be just as supported as the students puts the school on a different level.

"I also want to provide the teachers with all the support they need to be successful. This includes materials, supplies, and professional development," Duddy makes clear. "I am looking forward to seeing all the students when they return from summer break."