The story of Rancho Santa Margarita began in 1882 when partners Richard O'Neill, Sr. and James Flood bought Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores in northern San Diego County and its adjoining Rancho Mission Viejo and Rancho Trabuco in southern Orange County. In 1943, upon the death of her husband, Richard, with the ranch lands held in trust, Marguerite O'Neill stepped forward to lead the family holdings. With great determination and pride, she kept the land intact and, as much as possible, in her family's control. To this day, Marguerite O'Neill's admonition to "take care of the land and the land will take care of you" continues to guide the family.

     In 1986, a little over 100 years after attaining the ranch land, the O'Neill/Avery/Moiso families opened the beautiful 5,000 acre master planned community of Rancho Santa Margarita. The appeal of a safe, family oriented community located in the picturesque foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains soon brought hundreds of young families. It was in the spirit of a safe, vibrant, family oriented community that Melinda Heights Elementary School was born. Previously housed on the campuses of Cielo Vista and Trabuco Mesa Elementary Schools, the school's doors officially opened to 740 students in April, 1998. In the span of twelve years, the school's population has grown to over 1150 students instructed by 50 classroom teachers who are dedicated to the school's mission statement.

 

Mission Statement

T-L-C

 

Technology• Literacy• Character

It is our mission to instill in students the technical skills to succeed in the world of tomorrow, the power to think and express themselves clearly, and the values necessary to act well, appreciate life, and contribute to society.


To date the following goals have been realized:

Technology

over 325 internet accessed, fully networked multimedia computers allocated to classrooms on a ratio of 4 students per computer

a mobile laptop computer lab using "airport" technology available for classroom checkout

laptop computers provided for every teacher

a video distribution system that allows classrooms access to pre-recorded videotape and DVD, as well as live broadcasts

access to KOCE and TOC programming from every classroom, including an extensive video library linked to district and state standards

23 digital still cameras and 3 analog video cameras

each teacher has been issued a laptop computer to use at school or at home

portable LCD projectors for use in the classrooms

Interactive Smart Boards in every classroom

Literacy

a library/media center that includes over 17,000 titles and 12 networked, internet accessible, multimedia computers

an internet based library circulation program that gives students access to library records from their classrooms as well as home computer

Accelerated Reader Internet based reading comprehension program which includes a reading list posted on our web site

two trained reading intervention Instructional Assistants (LAAP) to assist in grades 2-3

well stocked, leveled classroom libraries

classroom sets of literature titles which include literature response questions

Character

5th and 6th grade students participation in Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Program

students are recognized for demonstrating outstanding character development

literature books which focus on specific character traits are read to students each month

classes work with partners in our Big Buddy program

 

    Our CST scores have increased steadily over the past several years, along with our Academic Performance Index, which currently is 918.  The success of Melinda Heights Elementary School lies in the clarity of our vision, the dedication of the staff and community, and the enduring support shared by all.  Above all, the true strength of Melinda heights is that love that is shared among and between the adults and children.  As our mascot is the Mountain Lion, the school community refers to this love as, "The Power of the Paw."