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Five PUSD Schools Awarded 2016 California Gold Ribbon Award
Education Apr 19, 2016
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Five elementary schools in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) are among several hundred in the state being honored with the new Gold Ribbon Award sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE).
The California Gold Ribbon Schools Award was created to honor schools in place of the California Distinguished Schools Program, which is on hiatus while California creates new assessment and accountability systems. Nearly 6,000 elementary schools were eligible to apply for the award this year.
“Our school-based teams are often not recognized for the incredibly difficult work they do,” said PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald. “This award acknowledges what I see on a daily basis. We have outstanding educators providing a world class education to the students of our community. Behind each of our students is a talented team of teachers and staff members inspiring and challenging them to succeed.”
The Gold Ribbon Award recognizes California schools that have made significant gains implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education. These include the California Standards for English language arts, mathematics, California English Language Development Standards, and the Next Generation Science Standards.
Schools applied for the award based on a model program or practice their school has adopted that includes standards-based activities, projects, strategies, and practices that can be replicated by other local educational agencies.
Pasadena Board of Education President Dr. Elizabeth Pomeroy applauded the winners, stating, “PUSD is committed to change and excellence. Our team of educators, dedicated community partners, and parents are making significant strides towards transforming our schools to become centers of 21st century learning. We are preparing students to be leaders locally and globally at every grade level.”
The PUSD schools recognized with Gold Ribbon Awards for their outstanding programs are:
– Don Benito Fundamental School for Community and Parent Docent Program.
– Hamilton Elementary School for Hamilton Leadership Academy.
– Norma Coombs Elementary School for PUSD’s Balanced Literacy Initiative.
– San Rafael Elementary School for Innovative Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program.
– Sierra Madre Elementary School for Community and Parent Engagement Program.
“These schools shine as bright beacons for others, putting forth an exemplary effort to ensure that every student is ready for 21st century college and careers,” said Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Schools. “California teachers are developing an educational model for the nation, training the students of today to be the problem-solvers, inventors, and pioneers of tomorrow.”
Please visit the California Gold Ribbon Schools Program on the California Department of Education’s website for more information.
