Twenty-four Contra Costa County elementary schools were named California Distinguished Schools for 2014, “for their strong commitment and innovative approaches to improving student academic achievement,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Wednesday.
For the complete list of California Distinguished Schools, visit the 2014 Distinguished Elementary Schools Web page.
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"I applaud these strong, thriving schools that are making such impressive strides in preparing their students for continued success," Torlakson adds. "This award is well-deserved by these school communities for their enduring dedication to high standards, hard work, and unwavering support."
The following Contra Costa schools are designated California Distinguished Schools 2014:
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Lafayette Elementary: Lafayette School District
Mt. Diablo Elementary: Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Sequoia Elementary: Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Silverwood Elementary: Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Strandwood Elementary: Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Valle Verde Elementary: Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Walnut Acres Elementary: Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Del Rey Elementary: Orinda Union School District
Glorietta Elementary: Orinda Union School District
Sleepy Hollow Elementary: Orinda Union School District
Wagner Ranch Elementary: Orinda Union School District
Bollinger Canyon Elementary: San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Coyote Creek Elementary: San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Golden View Elementary: San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Greenbrook Elementary: San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Hidden Hills Elementary: San Ramon Valley Unified School District
John Baldwin Elementary: Ramon Valley Unified School District
Live Oak Elementary: San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Neil A. Armstrong Elementary: San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Rancho Romero Elementary: San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Sycamore Valley Elementary: San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Tassajara Hills Elementary: San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Vista Grande Elementary: San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Walnut Heights Elementary: Walnut Creek School District
The program recognizes elementary and secondary schools in alternating years. Distinguished Schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including designated federal and state accountability measures, and they must provide an in-depth description of two Signature Practices that their staff members believe have contributed to the success of their students.
Following the acceptance of their application, each school receives a site visit by a team of local educators to validate the full implementation of the Signature Practices described in the application.
In Contra Costa County, those school visits were conducted in March and early April by a team of 19 educators from the Contra Costa County Office of Education, augmented by 18 school district administrators, and 4 retired district administrators.
The County Distinguished Schools program is coordinated by Peggy Marshburn, chief communications officer, Contra Costa County Office of Education.
Distinguished Schools are honored at regional award ceremonies, where the state superintendent of California Public Instruction presents each school with a 2014 Distinguished School plaque and flag. The events and awards are funded by donations from many California corporations and statewide-educational organizations.
For more information about the Distinguished School program, visit their website.
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