These 5 Marin Schools Just Got A Great Honor

Mary Jane Burke, Marin County Superintendent of Schools, announced today that confirmation has been received from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson that Dixie Elementary School in the Dixie School District, Bel Aire Elementary and Reed Elementary Schools in the Reed Union School District, Ross Elementary School in the Ross School District, and Wade Thomas Elementary School in the Ross Valley School District have been named 2014 California Distinguished Schools.

There are approximately 5,580 elementary schools in California and just 424 were honored as California Distinguished Schools – five in Marin County.  Schools are determined to be eligible based on their Academic Performance Index (API) and two signature practices – any activities, events, practices or programs believed to have a positive effect on student performance.  Elementary and secondary schools are recognized during alternate years.  The Distinguished Schools Program honors the state’s most exemplary and inspiring public schools that have made progress in narrowing the achievement gap.

Burke said, “Though the schools are from different areas of Marin, they share some important things in common - talented and dedicated students, engaged families, creative and committed teachers, administrators and school staff, and, support from communities that make supporting their schools a top priority.  We are proud of our local distinguished schools and for the inspiration they provide to us to make sure that every child, in every school of our community has the best possible educational opportunities. Our 2014 California Distinguished Schools make us all very proud.”