NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
April 15, 2016 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
State Honors Seven WVUSD Schools
WALNUT, CA--Seven elementary schools in the Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) have been distinguished with the 2016 California Gold Ribbon award.
Collegewood, Cyrus J. Morris, Evergreen, Maple Hill, Quail Summit, Vejar, and Westhoff have been recognized for outstanding educational programs and practices that can be replicated.
“This is a remarkable accomplishment and I couldn’t be more proud of our schools!” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “Winning the Gold Ribbon is a testament to the dedication of our teachers, staff, and administrators in developing effective strategies for our 21st-century learners.
WVUSD schools are among 772 California elementary school Gold Ribbon recipients across the state.
Quail Summit underscores student success through its intervention and enrichment plan that utilizes citizenship, collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity.
“Our teachers, staff, and parents are committed to ensuring our mission - educate to innovate, integrate and to inspire!” said Principal Jeanette Koh.
Westhoff’s Gold Ribbon character program is a combination of best practices that have evolved through the years. The homegrown plan includes research from Dr. Michelle Borba, Frostig Center Success Attributes, Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS), and Project Wisdom’s Helping Students Make Wiser Choices.
“These programs highlight the need and priority in developing students’ character and fostering lifelong success, happiness, and achievement,” said Principal Denise Rendon.
Vejar’s signature practice is its Grade Level Student Study Team that monitors student growth each month so that no child gets left behind.
“Our teacher teams work very closely and believe that every child is their student, not just students assigned to their class!” shared Principal Jennifer De Anda.
“The schools that earn the Gold Ribbon are models for other schools in the state,” said Board President Helen Hall. “Thank you for always putting Kids First!
The Gold Ribbon Schools Awards Program was created last year to replace the California Distinguished Schools award while the state transitions to new assessment and accountability systems. Nearly 6,000 elementary schools were eligible to apply this year.
State Superintendent Tom Torlakson made the announcement on Wednesday.
"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,” he said.
Last year, 373 middle and high schools were chosen for the honor, including all three WVUSD middle schools - Chaparral, South Pointe, and Suzanne.
Schools nominate themselves for Gold Ribbons and submit written applications that detail why the model programs were developed and how they benefit students. Finalists received school visits by officials.
The seven WVUSD schools will be recognized with other Gold Ribbon Schools during a ceremony in Los Angeles on May 24.
Shown:
Seven WVUSD elementary schools made the list of 2016 Gold Ribbon Schools. Shown: Quail Summit third grade students prepare for state academic testing on April 15.
Quail Summit Elementary is among seven WVUSD schools awarded the 2016 Gold Ribbon. Shown: Third graders practice fractions with teacher Mary Renner.
Seven WVUSD elementary schools made the list of 2016 Gold Ribbon Schools. Shown: Quail Summit third grader Neko Thurston, age 8, practices fractions with teacher Mary Renner.