Los Angeles, August 25 - The Partnership for Los Angeles Schools today announced that five of its schools have been awarded federal grants that will be worth more than $27 million over 3 years as a result of a vote by the State Board of Education last evening.

NBC's "School Pride," a new fall television program, has chosen Hollenbeck Middle School to receive a colorful facelift. The offer came from the producers of a new TV show, slated to premiere this fall. One of the show's creators also produced "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," in which a team of professionals shows up to turn a dreary home into a showcase.

Thank you for the work you have done this year to provide your students with the care, support and education they need to pursue their dreams. In the midst of a very difficult year in which the State budget crisis expanded, the electorate choose not to pass a parcel tax to fund your schools, and attacks on public schools pressed on in the media, you have continued to get up each morning, come to school each day and put your hearts and energy into the students that you serve.  You are truly inspiring and we are proud to partner with you!  Your students and the broader society is lucky to have you.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Avatar/Earth Day event last Thursday. Your students were incrdible. They behaved extremely well throughout the entire day. Everyone should be very proud. It was really a wonderful experience to be part of. 5,000 students from the Partnership Schools at the Nokia theatre watching Avatar and learning about how they can be stewards of our environment was truely special.